Code for Players

Play for fun - not just to please your parents or coach. 

Play by the Laws - no laws, no game.  Don’t cheat. 

Don’t argue with the referee - he won’t change his decision and he might penalise your team again for arguing. 

Control your temper - and your mouth. 

Never give up - the game’s not lost until it’s over. 

Be fair - Don’t chuck your weight about. 

Improve your skill - you’ll play better and feel better. 

Don’t be selfish - co-operate with your team, the referee and your opponents.  Without them, you have no game. 

Don’t show off - even when you’ve scored. 

Be a good sport - recognise good rugby even when it comes from the other team. 

Winning is important but losing is not a disaster - providing you tried your best.

Applaud your opponents at the end of the game and thank the officials.

Code for Coaches

Be reasonable - rugby may be your whole life but players have other interests.  Don’t demand too much. 

Teach them to play by the Laws - and accept the referee’s decision.  That’s what both teams have agreed to do and anything else is unfair. 

Avoid mismatches - even in the same age group, one player may be twice as big or strong as another.  Use common sense - don’t expose players to risk when they haven’t been adequately trained or coached. 

Don’t favour your best players - it’s tempting always to play your aces but every player deserves your attention. 

Be generous with praise - when it’s deserved.  Never condemn a player for making a mistake.  If you must criticise, be positive (telling a player he’s terrible is no way to help him improve).  Smile!  Enjoy yourself - that’s what rugby is about - fun. 

Coaching should be fun for all - in practice sessions, don’t overwork your players.  Don’t coach them longer or harder than they can take. 

Good coaching means they run with the ball  - don’t make them stand and listen to you.  Minimise your chat and maximise their activity. 

Get the right equipment and facilities - be sure they are suitable for your players’ age and ability. 

Doctor knows best - when a player’s been injured, follow medical advice about when he’s ready to play gain. 

It’s your players who matter not their won / lost record - invest your time in their well-being.  Keep yourself informed on the principles of sound coaching.  Understand the way children grow and develop.  Remember - they’re not tiny adults.  They need special treatment.

Stay off the pitch - expect in an emergency. 

Child Protection - please enforce your Club policy

Code for Parents and Spectators

Never force a child to play rugby. 

Always remember that children play rugby for their enjoyment, not yours. 

Encourage your child to play by the Laws.  Make it clear that cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the laws. 

Teach your child that victory isn’t everything - playing as well as they can is just as important.  On any day, no more than half the teams can win, so defeat is no disgrace.

Never yell at a player for making a mistake.  Never sneer or use sarcasm - you’ll make the player feel like a total failure.  Remember they’re not playing for your benefit. 

Applaud good play - by either team.  Back up the referee - don’t publicly question his fairness or ability.  Children learn best by example so set a good one. 

Encourage your child to improve his skills through coaching. 

Stay off the pitch - players and referees are entitled to be there.  Referees have worked hard to earn their qualifications.  If you want to get involved in rugby, join them and learn how.  Otherwise - don’t interfere. 

Doctor knows best - when a player’s been injured, follow medical advice about when he’s ready to play again. 

Don’t abuse anyone - especially the referee.  Like the coaches, he is a volunteer and unpaid.  He has given up his spare time.  If you abuse him, he might not return and how can your child play rugby without a referee?

Child Protection - please make yourself aware of your Club policy.

Code for Referees

Referee by the Laws - explain decisions clearly and concisely. 

Never argue with players, coaches or spectators - it delays the game and reduces your credibility. 

Encourage good play by preventative refereeing - warn players to avoid a penalty situation. 

Recognise players’ abilities - understand what they are trying to achieve. 

Don’t intimidate players - be in command of your voice and actions. 

Training medical assistance is to be encouraged - identify who and where it is before kick-off.

Hold a pre-match briefing with both sides - include captains and coaches and players to establish timing, substitutes and expected standards of behaviour.

Talk to players, coaches and parents after the game - some of them might learn something from you. 

Accept constructive criticism - you might learn from them! 

Refereeing is fun - smile and enjoy the experience.