The Good Match Official's Code

when refereeing young players match officials should

recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players

provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games

appreciate the needs of the players

be a positive role model

recognise that safety is paramount

explain decisions –most young players are still learning

do not tolerate verbal abuse

 

officials should not

change in the same area as young players

shower with young players –agree with the coaches a timetable

be alone with young players at any time – if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present

check studs without the coach being present

administer first aid

allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness

tolerate bad language from young players

engage in any inappropriate contact with young players

overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose

confidence or self esteem

make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

 

officials must always report, in writing, to the club or cb welfare officer and/or society secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes rfu child protection policy

verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators

physical abuse by coaches/parents/spectators

Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person

verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults

 

The Good Coach’s code

coaches must place the well being and safety of the player above the development of performance.

coaches should:

avoid overplaying of players (particularly talented players).

all players need and deserve equal opportunity to play

remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it

motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructive criticism

never allow young players to train/play when injured

promote the positive aspects of their sport (e.g.fair play), and never condone law violations or use of prohibited substances.

consistently display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance.

never overtly criticise players or use language or actions which may cause the player to

lose self-esteem or confidence

do not criticise the officials

respect the opposition

give all players equal opportunity

control your volume

set a good example

 

The Good Parents’ Code

clubs should encourage parents to:

be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates

be aware that the club or school has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away games

be familiar with the good coaches ’code contained in the rugby continuum

support coaches in instilling these virtues

remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents

encourage young people to play -do not force them

focus on the players’ efforts, rattier than winning or losing

be realistic about the players ’abilities; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving

provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game

remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players’ and referee’s performance and attitude

always support them in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.

remember young people learn much by example

always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own club and the opposition

respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to make a mistake, and encourage the players to do likewise

 

The Good Spectator’s Code

clubs should encourage spectators to:

act as positive role models to all players

be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU child protection guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse

never force a child to play rugby

encourage good sportsmanship

do not criticise the officials

remember winning is not everything

applaud good play by all teams

set a good example

Keep off the pitch

 

The Good Player’s GuIde Code

play by the laws

never argue with the referee

control your temper

be a good sport

win and lose with dignity

have fun