•Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that you can ensure that your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.

•Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your child participates.

•Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters to away games.

•Be involved with club activities and share your expertise.

•Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.
Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code. In particular:

•Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.

•Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues.

PARENTS SHOULD:

•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 young players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.

•Be realistic about the young players’ abilities assessed on their aptitude, strength and confidence; 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 the rugby club in its efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.

•Acknowledge coaches, referees and other officials give their time freely so that your children can safely enjoy the sport of rugby union football.
Remember young people learn by example, so:

•Always show appreciation of good play by all young players both from your own club and the opposition.

•Encourage the entire team.

•Respect the match officials and the decisions they make. Encourage the young players to do likewise.

•Never question referee's decisions or make appeals to the referee - pitch-side behaviour directly effects player attitude and discipline.