EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
The RFU has a guideline to assist clubs when dealing with expectations of behaviour from players, parents, teachers and coaches.
PLAYERS
Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents, teachers or coach
•Play by the laws of the game
•Never argue with the referee's decision. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions
•Control your temper - no 'mouthing off'
•Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will your own
•Be a good sport. Applaud all the good play, whether it is done by your team or your opponent
•Shake hands with all of the opposing team at the conclusion of the match, and clap them off in the spirit of good sportsmanship
•Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player
•Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
•Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good
•Co-operate with your coach, teacher, teammates, referee and opponents, for without them you do not have a game.
PARENTS
•Remember that young people are involved in rugby for their enjoyment, not yours
•Encourage your child to play by the Laws
•Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment
•Remember that young people learn best by example. Applaud good play from both teams
•Do not publicly question the referee's judgement and never his/her honesty
•Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game
•Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give their time and resources to provide a game for young participants
COACHES / TEACHERS
•Be reasonable in your demands on the young player's time, energy and enthusiasm
•Teach your players the Laws of the game and for them to play within the Laws
•Ensure that all players get a game. The 'just average' players needs and deserve equal time
•Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it. Never ridicule or admonish the players for making errors or losing a game
•Be professional and accept responsibilities for your actions
•Display high standards in language, behaviour, manner, dress, punctuality and preparation.
•Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as the judgement of referees and opposing coaches
•Discourage excessive talk on the field
•Insist on a disciplined approach by the players

2.PRINCIPLES OF PARTICIPATION AND CODE OF CONDUCT (FOR PLAYERS)
The EK District rugby programme will be run with the following principles of participation in mind. All those responsible for implementing the Event Welfare Plan should ensure that all participants taking part are aware of these principles and have agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct.

Fair PlayTreat others with the same respect and fairness that you would like them to show you.
Demonstrate ‘Fair Play’ on and off the field.
EquityRespect differences in gender, disability, culture, race, ethnicity, and religious belief systems between yourself and others. Challenge discrimination and prejudice.
Inclusiveness and toleranceappreciate that all players bring something valuable and different to the programme.
Value and learn from the diversity of people you meet and show patience with others and act with dignity at all times.
ResponsibilityLook out for yourself and the welfare of others. Do not engage in any irresponsible or illegal behaviour.
Challenge behaviour that falls below the expected standards of RFU Regional Rugby Programme. Speak out if you are concerned about anything or if you feel uncomfortable about your own needs and those others: be organised and on time.
FriendshipTake time to thank those who help you take part – whether family, organisation or teammates.
ABOVE ALL “ENJOY”
3. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
The Rugby Football Union requires all Volunteers to sign up to its code of conduct for this programme. The code of conduct outlines good practice when working with all the players. An environment that allows bullying, shouting, racism, or sexism is not acceptable. There is clear guidance about what behaviour is inappropriate in a relationship between adults and young people. It is important that the ways in which the participants feel important and valued are carefully considered.
All Volunteers involved in the programme must adhere to the following:
RightsVolunteers working at the festival must respect the rights of all players, promoting their welfare and their individual needs related to participation in their sports.
RelationshipsVolunteers should promote relationships with players and others that are based on openness, honesty, trust and respect. They must not engage in behaviour with participants that are abusive or inappropriate. They must respond to any concerns about a player’s welfare and work in partnership with other organisations in their best interests.
Volunteers must not put themselves in any position where their behaviour may be misinterpreted. Volunteers must not find themselves in a one-to-one situation alone with a player.
Volunteers must not use their role to make any private arrangements with children and young people, without the prior knowledge of the Event Manager and the permission of the parents.
Do consider carefully the use of physical contact with the players and avoid any touching, which is, or may be interpreted as being, too personal or intimate.
ResponsibilitiesVolunteers must demonstrate proper personal/professional behaviour at all times promoting positive role models for the players they are working with. Volunteers must ensure that the players are provided with a safe environment, which maximises benefits and minimises risk to them.
Volunteers must share with their Welfare Officer any concerns about a player.
EqualityAll Volunteers must demonstrate commitment to respecting differences between Volunteers and participants in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, culture and religious beliefs.
General ConductVolunteers must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates a positive and healthy image for young players.
There will be a no smoking policy in operation whilst you are working with the young players, you are pitch side and in and around changing areas during the programme.
The drinking of alcohol must be restricted to the bar area when you are not working with the young players.
Bullying, shouting, racism or sexism is not acceptable in any way.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS AND CARERS (U18S ONLY)
Parents/carers of participants in the Squads are responsible for ensuring that:

oThey have given their written consent to their child’s participation.
oThey have provided information about any medical needs/allergies that their child may have and provided sufficient medication for the event where necessary.
oWhere a child has a disability, information must be provided related to any additional care needs.
oThey have provided emergency contact details, including who has legal parental responsibility for the participant.
oParents should advise their Regional Team Manager/Welfare Officer of any non-sport related issues, which may affect their child’s participation at the event. This may include:
A player who may be affected by bereavement
A player who is ‘looked after’ by the local authority
A player who is being bullied in another setting