Team Coaches/Managers/Assistants of players should:
* Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
* Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
* Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
* Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
* Be a positive role model – think what this implies.
* Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
* Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
* Provide rugby experiences which are matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development.
* Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
* Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
* Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
* Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
* Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
* Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
* Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or for those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
* Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
* Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
* Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.
* Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes