CODE OF CONDUCT

Code for Players

Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.
Respect the "Game of Rugby" and play within the laws of the Game.
Accept the referee's decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.
Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club.
Be a "good sport". Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition.
Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not "bully" or take advantage of any player.
Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach; team mates and members of your club.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility - lose with dignity.
As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team.
As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team!
Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby.

Code for Parents

Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.
Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.
Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby.
As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.
Do not publicly question the referees' judgement and never their honesty.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches.
Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.
Remember you and your child's contribution to the Game of Rugby is very important to the IRFU and be proud of your contribution.
Understand the value of team sport and the importance there of.

Code for Coaches

Remember that as a coach of an "age grade team" you are to act in "loco parentis" and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.
Lead by example - young people need a coach whom they respect.
Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match.
Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities.
Be reasonable in your demands on the players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
Ensure that all players participate in matches. The "average" players require and deserve equal time.
Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.
Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.
Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.
Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult-like competitions.
Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.
Do not over burden younger players with too much information.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people.
Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.
Never criticise the referee and touch judges during or after a match in front of players or spectators.
Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.
Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.
Be responsible and ensure you uphold the ethos of the game and the IRFU.
Attend coaching courses.
Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport.
Ensure you and your players are proud of your team, club and efforts during the season.

Code for Spectators

Remember that although young people play organised rugby they are not "miniature internationals".
Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches.
Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.
Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form.
Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.
Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game.
Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.
Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby.