Wensleydale RUFC Members Code of Conduct

WRUFC is committed to the five Core Values of Rugby Union:

Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

Members Code of Conduct
All members agree to embrace these values and in particular to treat each other, officials, opposition players and supporters, visitors and guests at our club and all who they encounter while participating in activities related to rugby with respect.

Visitors and Guests
All guests and visitors to our club are required to respect these values and our codes of conduct.

Codes of Conduct Relating to Young Rugby Players at WRUFC

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

WRUFC Code of Conduct for Coaches ensures that:
The coaches provide experiences which are matched to the young players age and ability as well as their physical and mental development.
All young people are coached in a safe environment with adequate first aid readily available.
The coaches avoid the overplaying of more able players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
There is appropriate supervision of young players both on and off the field.
They recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
The coaches develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
They recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to drink alcohol.

They ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy and expectations.
They are aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
The coaches are aware of, and abide by, the policies and procedures outlined in the Policies and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.

In Rugby Union Coaches should:
Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is achieved through doing.
Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport. Be a positive role model.
Keep winning and losing in perspective ... encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players both during coaching sessions and games.

REMEMBER: The welfare of all young people is paramount.

YOUNG PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
WRUFC Code of Conduct for Young People requires that:
All young people treat each other with the same respect and fairness.
They respect differences in gender, disability, culture, race, ethnicity and religious belief systems.
All young people appreciate that every player brings something valuable and different to the game.
They show patience and act with dignity towards others at all times.
They are aware of their own welfare and that of others and that they do not act irresponsibly or illegally.
All young people take time to thank those who assist them, whether it be family, organisations or team mates.

PARENTS & CARERS CODE OF CONDUCT
WRUFC Code of Conduct for Parents requires that:
They remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
They encourage young people to play and do not force them.
They focus on the young players efforts rather than winning or losing.
They are realistic about the young players ability; not pushing them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
They provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game.
They remember persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players and referees performance and attitude. They always support the rugby club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
They remember that young people learn by example.
They always show appreciation of good play by ALL young players both from their own club and the opposition.
They respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young players to do likewise.

WRUFC encourages Parents to:
Be familiar with the coaching and training programme so their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their ability.
Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which their 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 their expertise.
Share concerns, if they have them, with club officials.
Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code and in particular that 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.

SPECTATORS CODES OF CONDUCT
WRUFC Code of Conduct for Spectators ensures that they remember:
Young players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of the adults around them. In Rugby Union we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of FUN, ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT.
In Rugby Union Spectators are encouraged to:
Act as positive role models to all young players.
Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU and RFUW Welfare of Young People guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
Respect the rugby club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.

MATCH OFFICIALS CODES OF CONDUCT
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 - as most young players are still learning.
Never tolerate verbal abuse.

Officials and Coaches should never:
Change in the same area as young players.
Shower with young players - if needed agree a timetable with the coaches.
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.
Allow a young player to continue playing if there are doubts about his/her fitness.
Tolerate bad language from young players.
Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players.
Give a lift to a young player unless there are others in the car and the parents/cares have given specific permission.
Take a young player to their home.
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 Safeguarding Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you may contravene RFU and RFUW recommended Policies and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People:
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 the official by young people or adults.

REMEMBER: The welfare of all young people is paramount.