Old Ruts Rugby Club has broadly adopted the code of conduct for schools recommended by the RFU. These codes of conduct exist for Parents & Spectators, Players and Volunteers & Coaches and are based around the 5 core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline & Sportsmanship.
The NSPCC also provide guidance on how parents can help their child to have a positive experience in sport.
Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct
Teamwork
- Co-operate with your team manager, coach, team mates and opposition
- Inform the team manager or coach of any injury as soon as possible
- Support the club in the application of the code of conduct
Respect
- Never punish or make fun of a child’s poor performance or making mistakes
- Teach my child to treat players, teachers, coaches and o fficials with respect
- Watch the game quietly not making any negative comments to players, o fficials and other spectators
- Respect all property whilst on a club site
- Respect everyone including opponent’s and opposition team managers and spectators before, during and after the competition – treat them as you would wish to be treated yourself
- Not swear or use unsuitable language
Enjoyment
- Remember that doing one’s best and taking part is really important
- Not shout at players or referees in anger
- Not use unsuitable language
- Set a positive example for others, particularly younger competitors and spectators
- Support my child’s involvement and help them enjoy sport
Discipline
- Ensure that my child is dressed properly for the activity and has plenty of water to drink
- Not coach my child during games and matches
- Never force my child to take part
- Ensure that my child arrives for training and matches with appropriate kit for the activity
- Accept responsibility for my own behaviour during inter-club matches; representing the club in a positive way
Sportsmanship
- Be a positive role model for my child and set a good example
- Encourage play by the written and unwritten rules allowing safe and fair play at all times
- Encourage my child to be a good sportsperson (win with modesty and lose with dignity) and applaud good play on both sides
- Only make positive comments from outside the field of play if watching a game as a spectator or a reserve
- Thank the team manager, coach, o fficials and supporters after the competition.
Player Code of Conduct
Teamwork
- Co-operate with my team manager, coach, team mates and opposition
- Inform the team manager or coach of any injury as soon as possible
Respect
- Always accept and respect the referee’s or umpires decisions
- Listen to instructions
- Take care of all property
- Respect everyone including opponent’s and opposition team managers and spectators before, during and after the competition – treat them as I would wish to be treated
- Let an adult or adult know if others are not following these rules
Enjoyment
- Play for fun and enjoyment – not just to please my parents and the team manager
- Not shout at players or referees in anger
- Not use unsuitable language
- Set a positive example for others, particularly younger competitors and spectators
Discipline
- Arrive for training and matches in good time to prepare thoroughly
- Arrive for training and matches with appropriate kit for the activity
- Always warm up and cool down properly
- Accept responsibility for my behaviour and performance during practice and matches; representing my club in a positive way
- Not wear any jewellery, unsuitable clothing or footwear during any event
Sportsmanship
- Play by the written and unwritten rules allowing safe and fair play at all times
- Be a good sportsperson (win with modesty and lose with dignity) and applaud good play on both sides
- Only make positive comments from outside the field of play if watching a game as a spectator or a reserve
- Thank the team manager, coach, officials and supporters after the competition.
Volunteers & Coaches Code of Conduct
Teamwork
- Make sure that I have the right paperwork for the event
- Make sure that I have a first aider and an appropriate first aid kit
- Support the Club in the application of the codes of conduct
Respect
- Never punish or make fun of a child’s poor performance or making mistakes
- Teach my players to treat players, teachers, coaches and officials with respect
- Respect everyone including opponent’s, opposition team managers, officials and spectators before, during and after the competition – treat them as you would wish to be treated yourself
- Not swear or use unsuitable language
- Make sure that all arrangements are in place for home matches including meeting and greeting the opposition
- Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
Enjoyment
- Remember that doing one’s best and taking part is really important
- Not shout at players or referees in anger
- Set a positive example for others, particularly younger competitors and spectators
- Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
- Ensure that young people’s enjoyment is put first
- Encourage performers to value their performances not just their results
Discipline
- Ensure that the safeguarding of young people is my priority, always considering health, safety and welfare of the player and participants
- Players are dressed properly for the activity and have plenty of water to drink
- Never force a player to take part
- Arrive for training and matches in good time to prepare thoroughly
- Arrive for training and matches with appropriate kit for the activity
- Always ensure that players undertake a thorough warm up and cool down properly
- Accept responsibility for my own behaviour during inter-club matches; representing the Club in a positive way
Sportsmanship
- Be a positive role model for my players and set a good example
- Encourage play by the written and unwritten rules allowing safe and fair play at all times
- Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances
- Try to ensure that all players show respect at all times and will deal with any transgressions in line with the Club’s policies
- Encourage my child to be a good sportsperson (win with modesty and lose with dignity) and applaud good play on both sides
- Thank the opposition team manager, coach, officials and supporters after the competition
- Praise competitors from both sides.