As members of the Rugby family we ALWAYS

• Support positively and applaud good play
• Respect officials and opposition players
• Remember that children are playing to have fun
• Behave as good role models on the touchline
• Congratulate the opposition and make their supporters welcome

As members of the Rugby family WE NEVER

• Force our child to play rugby
• Stray from the touchline onto the pitch
• Verbally abuse match officials, players or other spectators
• Threaten, intimidate or use bad language
• Give offence by way of insult, humiliation or discrimination

Code of Conduct for Players

Players are the most important people in any sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important. 

Obligations towards the game: A player should:

1.    Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina

2.    Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.

3.    Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4.    Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.

5.    Always have regards to the best interests of the game

6.    Not use inappropriate language

7.    Respect the Game Coach

 Obligations towards one’s own team: A player should:

1.    Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

2.    Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.

 Obligations towards the opposition: A player should:

1.    Be polite and welcoming

2.    Shake hands and cheer at the end of the game whatever the result. 

Any player in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the club in to disrepute may be refused the right to train, play or be selected for any team, for an appropriate period of time as determined by the Committee. 

Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

Parents/Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in rugby. All children play rugby because they first and foremost love the game – it’s fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at rugby within the club it is important to reinforce the message to parents/spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

·         Children enjoying rugby

·         A sense of personal achievement

·         Self Esteem

·         Assist to improve the child’s skills and techniques

 As a parent/spectator your expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

·         Other players

·         Officials

·         Coaches

·         Spectators 

Parents/spectators within our club should always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children and not just their own.

Parents/spectators should:

1.    Applaud the opposition as well as your own team

2.    Avoid coaching the child during the game

3.    Not shout and scream

4.    Respect the Game Coach’s decision

5.    Give attention to each of the children involved in rugby and not just the most talented

6.    Give encouragement to everyone to participate in rugby

7.    Never enter the playing area. If a parent has any concerns they should speak to their child’s coach and not with the Game Coach. 

Any parent/spectator in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the club in to disrepute may be asked to remove themselves from the training session/fixture immediately.

Misconduct could lead to suspension and in exceptional circumstances, where the behaviour is deemed by the Committee as wholly unacceptable or their behaviour has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, the Mini  Section reserves the right to request that a parent/guardian no longer attends training or fixtures. 

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches must always remember they are coaching children.  Sessions should be Active, Purposeful, Enjoyable, Safe and above all – FUN!

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and that each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5.  Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activates they direct or advocate are appropriate for the e age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Any coach in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the club in to disrepute may be removed from their position.

Misconduct could lead to suspension of the coach from their position in the Mini Section determined by the Committee and in exceptional circumstances, where the behaviour is deemed as wholly unacceptable or their behaviour has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, the Mini Section reserves the right that they cease to hold their position. 

Scottish Rugby’s Code of Conduct and Protocols for Clubs, Coaches, Players and Match Officials can be downloaded from www.scottishrugby.org/values