Code of Conduct

Everyone involved in rugby at Chineham RFC, whether as a player, coach, referee, administrator, parent or spectator is expected to uphold
the Core Values of the RFU Code of Rugby.

In the interest of maintaining child welfare it is important to adhere to the following rules when applicable:
• All rugby coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person with whom they work with and treat them equally within the context of rugby union.
• All rugby coaches must place the physical and emotional well being of all young players above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
• The relationship that a rugby coach develops with the players with whom they work must be based on mutual trust and respect.
• All rugby coaches must ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate to the age, maturity, experience and ability of the young players.
• All rugby coaches must encourage young players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance

Anti-Bullying Policy:
• Chineham RFC always aim to create a safe and secure learning environment, where individuals treat each other with respect and understanding.
• Bullying will not be tolerated at all in our Club.
• Bullying will be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and procedures followed to deal with the situation.
• It is the responsibility of every adult working in rugby union whether professional or volunteer, to ensure that all young people can enjoy the sport in a safe enjoyable environment.
What is bullying?
• A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Children and Young People have described bullying as:
• being called names.
• being teased.
• being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked.
• having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken.
• receiving abusive text messages.
• being forced to hand over money.
• being forced to do things they do not want to do.
• being ignored or left out.
• being victimized or attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin.
• Bullying is deliberately hurtful behaviour which results in the victim feeling distressed.
• Bullying occurs when this behaviour is exercised through the use of power rather than an exchange between equals. This power may be due to greater physical or psychological strength of greater numbers.
Establishing a positive Club ethos to combat bullying:
• To combat bullying Chineham Rugby shall always aim to create and maintain a positive and inclusive Club ethos.
• Concerns expressed by pupils and parents will always be listened to carefully and taken seriously.
• Everyone involved in rugby in England, whether as a player, coach, referee, administrator, parent or spectator is expected to uphold the Core Values of our sport:
• Play to win – but not at all cost
• Win with dignity, lose with grace
• Observe the Laws and regulations of the game
• Respect opponents, referees and all participants
• Reject cheating, racism, violence and drugs
• Value volunteers and paid officials alike
• Enjoy the game
• We aim to be constantly promoting and reinforcing positive behaviour and developing all children’s self-esteem through celebration of achievement. In this way, by aiming to ‘include’ everyone in the Club community, it is much less likely either those children will become a focus for bullying, or that others may resort to bullying
• Chineham RFC encourage children, parents and staff to report any suspected instances of bullying to one of the coaching staff or to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
• Children in particular need to be assured not to keep worries to themselves, but to tell their parent and/or a Coach. The whole Club community needs to be assured that all instances are taken very seriously, and investigated thoroughly.
• It is essential that the first adult involved in the situation reassures the victim and informs the Club Safeguarding Officer.
• Parents of all children involved should be informed at the earliest opportunity, so that their support can be encouraged. Parents are encouraged to:
• Listen carefully to their child, and reassure them that action will be taken
• Stay calm whatever the concerns
• Discuss issues with the Club at the earliest opportunity, and review actions regularly
• Give the Club time to address the issues
• In the case of a Looked After Child, it is essential that their Social Worker is involved at the earliest opportunity.
Continuation of Bullying
• In the event that any child involved continues to bully others, then it will be necessary to initiate further action. Further parental involvement would be essential. If all of these strategies were tried and failed, then ultimately this can lead to permanent exclusion from the Club.
• It is essential that all Committee Members, Coaches, Volunteers, parents and children are aware of this policy.
• When the policy is revised, it should be discussed with all Coaches & Volunteers involved with children.
• New Coaches & Volunteers should be made aware of the policy as part of their Induction process. At the start of each Club year, the key points of the policy should be discussed.
Copies of the policy are available on request, on the Club website.