Code of Conduct

Players are the most important people in our sport. Playing for the team, our players enjoyment and their development are the most fundamental parts of the game. We encourage our players to ‘learn to win’ however we do not play to win at any cost, we believe that it is also important that our players learn to lose graciously as well as part of their social development – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

As an inclusive and positive club we promote a positive environment. Parents play a key role in this and A couple of standout points:
• Acknowledge effort and performance rather than the win at all costs ethic; never ridicule any player on any team and verbally encourage all players, irrespective of ability, in a positive way when supporting your team.
• Must not make negative comments regarding any players on the pitch
• Must never enter the field of activity/play without the coaches invitation.
Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, other spectators or coaches. Such behaviour creates a negative environment for young players and presents an unacceptable example for them.

This Code focuses on players, parents and guardians, coaches & volunteers involved in Edwardian FC Rugby Club. The key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels.
The Ed’s Youth Rugby Section fully endorses this code of practice and encourages all players to adopt this code.

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 training or a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved or not.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly other players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of poor gamesmanship and time wasting.
5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including when publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.

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 their own team win.
2. Help fellow players to improve through positive encouragement.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and any competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally and gracefully.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards Opponents
A player should:
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should:
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect at all times towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials
A player should:
1. Abide by the instructions of your Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect at all times towards opposition Team Officials.

Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of all supporters

Code of Conduct for Edwardian FC Youth Rugby Parents & Spectators

You as 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 our 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.
• Improving the child’s skills and techniques.

As parents & spectators your expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
• Other players.
• Officials.
• Managers.
• Spectators.
Please ensure that, whilst integrating with our club (home & away) you are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just your own, and that you help instil our core values which are:

We encourage parents / spectators to:
• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Not to shout and scream.
• Respect the referee’s decision.
• Give attention to each of the children involved in rugby not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in rugby.

Parents should also recognise that the club has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore we require Parents / Carers to continually provide the club with:
• Up to date information on any medical condition your child might have (e.g. asthma, epilepsy etc), any medicines they are taking and any allergies
• Any information in regard to injuries that your child has recently sustained (this information must be provided immediately prior to each training session or match direct to the Coach / Team Manager
• Emergency contact details (Children under the age of 11 should not be left unattended unless a temporary guardian has been nominated and the Coach / Team Manager has been informed).

Parents should ensure players always turns up with any necessary medicines, the correct personal kit & equipment including: waterproof / warm clothing (when appropriate), Rugby / Football Boots (must have rugby ‘approved’ studs) and a mouth guard which should be worn at all times when training and playing games.
Parents / Spectators are encouraged to become involved with all club activities and to share any expertise that they have that could benefit the club in general.
Finally, please advise any club official of any concerns that you might have. If you have any queries or concerns please contact a member of the Mini Juniors Committee, or any MJ Coach or Team Manager.

THE GOOD COACHES CODE

REMEMBER: COACHES WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS UP TO THE AGE OF 12 MUST FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY RFU RUGBY CONTINUUM. COACHES WORKING WITH PLAYERS AGED 13 MUST BE AWARE OF THE UNDER-15 AND UNDER-19 LAW VARIATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT APPLY TO CROSS-BORDER MATCHES.
AS A COACH YOU MUST:
• Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand
• Recognise that young players should never be exposed to unacceptable risk of injury, nor allowed to train or play when injured nor to face extremes of heat or cold.
• Ensure safe and proper supervision of young players, on and off the field.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of players education in lifestyle management.
• Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or for those under 16 to smoke. By your conduct and example, actively discourage both.
• Ensure that your knowledge and coaching techniques are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
• Avoid overplaying any player; use a squad system to give every player satisfactory playing time.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the policies and procedures which the RFU require for Child Protection, the Safety of Young People in Rugby and for young players tours.

AS A COACH YOU SHOULD:
• Recognise when coaching the importance of enjoyment for young players and treat all fairly.
• Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
• Be a positive role model, encourage young players to behave in all circumstances with dignity and in accordance with the laws and to keep winning and losing in perspective.
• Respect referees and their decisions; ensure your players recognise that they must do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players in both coaching sessions and games.