RESPECT Policy

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Rugby League prides itself on being a family game which is
inclusive, uncompromising and passionate, and the principles of
RESPECT, set out the obligations on all participants to maintain
the game’s high standards.
The game will take positive action to ensure that high standards
of behaviour are maintained at all times in Rugby League.
RESPECT sets out the standards of behaviour that the game
expects from the entire Rugby League family. Rugby League is
passionate about, and prides itself, on it’s reputation as “The
Family Game” and as such, will take responsibility to ensure
that this reputation is maintained and improved. The Game
is an inclusive sport, is committed to the principles of equal
opportunities and will not tolerate any form of discrimination.
In order to uphold these values participants in the game of
Rugby League - players, parents, spectators, coaches, match
officials, other volunteers and administrators of all ages - should:
• Discourage all instances of unsporting behaviour, foul or
illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person
regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, special needs,
including learning and physical disabilities, class or social
background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital
status, pregnancy, colour or political persuasion.
• Accept the moral and legal responsibility to implement
procedures to provide a duty of care for children, safeguard
their wellbeing and protect them from abuse and poor
practice
• Condemn the use of recreational and performance-
enhancing drugs and doping practices; their use endangers
the health of players and is contrary to the concept of
fair play.
Important - Every person who attends a Rugby League match
does so with the permission and license of the home club
&/or league.
Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in penalties up to
and including a fine, loss of team match points and suspension.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from
your team or the opposition and shake hands with and
thank the opposition players and officials after the game
- win, lose or draw.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit. Make
every effort to develop your own abilities.
• Always respect the match official’s decision.
• Make every effort to be consistent with Fair Play and the
Laws of the Game. Never get involved foul play.
• Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition
rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and
sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship and respect the
traditions of the game.
• Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort
including swearing, obscene gestures, offensive
remarks, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to
other players, officials or supporters. Treat others as you
would like to be treated.
• Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made
available to you during training and competition.
• Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy
substances.
• Recognise that many officials, coaches and match
officials are volunteers who give up their time to provide
their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.
Remember, without them you do not have a game.
• Do not bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or
indirectly, on the outcome or any other aspect of a rugby
league match or competition in which you are involved.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

• Actively discourage foul play and/or unsporting
behaviour by players.
• Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment for all
players regardless of ability;
• avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player; treat all
players as equals, regardless of their talent.
• Show concern and caution towards all sick and
injured players. Follow the advice of a doctor and/or
physiotherapist to the letter when determining when an
injured player is ready to recommence training
or playing.
• Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the
best of their ability is as important as victory.
• Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement
of the Match Officials.
• Never engage in public criticism of officials.
• Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with
players at all times.
• Make a personal commitment to maintain an accurate
knowledge of the rules of the game and keep abreast
of current coaching methods; maintain or improve your
current accreditation level.
• Always consider the health, safety and welfare of
the players.
• Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap
between their level of play and the professional game;
do not coach them as if they are professionals.
• Ensure that your coaching reflects the level
of the competition being played; do not be a
“win-at-all-costs” coach.
• As coach, conduct yourself at all times and in all
situations, in a manner, that demonstrates leadership,
respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for
all those that are involved in the game - the players,
officials, the fans, the parents, the referees and
the media.
• Abide by the Coach Code of Conduct.

PARENT/SPECTATOR

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sport.
• Remember that children participate in Rugby League for
their own enjoyment, not yours!
• Understand that sport is part of a total life experience,
and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final
score of a game.
• Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by
players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
• Respect the match official’s decisions - don’t complain
or argue about decisions during or after a game.
• Behave! Unsporting language, harassment or aggressive
behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect
opposition players and officials.
• Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake -
respect their efforts.
• Participate in positive cheering that encourages all the
players in the team; do not engage in any jeering that
taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.
• At all times, follow the directions of the Ground Manager
and/or other match day staff.
• Never arrive at a game under the influence of alcohol,
never bring alcohol to a game, and only drink alcohol,
if it is available at the ground, in the designated
licensed area.