Code of Conduct

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All volunteers must:
Consider the wellbeing and safety of players (children) before the development of performance.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with players (children), based on mutual trust and respect.
Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the players (children) taking part.
Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).
Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Follow all guidelines laid down by the National Governing Body and the club.
Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
Never exert undue influence over players to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances.
Encourage players (children) to value their performances and not just results.
Promote and encourage playing/training as "fun for all".
All adults involved with players, under the age of 18 years, must have a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) form completed.
All adults are reminded never to put themselves in a position which may compromise the Child Protection Policy, e.g. being alone with players in changing rooms/toilets; and must report any incident or suspicion of child abuse (verbal, physical, sexual or neglect) to the Child Welfare Officer or Head Coach.

Players Code of Conduct

Recognise and appreciate the efforts of coaches, match officials, parents and other players.
Understand and value the loyalty and commitment of adults and teammates.
Encourage all players and do not enter into any type of abuse/ bullying either on the pitch or off the pitch.
Inform a coach, adult or club official of any unacceptable treatment/abuse.
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
Play rugby for enjoyment, and because you want to.
Publicly accept officials' judgements.
Be attentive and work hard at training and coaching sessions.
Use correct and proper language at all times; no swearing.
Ensure any injury pre-training/match is reported immediately to the coach.
Be a sportsman and win with dignity and lose with grace.
Follow and accept the rugby rules of the game do not question the referees decision discuss it later with the coach.
Control your emotions and do not verbally or physically abuse players, referees, parents or officials.
Do not bring the game of rugby into disrepute or disciplinary action may follow.

Parent/Guardians Code of Conduct

Be familiar with the coaching and training schedule in order that you can ensure that your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
Ensure players arrive in good time for games or practices.
Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your child participates.
Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters to away games.
Be involved with club activities; volunteer and share your expertise.
Be aware of the Trafford MV RFC Child Welfare and Protection Policy and always share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.
Be familiar with the Coaches’ and Players’ Codes of Conduct. In particular that:
· Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young
players
· Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to
behave with dignity in all circumstances

It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these values.

Parents/Guardians should:

Ensure that their child is familiar with, and understands the Player Code of Conduct
Ensure compliance with rules on smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Ensure that coaches are informed of any injuries or concussions that their children have suffered in activities in school or outside Club Rugby and comply with the club guidelines governing treatment of concussions.
Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
Encourage young people to play - do not force them.
Focus on the young players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.
Be realistic about the young player’s abilities: do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during and after the game.
Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players’ and referee’s performance and attitude.
Always support Trafford MV RFC in its efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive
behaviour from the game. Never abuse your own team’s or opposition’s players, coaches or the match official.
Help ensure that players and parents do not use bad or inappropriate language or swearing.
Remember young people learn much by example.
Always show appreciation of good play by all young players both from your own club and the opposition
Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young players to do likewise
Display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance, and behave in a manner which brings credit to Trafford MV RFC, and ensure players do likewise.