Code of Conduct

Code for Players

- Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family. - Respect the "Game of Rugby" and play within the laws of the Game. - Accept the referee's decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions. - Play with control. Do not lose your temper. - Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club. - Be a "good sport". Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition. - Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not "bully" or take advantage of any player. - Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach; team mates and members of your club. - Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. - At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match. - Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent. - Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility - lose with dignity. - As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team. - As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team! - Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby.

Code for Parents

- Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours. - Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game. - Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment. - Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. - Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides. - Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match. - Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs. - Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement. - Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby. - As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players. - Do not publicly question the referees' judgement and never their honesty. - Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. - Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values. - Remember you and your child's contribution to the Game of Rugby is very important to the IRFU and be proud of your contribution. - Understand the value of team sport and the importance there of.

Code for Coaches

- Remember that as a coach of an "age grade team" you are to act in "loco parentis" and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team. - Lead by example - young people need a coach whom they respect. - Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match. - Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break. - Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities. - Be reasonable in your demands on the players' time, energy and enthusiasm. - Ensure that all players participate in matches. The "average" players require and deserve equal time. - Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective. -Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches. - Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player. - Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years. - Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult-like competitions. - Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play. - Do not over burden younger players with too much information. - Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people. - Be aware of the effect you have on growing children. - Never criticise the referee and touch judges during or after a match in front of players or spectators. - Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed. - Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again. - Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times. - Be responsible and ensure you uphold the ethos of the game and the IRFU. - Attend coaching courses. - Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport. - Ensure you and your players are proud of your team, club and efforts during the season.

Code for Spectators

- Remember that although young people play organised rugby they are not "miniature internationals". - Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches. - Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own. - Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would not be a match. - Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity. - Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form. - Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour. - Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game. - Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved. - Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby.