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Code of Conduct

The Code of Practice applies to all Sections of the Rugby Club but the Junior and Mini Section have Codes of Conduct specific to their Sections relevant to them. All members of the Club are expected to abide by the laws of the RFU (Rugby Football Union), Surrey RFU and the Rugby Club and to support or play in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play as defined in the IRB Charter.

In particular, members should not bring the good name of the Rugby Club or the game itself into disrepute

Players

Players are encouraged to:

  1. Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
  2. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to teammates.
  3. Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment is the most important parts of the game.
  4. Attend, participate and be attentive at all training/coaching sessions.
  5. Attain levels of fitness commensurate with standard of rugby at you are playing.
  6. Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit.
  7. Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.
  8. Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee’s decisions.
  9. Be a sportsman – win or lose.

Players must not:

  1. Feign injury to gain an advantage or otherwise.
  2. Play under the influence of drugs.

Spectators

Spectators are encouraged to:

  1. Acknowledge good individual and team performance and effort from all players irrespective of which team they play for.
  2. Respect match officials decisions.Never verbally abuse players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches.
  3. Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.
  4. Remember – “It’s only a game”.

Coaches

Coaches are encouraged to:

  1. Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
  2. Provide positive feedback, where possible, in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players during coaching and games.
  3. Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment as well as winning.
  4. Ensure that players are coached in a safe environment.
  5. Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
  6. Develop an awareness of a healthy lifestyle including nutrition.
  7. Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.

Administrators

Administrators are encouraged to:

  1. Encourage an environment within the rugby club whereby the opportunity to play rugby is offered to all members.
  2. Encourage the concept of good sporting partnerships between players, club coaches, officials and spectators.
  3. Involve members in the decision making process, where appropriate.
  4. Recognise that the rugby club has a “duty of care” towards all club members.
  5. Provide coaches and referees with the opportunity to achieve governing body qualifications.
  6. Ensure that equipment and facilities are available for and appropriate to the requirements of the coaches and the needs of the players.
  7. Ensure matches are officiated by suitable, and preferably qualified, referees.
  8. Ensure that appropriate medical and first aid provision is always available.

Club officials and volunteers

All volunteers must:

  1. Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
  2. Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
  3. Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
  4. Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).
  5. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
  6. Undergo CRB check, if appropriate.
  7. Follow all guidelines laid down by the RFU, Surrey RFU and the Rugby Club.
  8. Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
  9. Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  10. Never condone rule violations, rough play.
  11. Never condone the use of prohibitive substances.
  12. Abide by the RFU’s and the Rugby Club’s Equity Policy.

All Members

Members must not:

  1. Cause or attempt to cause injury to any other player, official or spectator.
  2. Enter onto the field of play during a match except where asked to do so by the referee.
  3. Make an inflammatory remark or remarks to the referee, touch judges, or opposition supporters.
  4. Take property belonging to opponents or their Club or the public.
  5. Publicly criticise the referee.
  6. Engage in behaviour that is or is likely considered to be discriminatory for example by reference to age, ability, gender, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic background or race.
  7. Behave in a way or behave in a way likely to cause offence, loss, injury or damage to any person, Club or organisation or their property while at or travelling to or from any Club or fixture.

All members should accede to all reasonable requests of Committee members, or their nominees, made in pursuance of their responsibilities. All members should remember that they represent their Rugby Club and so they should behave in a courteous and polite manner; treat members of the opposing Rugby Club or members of the public as you would hope to be treated in the same position.

The Club will discourage infringement of this Code of Practice by any member and in respect of any player, coach, administrator, volunteer or member may hold an inquiry into any alleged breach, and suspend or expel from Membership any repeated or serious offender in accordance with the Rugby Club’ Disciplinary Procedure and Clause 7.14 of the rules of the Rugby Club. Any player, coach, administrator, volunteer or member may also be subject to a RFU or Surrey RFU Disciplinary Hearing.

1 January 2004