Codes of Conduct for Spectators, Players, Coaches and Referees

There has been a number of events towards the back end of last season, and the start of this season, where it has become necessary to remind all our members of our codes of conducts which all members sign up too:

Equity Policy

● The Old Verulamian RFC Limited (playing as Verulamians) is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity.

● Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

● The Club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

● The Club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

● All Club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

● The Club will deal with any incident of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to the Club’s disciplinary procedures.

The Parents and Spectators Code

● Foster enthusiastic participation; do not force an unwilling child to participate in rugby union.

● Educate your child to always play by the Laws of the Game.

● Instill in children an understanding and enjoyment of the value of coaching.

● Acknowledge the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give freely of their time and

resources to help our children.

● Recognise that children play rugby for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and are not miniature

internationals.

● Emphasise respect for referees by not publicly questioning the referee’s honesty and decision-making.

● Encourage a child who has made a mistake during a game or training—never ridicule. Applaud good play by your

team and by members of the opposing team—children learn best by example and from what they observe.

● Teach children that honest effort is as important as victory, so that defeat is accepted without disappointment.

● Condemn bad behaviour and language.

● Try not to shout continually and “at” children—shout occasionally and “for” them. Remember—It’s only a game.

The Coaches Code

● Be reasonable in your demands on young players time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they do have other interests.

● Teach your players the Laws of the game are mutual agreements which shouldn’t be broken.

● Avoid over playing talented players. All players need and deserve equal time.

● Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment, and that winning is only a part of it. Never ridicule or yell at

children for making mistakes or losing a game.

● Ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the age and ability of the players.

● Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents as well as for judgement of officials and opposing coaches.

● Follow advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again. Gain respect by being

generous with your praise when it is deserved, and set a good example in every way.

● Improve your players through coaching—frequent match play or long practise sessions do not guarantee

development.

● Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles, and the principles of growth

and development of children.

The Referee’s Code

● Behave and dress at all times in a manner becoming your responsibility. Know the Laws and regulations, apply them to match the skill level of players.

● Vary the tone of your whistle to seek control with enjoyment, rather than domination with ill humour.

● Play advantage wherever possible in order to let the game flow.

● Ensure that you are fit, even a seven year old can run fast, keep up with play where possible. Be in the right place, at

the right time to make the right decision.

● Explain your decisions— be consistent, objective, courteous and fair.

● Penalise deliberate foul play, as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining the players respect for fair play.

● Compliment players on good play whenever praise is deserved .

● Always compliment both teams at the end of the match.

● Keep yourself informed of all Law changes affecting Mini/Midi/Junior rugby.

● Join your county’s referees’ society and become a qualified referee. The more refereeing that you do, the easier it becomes.