Code of Conduct for Coaches

PLAYERS

• Rugby is only part of their lives, recognise this and allow for it on your demands on them.

• Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not as a test.

• Rugby is not for everyone. Do not rely on your star player and never make a player feel like a spare part. Share your time and game time equally.

• Never ridicule or belittle any player. Make every player feel valued. To do this would be considered as emotional abuse.

• Take an interest in each player. Know a little about his/her family and other interests. Be able to spot changes in their behaviour.

• Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group that you work with.

RUGBY UNION

• Rugby is a potentially dangerous game, which relies upon every player having mutual respect. Teach the players you work with the meaning of fair play and set them a good example.

• Rugby works best when sides are evenly matched. Try to avoid mismatch, especially during training sessions.

• Understand the continuum and abide by it. You have no options, as they are the laws of the game.

• Learn the laws and how to referee.

• Teach players by your own example to respect the referee.

COACHING

• When you call yourself a coach you apply to join the elite, when others call you a coach you have achieved membership. Behave as you would expect a coach should.

• Always look like a coach, always act like a coach.

• Try to start and finish on time.

• Plan your sessions and Plan your season.

• Do not drink alcohol before or during your coaching.

• Never give alcohol to those not old enough to drink it by law.

• Do not smoke when coaching.

• Never ignore bad coaching practice or behaviour.

• Keep up to date with current coaching practices and law.

• Be aware that you are responsible for the players you work with, so don’t allow players to play on an injury. Refer them to a doctor or sports injury clinic. Ensure you enter ALL injuries into the accident book and get a parent/guardian to sign the entry. It is for your protection.

• Ensure the safety of the children you are coaching by making sure that they have the correct safety equipment and adequate clothing for the conditions. To fail to do this could be considered as Neglect or physical abuse.

• Ensure safety by teaching the correct techniques; ensure the playing area is safe and free from glass, wood and other such nuisances. Ensure the equipment used is in order. If it is not report it, don’t just put it back for the next person to find.

• DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION WHERE YOU COULD BE SUSPECTED OF VERBAL, PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE WITH ANY CHILD.