The
Coach's Code
Coaches have
responsibility to ensure that all players are given the opportunity to
fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment with emphasis on:
FUN, ENJOYMENT
& SKILL DEVELOPMENT.
Coaches
Should:
1.
Recognise the
importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.
2.
Appreciate the
needs of each individual player before the sport.
3.
Be a positive
role model for the players.
4.
Keep winning
and losing in perspective - encourage players to do the same.
5.
Respect all
referees and the decisions that have been made and ensure players do the
same.
6.
Teach players
the meaning of "fair play" and set them a good example.
Rugby is a
potentially dangerous game, which relies on each participant playing in
the spirit of mutual respect.
7.
Always provide
positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging way, both in
coaching sessions and during games.
8.
Plan the
sessions they deliver during the season; starting and finishing on
time.
Coaches Must:
1.
Coaches
working with players up to the age of 12 must follow the guidelines laid
down by the RFU Continuum.
2.
Coaches
working with young players age 13+ must be aware of the Under 19 and Under
15 Law variations, including those that apply to cross border
matches.
3.
Provide
experiences that match young player's age and ability, as well as their
physical and mental development.
4.
Ensure that
equal opportunities for participation in Rugby are made
available to all players.
5.
Ensure that
players are coached in a safe environment; marking out an area within
which to coach/train, ensuring that equipment used is in safe and good
repair, ensuring adequate access to first aid.
6.
Never join in
with contact games or drills with young players.
7.
Avoid the
overplaying of "star" players by using a squad system which gives
everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
8.
Ensure that
players are supervised on and off the pitch.
9.
Never allow a
player to play or train when injured.
10. Recognise that
players should not be exposed to extremes of heat or cold, or unacceptable
risks of injury.
11. Recognise that
it is illegal for players under the age of 18 to drink
alcohol.
12. Ensure that
knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU
philosophy.
13. When arranging
residential tours at home or abroad, be aware of, and abide by, the RFU
recommended procedures with regard to young people.
14. Be aware of,
and abide by, both the Club's own Child Protection Policy and procedure to
be followed in the event of any concerns raised by a player or
parent/guardian and the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Child
Protection Guidance Booklet which is available on request from the Club's
Child Protection Officer Shelia Gibson.
15. Not in any
circumstances put yourself in a position where you could be suspected of
or accused of any behaviour which might be said to constitute emotional,
physical or sexual abuse of any young child associated with the
club.
The
Parent's Code
Parents are an
integral part of the Rugby Club and, whether involved in administration or
as spectators, are instrumental in ensuring that the young players enjoy
their involvement both with the club and the sport of
Rugby.
Parents are therefore encouraged to:
1.
Be
familiar with the coaching and training programme in order to ensure that
their child is involved and the coaches are aware of their
availability.
2.
Be
familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing sessions
in which their child participates.
3.
Be
familiar with the Coach's Code, with particular emphasis on the
recognition of fun and enjoyment for young players and maintaining
perspective with regard to winning and losing.
4.
Be
aware of the duty of care that the club has and, where appropriate, assist
coaches with the supervision of groups of players, especially where
numbers are large and transport to away venues is needed.
5.
Be
involved with club activities and share your expertise.
6.
Share any
concerns you have with Club Officials.
Parents
Should:
1.
Not force an
unwilling young player to participate in Rugby.
2.
Remember,
young players are involved in Rugby for their own
enjoyment.
3.
Focus on the
young player's efforts not on winning or losing.
4.
Be realistic
about young player's abilities and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on a
player to attain a level above their capability.
5.
Provide
positive feedback both in training and during games.
6.
Support the
club in efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the
game.
7.
Encourage
young players to always play by the laws.
8.
Remember that
young players learn best by example; show your appreciation of good play
both by your team and by members of the opposing team.
9.
Respect
decisions made by match officials and encourage young players to do the
same.
10. Recognise the
value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees; they give of their
time and resources free to provide recreational activities for young
people.
The
Player's Code
Young
players should recognise that many people in involved in the Rugby Club
and with Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable
environment in which they can develop their skills as players and have
fun. Players are therefore encouraged to:
1.
Recognise and
appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and
administrators who all assist in providing them with the opportunity to
play and enjoy the game of rugby.
2.
Understand the
values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.
3.
Recognise that
every player has the right to expect their involvement with the club and
in the game of rugby to be free from all types of abuse.
4.
Understand
that if any individual players have any concerns about their treatment,
then they have the right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or
outside of the game.
Players
Should:
1.
Play
the game of rugby because they want to and not because or pressure from
coaches, parents or their peer group.
2.
Remember
that fun, enjoyment and development of their skills are the most important
parts of the game.
3.
Be
prompt and attentive at all training sessions and games.
4.
Work
equally hard for themselves and their team and then both will
benefit.
5.
Recognise
good play from all members of their own team and the
opposition.
6.
Remember
it's important to have fun and to play to the best of their ability, not
to win or lose.
7.
Keep
to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's
and any other match official's decisions.
8.
Never,
never verbally or physically abuse any of their team-mates, opponents or
match officials.
9.
Treat
all players as they themselves would like to be treated.
The
Match Official's Code
Match
Officials have a responsibility to ensure that games are managed in
accordance with the RFU laws of the game and to ensure both the safety and
enjoyment of all players.
Match Officials
Should:
1.
Recognise the
importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young
players.
2.
Provide
positive feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during
games.
3.
Appreciate the
needs of young players before the needs of the sport.
4.
Understand the
physical, social and psychological development of young
players.
5.
Be a positive
role model.
6.
Look to
self-improvement by taking one of the RFU Referee courses e.g. Mini/Midi
or National 15-a-side.
Match Officials
Must:
1.
When working
with players up to the age of 12 must officiate to the rules laid down in
the RFU Continuum and must keep themselves updated on rule
changes.
2.
When working
with players aged 13+ must officiate according to the Under 19 and Under
15 Law variations and keep themselves updated on relevant
changes.
3.
Recognise that
safety of young players is paramount.
4.
Adequately
explain decisions to encourage young players to be aware of the laws of
the game.
5.
Always
penalise foul play.
6.
play advantage
whenever possible to allow the game to flow.
7.
Show empathy
for the age and ability of young players.
8.
Be consistent
in your decisions and objective at all times.
9.
Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or
spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club
official
