Code for coaches
• You have the responsibility for your team and supporters – EXERCISE IT!
• Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment. Don’t overload them with technical information and tactics
• Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time
• Ensure that all players get a game. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time
• Players develop at different times and in different ways – make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development
• Winning isn’t everything – teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential
• Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game
• Remember that young people need a coach that they can respect. Be generous with praise when it is deserved and set a good example
• Teach young players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements that no one should evade or break
• Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching the basic skills
• INSIST ON FAIR PLAY. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting, or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player
• Develop a team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches
Code for parents
• Do not force an unwilling child to participate – Young people are involved for their enjoyment, not yours
• Encourage your child to understand and play within the rules
• Teach your child that taking part and trying their best is more important than winning
• Focus your child on practising skills, sportsmanship and being part of a team. Winning isn’t everything and not everyone can score the winning try
• Support and encourage your child – never criticise them for making mistakes. Console them for losing, but encourage them to try harder next time
• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship
• Do not publicly question the referee’s judgement and never his/her honesty. There is no place for ‘touchline rage’ in Youth Rugby
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from Youth Rugby
• Young people learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees and administrators. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
Code for players
• Play to enjoy rugby, not just to please your parents or coach
• Always try your best to improve your skills and play well
• Play within the rules and laws of the game
• Never argue with referees or coaches – their decision is final, even if you think that they are wrong. Let your coach or your captain ask match officials any questions
• Control your temper – do not ‘mouth off’
• Treat everyone as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t bully or take unfair advantage of any player
• Rugby is a team game – do your best for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
• If you lose, accept it with good grace and try harder next time
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or your opponents’ team
• Cooperate with your coach, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you don’t have a game.
