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.