Club Guidelines 2 of 10

2. Codes of Conduct


CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SENIOR PLAYERS

At all times Richmond FC expects its players to:

  • Honour the spirit of Rugby Union and actively promote the core values of the Game,
  • namely fair play and good sportsmanship
  • Play within the Laws of the Game
  • Reject cheating, racism, violence and drugs
  • Play to win but not at all costs – win with dignity and lose with grace
  • Recognise that many officials and referees are volunteers, who devote considerable time to enhancing the enjoyment of rugby union for all –value them and treat them with respect
  • Recognise good play, by both team mates and opposition players
  • Respect your team mates, coaches and managers by communicating availability as soon as possible and by being punctual for training and matches
  • Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, both on and off the playing field - you have a responsibility to uphold RFC`s standards and values and you need to remember that you are a role model for the Club`s Youth and Mini players. Be mindful when posting comments on such forums as Face Book/Twitter etc that they can not be misconstrued
  • Very importantly, play with discipline and control your emotions – do not lose your temper. Acts of physical abuse or violence, by any player representing the Club, against any other player will be viewed in a very serious light by RFC`s Disciplinary
  • Committee and may also, depending on the circumstances , result in civil, or criminal, liability for the offending player
  • RFC can not, and will not, condone acts of violence under any circumstances
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUNIOR PLAYERS

Richmond FC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with either their age group manager/coach or the Mini Chairman/Youth Chairman as appropriate.

As a member of Richmond FC you are expected to abide by the following junior code of conduct:

  • All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions
  • All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion
  • Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late
  • Members must wear suitable kit for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager: gum shields are compulsory as well as the correct IRB approved studs in boots. Make sure that kit is suitable for the weather conditions and it is recommended that all members bring a water bottle
  • Members must pay the club playing subscription after 3 weeks of attendance for training
  • Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions
  • Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/CARERS

  • Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them
  • Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials
  • Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
  • Never force your child to take part in sport
  • Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all
  • Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
  • Publicly accept officials' judgements
  • Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their sport
  • Use correct and proper language at all times
  • Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES, CLUB OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS

Richmond FC expects all coaches, club officials and volunteers to act in accordance with the good ethical conduct and practice as summarised below:

  • Consider the wellbeing and safety of players before the development of performance
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with players, based on mutual trust and respect
  • Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
  • Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg fair play)
  • Recognise that many officials and referees are volunteers, who devote considerable time to enhancing the enjoyment of rugby union for all – value them and treat them with respect
  • Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
  • Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club
  • Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover
  • Never exert undue influence over players to obtain personal benefit or reward
  • Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances including alcohol to under age players
  • Encourage players to value their performances and not just results
  • Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour