Codes of Conduct

Code for Players

1. Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.
2. Respect the “Game of Rugby” and play within the laws of the Game.
3. Accept the referee’s decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.
4. Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
5. Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club.
6. Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition.
9. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
10. At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
12. Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility – lose with dignity.
14. As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team!


Code for Parents

1. Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.
2. Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.3.
4. Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
5. Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
6. Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
7. Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby.
10. As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.
11. Do not publicly question the referees’ judgement and never their honesty.
12. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches.
13. Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.

Understand the value of team sport and the importance there of.

Code for Coaches

1. Remember that as a coach of an “age grade team” you are to act in “loco parentis” and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.
2. Lead by example – young people need a coach whom they respect.
4. Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
5. Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities.
6. Be reasonable in your demands on the players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
7. Ensure that all players participate in matches. The “average” players require and deserve equal time.
13. Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.
14. Do not over burden younger players with too much information.
16. Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.
17. Never criticise the referee and touch judges during or after a match in front of players or spectators.
19. Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
20. Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.
21. Be responsible and ensure you uphold the ethos of the game and the IRFU.
22. Attend coaching courses.
23. Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport.


Code for Spectators

1. Remember that although young people play organised rugby they are not “miniature internationals”.
3. Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.
4. Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
5. Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
6. Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form.
7. Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.
8. Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game.
9. Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.

Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby.