ALLEGHENY RUGBY UNION CODES OF CONDUCT

REV. 0 - ISSUED for USE

FEBRUARY 2009

The ARU expects compliance with these Codes of Conduct for match officials, players, coaches and supporters. Failure to comply is subject to ARU Disciplinary Action. Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this document are both welcome and encouraged and should be sent to the ARU President at president@ARU.org.

THE GOOD MATCH OFFICIAL'S CODE

Match Officials should:

A. Be consistent and objective. Officiate to the Laws laid down and keep them updated on Laws changes.
B. Recognize that the safety of players is paramount.
C. Recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.
D. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
E. Emphasize the spirit of the game.
F. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
G. Understand the physical and behavioral development of players.
H. Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive.
I. Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.
J. Explain decisions—all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better.
K. Always penalize foul play.
L. Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
M. Show empathy for the age and ability of players.
N. Be familiar with the Good Spectators Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
O. Before practice sessions and matches check that players’ boots and other clothing are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.

THE GOOD COACH'S CODE

Coaches of players should:

A. Recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
B. Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
C. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport. Specifically coaches MUST be aware of any size mismatches and move players to compensate
D. Be a positive role model, and think what this implies.
E. Keep winning and losing in perspective, and encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
F. Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake (remember it could be you refereeing next week), and ensure that the players recognize that they must do the same. Refrain from shouting out decisions from the touchline. It simply confuses players and can cause them to lose potential advantages being played
G. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
H. Provide rugby training matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioral development.
I. Provide a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily on hand.
J. Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
K. Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
L. Provide good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
M. Recognize that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
N. Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
O. Recognize that it is illegal for players under 21 to drink alcohol and those under 18 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
P. Keep their knowledge and coaching strategies up to date and in line with USA Rugby philosophy.
Q. Be aware of, and abide by, the USA Rugby recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
R. Coach to the laws and keep up-to-date on law changes.

THE GOOD PLAYER'S CODE

Collegiate players and coaches must comply with USA Rugby’s Collegiate Code of Conduct which states: "Collegiate rugby players represent their universities and are ambassadors of United States collegiate rugby. As such, each collegiate rugby player and coach is expected to be a lady or a gentlemen on and off the field. Collegiate rugby players should not tolerate obnoxious, impolite or antisocial behavior of any sort which could adversely affect the image of collegiate rugby as a serious and disciplined athletic endeavor. Any breach of this Code of Conduct at this event, either at the event site, area hotels, public facilities, etc., as witnessed and reported by any individual will be forwarded to the appropriate disciplinary committee for action."
Players should be encouraged to:

A. Recognize and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials, and administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
B. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and teammates.
C. Recognize that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
D. Recognize that they are part of the safety equation and have a role in decreasing the chance of being hurt while participating in rugby.
E. Understand that if an individual or groups of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or School or outside of the game.
F. Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
G. Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
H. Be attentive at all practice and coaching sessions.
I. Work equally hard for themselves and their team—both will then benefit.
J. Recognize good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
K. Be a sportsman—win with dignity, lose with grace.
L. Play in a fair and sporting manner in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions even if they appear to be incorrect. Once the match is over, have a friendly and construction discussion with the referee regarding decisions made.
M. Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of teammates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
N. Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully, or take advantage of any player.

THE GOOD SUPPORTER'S CODE:

Parents, friends and fans supporting the game should be encouraged to:

A. Recognize and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, match officials, and administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
B. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and teammates.
C. Recognize that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
D. Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important arts of the game.
E. Recognize good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
F. Be a sportsman—win with dignity, lose with grace.
G. Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of players, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
H. Treat officials with respect.
I. Supporters are encouraged to support their teams. Shouting out opinions on decisions does not help the players and may distract them and cause them to lose advantages being offered by the referee.
J. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to boo or jeer the opposition or the match official.