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Junior Rugby Code of Conduct

These codes are designed for players, parents, spectators, administrators, managers, coaches, and referees to:

• maintain the element of enjoyment and satisfaction in Junior Rugby
• make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group
• improve the physical fitness of youth by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people
• constantly remind Administrators, Coaches, Referees, Parents, that Rugby must be administered, taught and provided, for the good of those young people who wish to play the game. It is their game

Player's Code

• Play for the 'enjoyment', not just to please your parents or coach
• Play the laws of the game of Rugby
• Never argue with the referee's decisions. Let your captain ask any necessary questions
• Control your temper - no 'mouthing off'
• Work equally hard for yourself and you team - you team's performance will benefit and so will your own
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent
• Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a show off or always try to get the most points
• Co-operate with your coach, manager, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you don't have a game
• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game

Parent's Code

• Do not force an unwilling youngster to participate in Rugby
• Remember, young people are involved in Rugby for their enjoyment, not yours
• Encourage your child to always play by the laws
• Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment
• Turn defeat into victory by helping young people work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game
• Remember that young people learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team
• Do not publicly question the referee's judgement and never his/her honesty
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from Junior Rugby
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, managers and referees. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your children
• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game

Spectator's Code

• Remember that young people play organised sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature Wallabies
• Be on your best behaviour. Don't use offensive language, or harass players, coaches, referees or other spectator
• Applaud good play by your own team and the opposition team
• Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no games
• Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms
• Respect the referee's decisions.
• Encourage players to play according to the laws.
• SLEDGING: THIS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED in any shape or form. Players and Referees are NOT fair game
• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game
• Remember, the QJRU Management Committee and BJRU Competition Committee has the power to cite Players, Coaches, and/or Spectators for behaviour that may bring the game of Rugby into disrepute

Administrator/Club Official's Code

• Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in Rugby are made available to all irrespective of ability
• Do not allow the game to become primarily spectator entertainment 
• Equipment and facilities must be appropriate to the maturity level of the young players
• Rules and length of schedules should take into consideration the age and maturity level of the young players
• Remember that play is done for its own sake. Do not emphasise the need for awards
• Distribute the code of conduct to spectators, coaches, players, referees, parents and teachers
• Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, doctors and participants understand their authority and their responsibility for fair play in Rugby
• Ensure adequate supervision is maintained at all games
• Behave in a manner to set an example for all participants

Manager's Code  

• Encourage parents to take an active interest in the Team
• Encourage parents and supporters to talk to opposition spectators
• Encourage supporters to praise good play by both teams
• Discourage supporters from excessive barracking
• Provide administrative assistance to the Coach including full knowledge of the Competition Rules and paperwork requirements
• Be fully informed of Rugby requirements and matters affecting your team
• Look after injured players while they are not able to take the field
• Ensure that players are aware of representative trials and if selected, they are fully aware of their commitments and that they know of their selection
• Insist on an appropriate standard of team behaviour both on and off the field
• Set an example in terms of behaviour
• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game

Coaches Code

• You have responsibility for the behaviour of your team and its supporters. EXERCISE IT
• Be reasonable in your demands on the young player's time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time
• Teach your players that laws of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break
• Ensure that all players get a game. The 'just average' players need and deserve equal time
• Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a game
• The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as, the judgement of referees and opposing coaches
• Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again
• Remember that young people need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of young people
• Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over-specialisation in positional play during their formative years
• Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching the basic skills
• Ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded by praise
• Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured competitions for very young people
• INSIST ON FAIR PLAY, do not tolerate foul play, fighting, or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player
• Discourage excessive talk on the pitch
• INSIST on a disciplined approach by players and mean what you say
• Set a good example by personal good behaviour
• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game

Referee's Code

• Ensure that "over-refereeing" the game does not lose the 'spirit of the game' for young people
• Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off the field your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship
• Compliment both teams on their good play whenever such praise is deserved
• Be consistent, objective and courteous
• Condemn the deliberate 'good foul' as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining respect for fair play
• Publicly encourage law changes, which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound refereeing principles and the principles of growth and development of young people
• Avoid comment on Competition Rules, only deal with the Laws of the Game