Code of Conduct

The Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Football Club (“Easts Rugby Club”) has adopted the following Code of Conduct (“Code”) for all administrators, officials, coaches, players, parents and supporters. The Code is designed with the following in mind:

• The game is played for the enjoyment of players with sportsmanship emphasised at all times.
• To improve the physical fitness of youth through encouraging participation in rugby by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people.
• To make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group.
  • To remind administrators, coaches, referees and 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.
• Rugby provides the opportunity to meet new people and establish life-long friendships.
• Basic skills and the laws of rugby shall be imparted to all.

GENERAL

1. A member, coach, player or official shall not at any time act in a manner detrimental towards the Easts Rugby Club, the game or the spirit of rugby union.
2. Easts Rugby Club will take all reasonable steps to ensure that club players, officials, parents and supporters do not act in a manner detrimental towards Easts Rugby Club, the game or the spirit of rugby union.
3. During the course of or after a match, a club member, player, coach, official, supporter or any other person associated with Easts Rugby Club, shall not abuse or address a referee or a touch judge in insulting terms, nor act in an intimidating manner towards a referee or a touch judge.

NON-COMPLIANCE

Members who breach the Easts Rugby Code of Conduct may be contacted at any time by a committee member and asked to attend a special committee meeting where disciplinary action may be taken.

Administrator

• I will provide opportunities for players to be involved in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision-making related to their activity.
• I will create pathways for players to participate not just as a player but also as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
• I will ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of players.
• I will ensure quality supervision and instruction for players.
• I will remember that players participate for their enjoyment and benefit. I will not over emphasise awards.
• I will help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help to improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
• I will ensure that everyone involved in sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
• I will distribute a code of conduct to players, coaches, officials and parents and encourage them to follow it.
• I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
• I will not allow the unlawful supply of alcohol at training, games or club functions.
• I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials or spectators.
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Official

• I will place the safety and welfare of players above all else.
• I will show concern and caution towards sick and injured players.
• I will give all players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• I will be impartial, consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
• I will accept responsibility for my actions and decisions.
• I will condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for the individuality of players.
• I will avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of interest.
• I will be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance and ensure my comments are positive and supportive.
• I will be a good sport as I understand that actions speak louder than words.
• I will always respect, remain loyal to and support other officials.
• I will keep up to date with the latest ‘Laws of the Game’, trends and principles of their application.
• I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards players or other officials.
• I will refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards players or other officials.
• I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Coach

• I will remember that players participate for enjoyment and winning is only part of the fun.
• I will never ridicule or yell at players for making a mistake or not winning.
• I will be reasonable in my demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
• I will operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach my players to do the same.
• I will ensure that the time players spend with me is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
• I will avoid overplaying the talented players and understand that the average players need and deserve equal time.
• I will not use bad language nor will I harass players, officials, spectators or other coaches.
• I will ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
• I will display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport including opponents, referees, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators. I will encourage my players to do the same.
• I will show concern and caution toward sick and injured players and follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• I will obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.
• I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
• I will not allow the unlawful supply of alcohol at training, games or club functions.
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Player

• I will always play by the rules.
• I will never argue with an official. If I disagree with a decision I will inform the captain, coach or manager during a break or after the competition.
• I will control my temper. I understand that verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players and deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
• I will work equally hard for myself and/or my team.
• I will be a good sport and applaud all good plays whether they are made by my team or the opposition.
• I will treat all players in my sport as I like to be treated.
• I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• I will cooperate with my coach, team mates and opponents.
• I will display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
• I will participate for my own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• I will thank the opposition and officials at the end of the game.

Parent

• I won’t pressure my child in any way – I know that this is their game not mine.
• I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials or other spectators.
• I will encourage my child to play within the rules and respect officials’ and coaches’ decisions – no matter what.
• I will teach my child to respect the efforts of their opponents.
• I will remember that children learn best by example so I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
• I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
• I will focus on my child’s efforts and performance – not the score.
• I will thank the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to conduct the event for my child.
• I will help when asked by a coach or official.
• I won’t criticise or ridicule my child’s performance after the game.
• I will not arrive at the venue intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Spectator

• I will be on my best behaviour and will not use profane language or harass players, coaches or referees.
• I will applaud good play by my own team and the visiting team.
• I will show respect for my own team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• I will never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game.
• I will condemn the use of violence in all forms.
• I will respect the referee’s decisions. If there is any concern about a referee’s decision or any other aspect of the game, it should be raised with the Club’s coach. Under no circumstances is the official’s honesty or judgement to be questioned in public.
• I will remember that sledging cannot be accepted in any way, shape or form.

A pdf version of the Code of Conduct can be downloaded by clicking here –> ESRUFC Code of Conduct