MULLINGAR RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
BUILDING A COMMUNITY SINCE 1925.
MULLINGAR RFC CODES OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT
AGE GRADE PLAYERS
- Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.
- Respect the Game of Rugby and play within the Laws of the Game.
- Accept the referees decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.
- Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
- Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition.
- Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not bully or take advantage of any player.
- Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach; team-mates and members of your club.
- Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
- At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
- Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
- Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility lose with dignity.
- As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team.
- As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team!
- Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby.
PARENTS
- Remember, Age-Grade Players play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.
- Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.
- Teach Age-Grade Players that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
- Help Age-Grade Players to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
- Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
- Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at Age-Grade Players for making a mistake or losing a match.
- Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal & physical abuse from rugby.
- As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or Age-Grade Players.
- Do not publicly question the referees judgement and never their honesty.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches.
- Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.
- Remember you and your child's contribution to the Game of Rugby is very important to the IRFU and be proud of your contribution.
- Understand the value of team sport and its importance.
SPECTATORS
- Remember that although Age-Grade Players play organised rugby they are not miniature internationals.
- Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches.
- Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.
- Show respect for your teams opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
- Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
- Verbal abuse of Age-Grade Players or Sports Leaders cannot be accepted in any shape of form.
- Age-Grade Players or Sports Leaders are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.
- Encourage Age-Grade Player to play by the Laws of the Game.
- Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.
- Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby.
SPORTS LEADERS
(COACH/MANAGER)
- Be positive during sessions and competitions, praise and encourage effort as well as results.
- Put welfare of Age-Grade Player first, strike a balance between this and winning / results.
- Encourage fair play and treat Age-Grade Players equally.
- Recognise developmental needs, ensuring activities are appropriate for the individual.
- Plan and prepare appropriately.
- Have experience relevant to working with young people or hold up-to-date qualifications and be committed to the guidelines in the IRFU Safeguarding Policy.
- Involve parents where possible and inform parents when problems arise
- Keep a record of attendance at training and competitions.
- Keep a brief record of injury(s) and action taken.
- Keep a brief record of problem/action/outcomes, if behavioural problems arise.
- Report any concerns in accordance with this Policy's reporting procedures.
- Remember that as a Sports Leader of an Age- Grade team you are acting in loco parentis and that you have a duty of care to all your Age- Grade Players.
- Always follow professional medical advice in determining when an injured Age-Grade Player is ready to play again.
- Adhere to policies for your club / team to agree procedures regarding discipline, injury prevention & treatment, team selection etc.
- Be reasonable in your demands on the Age- Grade Players time, energy and enthusiasm.
Where Possible I should avoid:
- Spending excessive amounts of time with Age-Grade Players away from others.
- Taking sessions alone.
- Constant communication with individual Age- Grade Players by mobile phone or email or social media forums.
- Taking Age-Grade Players to my home and or Taking Age-Grade Players on journeys alone in my car.
REFEREES
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every Age-Grade Player and treat everyone equally, regardless of gender, disability, ethnic origin, religion, etc.
- Put welfare of Age-Grade Player first.
- Encourage fair play and ensure safety is paramount in all games.
- Facilitate the playing of the game through the correct application of the laws of the game.
- Plan and prepare appropriately, be punctual.
- Hold up-to-date referee qualifications and be committed to the guidelines in the IRFUâs Safeguarding Policy.
- Act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of rugby and maintain highest standards of personal conduct.
- Be responsible for monitoring boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with Age-Grade Players.
- Remain positive when dealing with Age-Grade players and/or coaches, parents and spectators.
- Manage disciplinary matters appropriately, report to the Branch when necessary.
- Follow agreed protocols regarding changing rooms.
Report any concerns in accordance with this Policy's reporting procedures, Section 4 of IRFU Safeguarding Policy AVAILABLE for download on the following LINK:
CHILD WELFARE OFFICER
CARMEL DALY Email - cdaly34@gmail.com
Mobile - 085 158 8838