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Codes of Conduct

Coach Code of Conduct

As a Railway coach, I agree to:

  • Remember that I am acting “in loco parentis” and that I have a duty of care to all my players
  • Lead by example and be a role model – children and young people need a coach they can respect
  • Be generous with my praise and never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match
  • Teach my players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break
  • Ensure that I am appropriately qualified by gaining the relevant coaching accreditation for my particular level
  • Be reasonable in my demands on the players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
  • Encourage respect for all participants – team mates and opponents, as well as match officials
  • Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play
  • Always follow professional medical advice in determining when an injured player is ready to play again
  • Develop policies for my club or team to agree procedures regarding discipline, injury prevention and treatment, team selection, etc
  • Be responsible and ensure I uphold the values of Railway and the ethos of the game and the IRFU
  • Support the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and all policies regarding Children in Sport

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent of a child playing in Railway, I agree to:

  • Remember that children and young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only mine
  • Encourage my child always to play by the Laws of the Game
  • Teach children and young people that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment
  • Help children and young people 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 players for making a mistake or losing a match
  • Not place emphasis on winning at all costs
  • Not force an unwilling child or young person to participate in the playing of rugby – if they are to play, he/she will do so in good time through my encouragement
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby
  • Not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players
  • Not publicly question the referee’s 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 that I and my child’s contribution to the Game of Rugby are very important to the IRFU and to Railway and be proud of my contribution
  • Understand the value of team sport and its importance

Spectator Code of Conduct

As a spectator of an age-grade team in Railway, I agree to:

  • Remember that although children and young people play organised rugby they are not “miniature internationals”
  • Be on my best behaviour and lead by example, not using profane language or harassing referees, players or coaches
  • Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as by Railway
  • Show respect for Railway’s opponents, for without them there would not be a match
  • Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity
  • That verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form
  • That players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour
  • Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game
  • To contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved
  • Be proud of Railway and the Game of Rugby

Referee Code of Conduct

As a referee of an age-grade team in Railway, I agree to:

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and young person and treat everyone equally, regardless of gender, disability, ethnic origin, religion, etc
  • Be a member of the Leinster Branch Referees Association (youth 15-a-side) or have attended mini rugby referees coaching courses
  • Act as a role model and promote the positive aspects of rugby and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct
  • Be responsible for monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with players
  • Avoid being alone with underage persons
  • Never deal with injuries unless qualified to do so
  • Encourage coaches and parents to act responsibly and to be responsible for the behaviour and performance of players
  • Ensure that safety is paramount in all games
  • Follow agreed protocols regarding shower arrangements after matches
  • Agree appropriate times for entry to changing rooms to deal with match preparation and ensure members of the team management are present
  • Be punctual, prepared and well presented
  • Ensure players and officials comply with the Laws of the Game
  • Never criticise individual players and or coaches or parents
  • Adhere to all rules and procedures as agreed by the Leinster Branch Referees Association