Code 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