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