BERFC Expected Codes of Conduct

Players Code

• Play for fun
• Play by the rules
• Do NOT argue with the referee
• Control your temper
• Never give up
• Be a good sport
• Be fair
• Improve your skill
• Don't be selfish
• Don't show off
• Listen to your coach

Coach's Code
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All coaches must:

• Be reasonable
• Teach them to play by the Rules/Laws
• Avoid mismatches
• Don't favour your best players
• Never condemn
• Being coached should be fun too
• Get the right equipment and facilities
• Give your voice a rest
• Be generous with praise
• Good coaching means they run with the ball
• Doctor knows best
• It's your players who matter - not their won/lost record
• To be aware of and meet the requirements of the RFU code of conduct, where not in conflict with the above

Code for Parents and Spectators

• Never force a child to play rugby
• Always remember children play rugby for THEIR enjoyment- not yours
• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
• Teach your child that victory isn’t everything and help your child to recognise good performance.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Applaud good play – by all teams and players competing.
• Encourage your child to improve skills through coaching.
• Stay off the pitch at all times.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
• Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.
• Be a PROUD parent – Not a LOUD parent.

Code for Club Officials & Volunteers
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All volunteers must:

• Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club.
• Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances.

Any child who suffers from concussion during a game will not be allowed to play for 1 month, and then only with his/her Doctors consent

Parents must make sure that their coach is informed if he/she has any medical problems