The Good Players Code
Young players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual.
In Rugby Union young players are encouraged to:
- Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
- Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.
- Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
- Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.
In Rugby Union, as a young player, you should:
- Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
- Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment is the most important parts of the game.
- Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions.
- Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit.
- Recognise good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents.
- Be a sportsman - win or lose.
- Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's decisions.
- Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents, or match officials IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
- Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
