Shrewsbury Rugby Club
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Codes of Conduct
Referee by the Laws - explain decisions
clearly and concisely.
Never argue with players, coaches or spectators - it delays the game and reduces your credibility.
Encourage good play by preventative refereeing - warn players to avoid a penalty situation.
Recognise players' abilities - understand what they are trying to achieve.
Don't intimidate players - be in command of your voice and actions.
Training medical assistance is to be encouraged - identify who and where it is before kick-off.
Hold a pre-match briefing with both sides - include captains and coaches and players to establish timing, substitutes and expected standards of behaviour.
Talk to players, coaches and parents after the game - some of them might learn something from you.
Accept constructive criticism - you might learn from them!
Refereeing is fun - smile and enjoy the experience
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Play for fun - not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the Laws - no laws, no game. Don't cheat.
Don't argue with the referee - he won't change his decision and he might penalise your team again for arguing.
Control your temper - and your mouth.
Never give up - the game's not lost until it's over.
Be fair - Don't chuck your weight about.
Improve your skill - you'll play better and feel better.
Don't be selfish - co-operate with your team, the referee and your opponents. Without them, you have no game.
Don't show off - even when you've scored.
Be a good sport - recognise good rugby even when it comes from the other team.
Winning is important but losing is not a disaster - providing you tried your best.
Applaud your opponents at the end of the game and thank the officials.
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Code for Coaches
Be reasonable - rugby may be your whole life but players have other interests. Don't demand too much.
Teach them to play by the Laws - and accept the referee's decision. That's what both teams have agreed to do and anything else is unfair.
Avoid mismatches - even in the same age group, one player may be twice as big or strong as another. Use common sense - don't expose players to risk when they haven't been adequately trained or coached.
Don't favour your best players - it's tempting always to play your aces but every player deserves your attention.
Be generous with praise - when it's deserved. Never condemn a player for making a mistake. If you must criticise, be positive (telling a player he's terrible is no way to help him improve). Smile! Enjoy yourself - that's what rugby is about - fun.
Coaching should be fun for all - in practice sessions, don't overwork your players. Don't coach them longer or harder than they can take.
Good coaching means they run with the ball - don't make them stand and listen to you. Minimise your chat and maximise their activity.
Get the right equipment and facilities - be sure they are suitable for your players' age and ability.
Doctor knows best - when a player's been injured, follow medical advice about when he's ready to play gain.
It's your players who matter not their won / lost record - invest your time in their well-being. Keep yourself informed on the principles of sound coaching. Understand the way children grow and develop. Remember - they're not tiny adults. They need special treatment.
Stay off the pitch - expect in an emergency.
Child Protection - please enforce your Club policy.
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Never force a child to play rugby.
Always remember that children play rugby for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage your child to play by the Laws. Make it clear that cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the laws.
Teach your child that victory isn't everything - playing as well as they can is just as important. On any day, no more than half the teams can win, so defeat is no disgrace.
Never yell at a player for making a mistake. Never sneer or use sarcasm - you'll make the player feel like a total failure. Remember they're not playing for your benefit.
Applaud good play - by either team. Back up the referee - don't publicly question his fairness or ability. Children learn best by example so set a good one.
Encourage your child to improve his skills through coaching.
Stay off the pitch - players and referees are entitled to be there. Referees have worked hard to earn their qualifications. If you want to get involved in rugby, join them and learn how. Otherwise - don't interfere.
Doctor knows best - when a player's been injured, follow medical advice about when he's ready to play again.
Don't abuse anyone - especially the referee. Like the coaches, he is a volunteer and unpaid. He has given up his spare time. If you abuse him, he might not return and how can your child play rugby without a referee?
Child Protection - please make yourself
aware of your Club policy