Codes of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

PLAYERS

PARENT/GUARDIANS/CARERS

SPECTATORS

FOR COACHES AND ASSISTANTS

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

INTRODUCTION

Rugby League Codes of Conduct

The guidelines in this section are designed to ensure that children and young people find enjoyment and satisfaction through participation in sport.

To make adults aware that children should play as children, not as small adults, and that children play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults and their ambitions.

That everybody has a responsibility to see 'fair play' - not only coaches, officials and administrators but players, parents and spectators in an effort to ensure high standards of sporting behaviour, that places the emphasis firmly on fun, friendly competition and individual fulfilment. Back to top

PLAYERS

Be a good sport


Treat all players as you would like to be treated


Don't bully or take unfair advantage of another player


Control your temper - no shouting


Never argue with officials - let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions


Play by the rules


Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents, without them you do not have a game


Play for the fun of it - not just to please your coach or parents


Remember it isn't whether you win or lose - but how you play the game Back to top

PARENT/GUARDIANS/CARERS

Do not force an unwilling child to take part in sport


Children are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment - not yours


Encourage your child to always play by the rules


Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing in a competition


Teach your child that effort and team work are as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment


Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sport


Do not question publicly the judgement of officials and never their honesty


Recognise and value the importance of coaches - they give their time, energy and resources to provide guidance for your child Back to top

SPECTATORS

Children play organised sport for their OWN entertainment


Remember children at play are NOT professional entertainers


Never ridicule a child for making a mistake during a competition


Do not harass or swear at players, coaches or officials


Referee abuse will not be tolerated - the league may impose heavy fines or suspensions to clubs who are persistent in this


Respect the officials' decisions


Encourage children always to play by the rules


Condemn the use of violence in all forms


Players' safety is paramount - keep away from the touchlines Back to top

FOR COACHES AND ASSISTANTS

A properly qualified coach must lead all teams in the North West Counties Junior Rugby League Association. The minimum qualification required being a 'mod games coach'.

Any coach who is taking a team without necessary qualification must ensure that he is enrolled on the soonest possible coaching course to enable him to gain the qualification that will allow him to carry on with the fixtures in the Association. All coaches must be registered with BARLA.

The chief coach will have his name and 'phone number in the North West Counties handbook. The coach will make contact with the opposition for that week and arrange directions, times etc. They will make sure all players/parents know what is happening. At least one qualified coach must be present during training sessions and games. He will 'coach' the team, developing skills, team spirit, knowledge etc. The coach is in charge of team selection, tactics and any other game related areas.

The assistant coach is there to give assistance to the coach. They will attend when available and help out as much as possible as directed by the coach. They have a good knowledge of the game and can give valuable input. Back to top

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

Children play for fun and enjoyment. Winning is only part of this.

Never ridicule or shout at a child for making mistakes or losing games.

Avoid over playing the talented players. The average ones deserve equal time and attention.

Be reasonable in your demands on children's time, energy and enthusiasm -
remember they have other interests.

Teach children to respect the judgement of officials. Never criticise an official.

Teach your players the rules of the game.

Make a personal commitment to keep informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

Always group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.

Follow the advice of medical personnel when deciding if a player can return following an injury.

The successful coach invests more in the well-being and interests of players than in their own win/loss record.

All coaches must endeavour to field sides of equal strength to the opposition.

High score differences are to be discouraged

Coaches are expected to keep spectators away from the touchlines, try lines and the in-goal area. Back to top