The expectations of behaviour guidelines are a simple outline for parents/spectators, managers/officials, coaches and players to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to maximise their enjoyment of the game. Rugby has always been a game that prides itself on fair play and enjoyment for all, so please adhere to these guidelines to ensure this continues.
Players:
- Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents, teachers or coach.
- Play by the Laws of the game.
- Never argue with the referee’s decision. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions.
- Control your temper – no “mouthing off.”
- Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all the good play, whether it is done by your team or your opponent.
- Shake hands with all the opposing team at the conclusion of the match, and clap them off in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
- Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.
- Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
- Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
- Cooperate with your coach, manager, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you do not have a game.
Parents / Spectators:
- Remember that young people are involved in rugby for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to play by the Laws of the game.
- Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Remember that young people learn best from example. Applaud good play from both teams.
- Do not publicly question the referee’s judgement and never his/her honesty.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.
- Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give their time and resources to provide a game for young participants.
Coaches / Managers
- Be reasonable in your demands on the young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Teach your players the Laws of the game and form them to play within the Laws.
- Ensure that all players get a game. The “just average” players need and deserve equal time.
- Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it. Never ridicule or admonish the players for making errors or losing a game.
- Be professional and accept responsibilities for your actions.
- Display high standards in language, behaviour, manner, dress, punctuality and preparation.
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as the judgements of referees and opposing coaches.
- Discourage excessive talk on the field.
- Insist on a disciplined approach by the players.
All Manly Roos Rugby coaches / players / parents / officials are requested to read the above and ensure that all involved in Manly Roos Rugby uphold the above guidelines and that they are followed at all times on and off the field at training before and after games.
Any verbal and/or physical abuse by any Manly Roos Rugby parent / official / players / supporters of any other parent / official / players / supported, whether from the Roos Club or from any other Club, cannot be tolerated and disciplinary action may be taken.
These guidelines have been developed to:
- Maintain the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction in Rugby.
- Make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults of members of their own peer group.
- Improve physical fitness of youth by encouraging participation in Rugby by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people.
- Constantly remind administrators, coaches, managers, referees and parents that Rugby must be administered, taught and provided, for the good of those young people who wish to play the game. It is their game.
If we all follow the above guidelines, the great game of Rugby will be continued to be enjoyed by the next generation of players and parents, so let’s all encourage these guidelines at Manly Roos Rugby.
