As the kick off to the new season is fast approaching it is important that we take time to refresh ourselves with the club policy on behaviour for players, coaches and supporters.

Falkirk Rugby have always prided ourselves on being passionate about the game, whether it is through playing or supporting our many teams and this will never change. As a club, win or lose, we must continue to lead the way, setting the example and showing the officials and our opponents the respect that they deserve, please take time to refresh yourself with the clubs Code of Conduct.

COACHES

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat everyone equally within the context of our sport.
• Coaches must place the well being and safety of the player above the development of performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by the Scottish Rugby Union (“the SRU”) and be registered on the SRU coaches’ database.
• Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with players based on mutual trust and respect. Coaches must not exert any undue influence to gain any personal benefit or reward.
• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Coaches must ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the player.
• Coaches should at the outset clarify with players (and where appropriate junior players parents) exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect of their coaches.
• Coaches should co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, physiotherapists, club officials’ etc.) in the best interest of player.
• Coaches should always advocate the positive aspects of Rugby and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
• Coaches must respect a player’s right to his or her own personal development, independence and self-determination.
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour.
• Coaches must be prepared to complete Falkirk Rugby club’s "Coach Registration Form” and follow the procedures laid down by the Club.
• Coaches must demonstrate high standards of esteem and dignity towards match officials at all times and always respect their decisions.
• Coaches may speak to match officials at half time or at the end of a match to seek clarification on any matters that arise within the game in a respectful and dignified manner.

PLAYERS

• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to your team mates, coaches and club.
• Recognise that every 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 players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to speak with the Director or Rugby or the Committee
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are important parts of the game. throughout all our teams
• Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - both will then benefit.
• Recognise good play by all players on your team
• Be a sportsman - win or lose.
• Play to the Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees' 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 advantage of any player.

JUNIOR PARENTS

• Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that you can ensure that your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
• Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your child participates.
• Always treat coaches, officials, players, spectators and other parents not matter what team with respect and dignity.
• Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the junior or youth players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters to away games.
• Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.
• Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code. In particular: Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues.
• Remember that juniors and youth players, play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
• Encourage junior and youth players to play - do not force them. Focus on the junior or youth players' efforts, rather than winning or losing.
• Be realistic about the junior or youth players' abilities; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
• Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the junior and youth players' and referee's performance and attitude.
• Always support the rugby club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game. Remember junior and youth players learn much by example.
• Always show appreciation of good play by all junior or youth players both from your own club and the opposition. Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young players to do likewise.

SPECTATORS

• Act in a positive manner towards players, no matter which team you are supporting.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the SRU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
• Respect the rugby club with regard to spectator behaviour.
• Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all junior or youth players irrespective of the team for whom they play.
• Respect match officials' decisions. Remember - they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
• Never verbally abuse players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches, such behaviour can create a negative environment for junior or youth players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the ‘win at all costs' ethic for junior players
• Verbally encourage all junior or youth players in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is ‘for', not ‘at' the players.
• Encourage all junior and youth players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team for whom they play.

Be proud of your club

Your actions reflect on you and your club – make sure they are positive ones