Players and coaches have clear guidelines to show what is expected of them. This is linked closely with the ‘CODE OF RUGBY' as defined by the RFU.

Player Code of Conduct

• Play for enjoyment.
• Play hard but fair.
• Play by the laws of the game.
• Be committed to your team. Attend all practices and matches.
• Never argue with the referee. Control your temper at all times.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good play whether by your team or your opponent.
• The goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.

Players need to be aware that they will only reach their potential as rugby players if they develop into well-rounded individuals.

Players need to train and prepare well to improve their individual skills and abilities to allow them to contribute well to team performance. The development of self-discipline is crucial and this needs to be applied in all areas of life. High standards should be achieved.

Players conduct should be of the very highest standard when representing South Shields.. The correct club playing kit should be worn for matches. A club tracksuit and polo top should be worn on fixture days. The referee, opposition coach, opponents and catering staff should always be thanked. Punctuality is vital when in a team environment so always aim to arrive just before given meeting times.

Enjoy playing for the club and with your teammates. Enjoy winning but not at all costs. Try to be humble in victory and accept defeat with good grace. Remember most importantly that you are more than a rugby player and do not judge yourself on what you achieve in this one area of your life. Leave the field of play with your honesty and integrity intact.

South Shields RFC has always upheld the best traditions of sportsmanship in playing the great game of Rugby. Our disciplinary record is excellent over the course of many years. However, in the world we live in it is clear to see that if a player acts in a manner outside of what Shields Rugby expects as normal level of vigorous play for a contact sport, such players can be held personally liable.

The Club therefore stresses that we do not condone in any way deliberate violent action, whether it is brought to a referee's attention or not.

Coach Code of Conduct

• Positively reinforce the actions of players.
• Lead by example.
• Be honest with yourself and players.
• Create an enjoyable environment in which to play the game.
• Develop team respect for referees.
• Give all players the opportunity to participate in the game
• Insist on fair play and discipline.
• Be reasonable on the demand on players' time, energy, enthusiasm.
• Encourage sportsmanship.

Team Selection

South Shields has a very experienced and well qualified group of coaches who aim to develop both players and teams to the highest level they can achieve. The club has achieved a great deal of success over the years with this aim. The coaching staff give up a great deal of time to allow this to happen and is always available to answer questions from the players about team selection. All players are made aware of this at the beginning of the season. The selection committee do not have to explain the selection to anybody outside the match day squad.

The most important issue is that the player is allowed to develop into a happy individual because he knows that he can cope with whatever life throws at him. It is obviously very disappointing not to make the team or not to be playing in his favourite position but the job of the coaching staff around him is to support and inform him, not to try to change the world for him.

Spectator Code of Conduct

• Applaud the performance of both teams.
• Be positive with the referee.
• Acknowledge the efforts of the referee.
• Let players play their game, not your game.
• Praise efforts, not results.
• Set an example for the players.

If you have any questions about this message please do not hesitate to contact the relevant South Shields Committee members, Chairman of Coaching Staff.

The Season ahead will be a really good one, with lots of good rugby to be played and hopefully some silverware to add to our trophy cabinet. We as a club would take this opportunity to wish everyone a great Season.