The young player's welfare is paramount.

• All young players whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a young player for the purposes of this statement.

Working in partnership with young players and their parents/guardians is essential for the protection of young players. The members of the RFU and RFUW recognise the statutory responsibility of the Social Services Department to ensure the welfare of children and are committed to working together with local Area Child Protection Committees (ACPC) and to complying with their procedures.

Coaches' Code of Conduct

Any coach working with young players within Handsworth RUFC is part of a structure that has many stakeholders, and as such he/she has responsibilities to all of them.

This code has been written to remind or inform coaches of those responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them. Each season every coach active in the sections will be called on to warrant that they have read, understood and intend to abide by this code.

Players

1. Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment, most learning is achieved through this.
2. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
3. Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not tests.
4. Rugby is for everyone. Handsworth RUFC is for everyone. Do not rely on "star" players and never make any player feel like a "make weight". Share game time and your time in practice sessions equally.
5. Never ridicule a player. Never belittle a player. Always make every player valued.
6. Find out what makes each player tick. Know about their family background and other interests. Be able to spot and then explain changes in their behaviour.
7. Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group you work with.

Rugby Union

1. Rugby is a potentially dangerous game that relies on every participant playing it in the spirit of mutual respect. Teach the players you work with the meaning of "fair play" and set them a good example. Rugby can be played "hard" yet fairly.
2. Rugby works best when sides are evenly matched. Insist on mixing and matching ill matched teams.
3. Understand the (Rugby) Continuum and abide by it to the letter. The Continuum is part of the Laws of the Game.
4. Learn the Laws and learn to Referee.
5. Respect all referees and their decisions, ensuring players recognise they must do the same.
6. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during coaching sessions and matches.

Coaching

When you call yourself a coach you apply to join an elite; when others call you a coach you have achieved membership. You owe it to yourself and all other coaches to behave as a coach:

• Always look and act like a coach.
• Start and finish on time.
• Plan your season.
• Plan your sessions.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during your sessions.
• Do not smoke when you are working.

To be a good coach, you need up to date information on coaching issues and rugby issues. Stay in touch (for example, with other coaches). Share good practice.

            You are responsible for the safety of the players you work with:

• a) Mark out a safe work area and keep it safe. Make sure equipment is in good repair and safe.
• b) Never "join in" with contact drills and games. You are (likely) too big and too hard and you will break them!
• c) Never allow a player to train or play if they are injured. Refer injured players to their doctor, or better still a sports injury clinic.

 

Do not put yourself in a position where you could be suspected of, or accused of, physical or sexual abuse of any child associated with the club. Use a separate changing room from players, never be alone with individuals behind closed doors and never "get in the showers with the players".

Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage all players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. We are there to play and enjoy playing, nothing more, nothing less.

Players guide of conduct

Players are encouraged to:

• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents and match officials in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and your team mates.
• Recognise that every young players has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
• Understand that if as an individual you feel you are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have the right to tell an adult either at Handsworth RUFC or outside of the game.

Players Should:

• Play because you want to, not to please others.
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important elements of the game.
• Be attentive at all coaching sessions.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - both will benefit.
• Recognise good play by all players.
• Be a sportsman - win or lose.
• Play to the laws of the game, accept without question all referees decisions.
• Control you emotions. Verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable.
• Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with or bully or take advantage of any player.

The Good Spectator Guide

Spectators are encouraged to:

• Act as positive role models to all young players.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
• Respect Handsworth RUFC with regard to spectator behaviour.

Spectators should:

• Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.
• Acknowledge good individual and team performances from all teams.
• Respect match officials decisions.
• Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches.
• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the "win at all costs" ethic.
• Verbally encourage all players in a positive way.
• Encourage all young players regardless of their ability.