This code was adopted at the AGM in the Spring of 2004

EFFINGHAM & LEATHERHEAD R.F.C.

CODE OF PRACTICE

 All members of the Club are expected to abide by the laws of the RFU (Rugby Football Union), Surrey RFU and the Rugby Club and to support or play in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play.

 In particular, members should not bring the good name of the Rugby Club or the game itself into disrepute

Players

Players are encouraged to:

             Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, match officials and administrators in providing
              them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to teammates.

Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment is the most important parts of the game.

Attend, participate and be attentive at all training/coaching sessions.

Attain levels of fitness commensurate with standard of rugby at you are playing

Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit.

Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents

Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's decisions.

Be a sportsman – win or lose.

Players must not:

             Feign injury to gain an advantage or otherwise

Play under the influence of drugs

Spectators

 Spectators are encouraged to:

             Acknowledge good individual and team performance and effort from all players irrespective of which team
             they play for

Respect match officials decisions. Never verbally abuse players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches

Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence

Remember – "It's only a game"

 Coaches

Coaches are encouraged to:

             Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week)
              and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.

Provide positive feedback, where possible, in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players during coaching and games.

Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment as well as winning

Ensure that players are coached in a safe environment

Never allow a player to train or play when injured

Develop an awareness of a healthy lifestyle including nutrition

Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy

 Administrators

 Administrators are encouraged to:

             Encourage an environment within the rugby club whereby the opportunity to play rugby is offered to
            all members

Encourage the concept of good sporting partnerships between players, club coaches, officials and spectators

Involve members in the decision making process, where appropriate.

Recognise that the rugby club has a "duty of care" towards all club members.

Provide coaches and referees with the opportunity to achieve governing body qualifications

Ensure that equipment and facilities are available for and appropriate to the requirements of the coaches and the needs of the players

Ensure matches are officiated by suitable, and preferably qualified, referees

Ensure that appropriate medical and first aid provision is always available.

 All Members

         Members must not:

             Cause or attempt to cause injury to any other player, official or spectator

Enter onto the field of play during a match except where asked to do so by the referee

Make an inflammatory remark or remarks to the referee, touch judges, or opposition supporters

Take property belonging to opponents or their Club or the public

Publicly criticise the referee

Engage in behaviour that is or is likely considered to be discriminatory for example by reference to age, ability, gender, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic background or race.

Behave in a way or behave in a way likely to cause offence, loss, injury or damage to any person, Club or organisation or their property while at or travelling to or from any Club or fixture.

 All members should accede to all reasonable requests of Committee members, or their nominees, made in pursuance of their responsibilities.

 The Club will discourage infringement of this code of practice by any member and in respect of any player, coach, administrator or member may hold an inquiry into any alleged breach, and suspend or expel from Membership any repeated or serious offender in accordance with the Rugby Club' Disciplinary Procedure and Clause 7.14 of the rules of the Rugby Club.