• Play to the laws of the game and accept the referee’s decisions.
• Control your temper - you and your team will benefit.
• Participate for the ‘fun’ of it, not to please your parents or coach.
• Recognize all good play, whether by your team or by your opponents - be a good sport.
• Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated.
• As well as enjoyment the aims of the game are to improve your skills and feel good.
• Co-operate with your coach, referee, team & opponents; without them there’s no game.
• Work hard for yourself & your team - your team’s performance & your own will benefit.

• Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests / commitments.
• Teach your players that the laws of the game should not be broken.
• Avoid over-playing talented players. Players deserve equal playing time thro the season.
• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it – you’ll influence their behaviour for good or bad. Never ridicule or yell at players.
• Ensure equipment & facilities are safe and appropriate to the age and ability of players.
• Develop team respect for the opposition as well as for the judgement of officials.
• Ensure medical advice is followed in the case of injury - regardless of how the player feels.
• Gain respect with praise where deserved and set a good example in every way.
• Improve players through good coaching - frequent matches and long training sessions do not guarantee success.
• Make a commitment to keep up to date with sound coaching principles and attend education sessions where possible.

• Behave and dress at all times in a manner becoming your responsibility.
• Know the laws and regulations and apply them to match the skill of the players.
• Vary the tone of your whistle to seek control of the game with enjoyment.
• Play advantage whenever possible to allow the game to flow. Ensure you are fit. Keep up with play. Be at the right place at the right time to make the right decision.
• Explain your decisions - be consistent, objective and courteous.
• Penalise deliberate foul play as being unsporting, thus helping retain the players’ respect for fair play.
• Complement players on good play whenever praise is deserved. Always complement both teams at the end of the match.
• Keep yourself informed of all law changes affecting the game.
• Join your county Referees’ Society and become a qualified referee.
• Understand what makes players ‘tick’.

• Foster enthusiastic participation – don’t force an unwilling child to play rugby.
• Educate your child to play by the laws of the game.
• Instill in children an understanding and enjoyment of the value of coaching.
• Acknowledge the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They freely give their time and resources to provide rugby for children.
• Recognize that children play rugby for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature internationals!
• Emphasize respect for referees – don’t question the referees honesty or decision-making.
• Encourage a child who has made a mistake during a game - never ridicule.
• Applaud good play by your team & by the opposing team - children learn best by example.
• Teach children that honest effort is as important as victory so that defeat is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Condemn bad behaviour & bad language.
• Try not to shout continually and ‘at’ children - shout occasionally, and ‘for’ them.

• Support your club in a friendly and encouraging manner; enjoy the match.
• Do not encroach into the playing area.
• Verbal abuse of players and match officials is not acceptable; friendly banter is to be encouraged!
• Try not to litter the pitch side area. "Leave nothing but footprints."

Page last updated : 1.6.2010