News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Club's Code of Conduct

Club's Code of Conduct

John Roach5 Dec 2017 - 14:48
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.etonmanorrfc.com/n

Spectators Entering the Field of Play

Dear All,

The incidence of Coaches, Parents and Spectators intervening in issues relating to the discipline of children on the playing field is on the increase in general in our sport and it has been seen here at the ‘Manor’.

The RFU has a very clear stance on this matter which the club abides by and fully supports.
Discipline on the field of play is the responsibility of the players regardless of their age group.

Coaches, parents and spectators should and must promote good disciple amongst their players, sons and daughters at all times, both on and off the field. Penalising the lack of discipline on the field of play during a game, which contravenes the laws of game is the responsibility of the referee and no-one else.

Coaches, parents and spectators should not intervene and must not enter the field of play (go onto the pitch). Coaches/Physios/First Aiders may only enter the field of play when invited or with the permission of the referee and not before. No others should enter the field of play.

There should be absolutely No ‘physical intervention’ (physically handling) of any player by either a coach, team manager, parent or spectator, nor should you intervene physically if you are a coach, parent and/or a spectator in the role of a touch judge.

Unfortunately, there have been a couple of incidents, which has prompted this message.

Should there be a physical intervention, this becomes a Safeguarding issue for the club and there is a strong possibility that the parents of any player(s) involved will raise a complaint against the club, this will lead to an official review/investigation of the incident by the RFU, which can lead to various sanctions, some being very serious.

It is important to recognise that virtually all the referees at community level rugby are volunteers, who give up their time willingly, and (at our level of the game) without any financial reward. Mistakes can be made, they may have different interpretations of the laws, or indeed may vary in the art of refereeing the game. Some may not be of the calibre that the game requires. Regardless, referees should not be castigated for any perceived or actual deficiency.

Coaches, parents and spectators should be positive role models to all; they should respect the authority of all referees, and respect their decisions, and encourage others to do so.
It is totally inappropriate for any coach, parent or spectator to criticise or shout at a referee, either during or after the game; comments perceived by a referee to be abuse may and can be reported.

Coaches you have the opportunity after every game to approach the referee to discuss any rulings made during the game to gain an understanding of a decision or course of action taken by the referee. Parents and spectators, if you have something to ask, you should seek answers through the team coach(es). You should not challenge a referee directly.

Please remember, referees are there because they too enjoy and love this sport, and constant abuse and disrespect on and off the field, can make them give up the sport. Without referees, we would not have any games to play.

Regardless of the turn of events during a game, or the final score; coaches and team captains in the spirit and core values of our great game should be seeking out the referee and shaking his or her hand and saying thank you.

As a reminder to all…..

Coaches,
You are considered to be the ambassadors of our club whether playing at home or away and should know what is expected and should encourage the correct attitude of all those associated with Eton Manor who are standing on the side line.

Remind your players that they have a Code of Conduct to follow as players, and that they are responsible for their discipline on the field during the game.

Parents & Spectators,
You should be positive role models to all; you should respect opposition players, coaches, parents and spectators, and the authority of all referees, and respect their decisions, and encourage others to do so. It is totally inappropriate for any parent or spectator to criticise or shout at a referee, either during or after the game.

Comments perceived by a referee to be abuse can be reported bring the club into disrupt and disciplinary proceedings.

It is acknowledged and appreciated that we cannot always expect the same from visiting coaches, parents & spectators, and as such, we should and can only continue to lead by example. Please take some time to remind yourselves of the Club’s Codes of Conduct on the club website that are applicable to your role.

Please click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgi1ole4BB0&feature=youtu.be and listen to the message in the video. Its important !

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or Jo Tritton (Club Safeguarding Officer) (safeguarding@etonmanor.net)

Yours in Rugby

Richard McArdle

Deputy Youth Chairman

Further reading