About Rugby

Rugby is a game that was invented to teach young people how to be effective leaders and to build effective teams of people with different skills and abilities. Players are challenged to make good decisions while playing, to respect their team mates, the opposition, the laws, the officials and to play a hard, but fair game.

The spirit of Rugby is captured in the values as expressed by World Rugby in their introduction to Rugby.

• INTEGRITY - Integrity is central to the fabric of the Game and is generated through honesty and fair play

• PASSION - Rugby people have a passionate enthusiasm for the Game. Rugby generates excitement, emotional attachment and a sense of belonging to the global Rugby family

• SOLIDARITY - Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to lifelong friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences

• DISCIPLINE - Discipline is an integral part of the Game, both on and off the field, and is reflected through adherence to the Laws, the Regulations and Rugby’s core values

• RESPECT - Respect for team mates, opponents, match officials and those involved in the Game is paramount

World Wide, the Game of Rugby has always been conducted with these five values at the core, and can be seen by referees being referred to as “sir” or “madam”, captains shaking hands before kick off, teams forming tunnels and applauding the opposition from the field at the end of the match. On rare occasions where these standards are not met, Rugby Unions world wide implement disciplinary action against the offenders to ensure that high standards of conduct are maintained.

By joining a MYRO registered club or team, you are a representative of World Rugby, USA Rugby, USA Youth and High School Rugby and MYRO and are expected to hold yourself to Rugby’s values and code of conduct. As a member of a MYRO registered team you have committed to conduct yourself in accordance with this Code of Conduct at all training sessions, matches and tournaments.

For Everyone

Code of Conduct

• Respect the ‘Game of Rugby’

• Respect the referee, your team, the opposition and the coaches at all times

• Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition

• Abuse, in any form, of players, coaches, referees or other attendees will not be accepted in any shape of form.

For Players

Code of Conduct

• Play for enjoyment and being part of the rugby family

• Respect the ‘Game of Rugby’ and play within the Laws of the Game

• Accept the referee’s decision, always

• Your captain is the only person who should ask the referee any questions during the match

• Play with control. Do not lose your temper

• Always do your best and be committed to the game and your team

• Be a ‘good sport’. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition

• Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not ‘bully’, ‘trash talk’ or take advantage of any player

• Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach and teammates

• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good

• At the end of the match, thank your opponents and the referee for the match

• You are responsible for your opponents’ safety. Tackle hard, fairly and legally, do not play to hurt your opponent.

• Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility – lose with dignity.

• As part of the team, it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team.

• As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team!

• Remember you are representing your team, family, and the Game of Rugby.

• If you receive a card during a match, remember it was your decision that led to the card, and you alone have let your team down.

Discipline

Where it is necessary to discipline a player after the match, MYRO will appoint a Disciplinary Committee to investigate and where necessary, impose appropriate sanctions in line with the recommendations of the USA Rugby and World Rugby.

For Coaches

Code of Conduct

• Lead by example - you are your players’ role model. When you behave inappropriately, you teach them that that behavior is acceptable

• Be generous with your praise, never ridicule, shout at players for making mistakes or for losing a match.

• Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.

• Ensure that you are appropriately qualified by gaining the relevant coaching accreditation for your level.

• Be reasonable in your demands on young player's time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests.

• Avoid over-playing talented players. All players deserve equal playing time throughout the season.

• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment, and that winning is only part of it - you will influence their behavior for good or bad.

• Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the age and ability of players.

• Always demonstrate respect for the opposition as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches

• If you require clarification from the referee, save questions for after the match has completed

• Ensure medical advice is followed in the case of injury, regardless of how the player feels.

• Improve players through good coaching - frequent matches and long training sessions do not guarantee success.

• Remember that as a coach of an ‘age-grade team’ you are acting ‘in loco parentis’ and that you have a duty of care to all your players.

• Your players are a reflection of you, whether they play fairly or behave badly - it is important that you instill the core values of rugby in these players.

Discipline

Any breach by a coach of the code of conduct, or bringing the Game of Rugby in to disrepute could lead to suspension of the coach from MYRO sanctioned events and of their coaching credentials. In exceptional circumstances where behavior is deemed wholly unacceptable, or their behavior has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, MYRO reserves the right to ban the coach permanently.

For Parents, Guardians or other Family Members

Code of Conduct

Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.

• Encourage your child to always play by the Laws of the Game.

• Teach young children that honest endeavor is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.

• Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.

• Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.

• Never ridicule, humiliate, or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.

• Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.

• Support all efforts to remove ALL verbal & physical abuse from rugby.

• As a spectator, do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.

• Do not publicly question the referee’s judgment and never their honesty.

• Always let your coach know if your child has an injury or any form - there is no youth sport or match, worth a lifetime of impairment

• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer administrators, referees and coaches.

• Take the time to learn about rugby, qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.

• Understand the value of team sport and its importance.

Discipline

Any parent in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the game of Rugby in to disrepute may be asked to remove themselves from the training session/fixture immediately. Misconduct could lead to suspension and in exceptional circumstances, where the behavior is deemed by MYRO as wholly unacceptable or their behavior has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, MYRO reserves the right to permanently ban a parent/guardian from training and matches.

For Spectators

Anyone who is not officiating, playing or coaching at a training session or match

Code of Conduct

• Remember that although young people play organized rugby, they are not ‘miniature professional players’.

• Be on your best behavior and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players, or coaches.

• Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.

• Show respect for your team’s opponents, without them there would not be a match.

• Stay in appropriate spectator zones and never stray into the technical zones or onto the pitch.

• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.

• Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form.

• Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behavior.

• Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game.

• Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event, and all involved.

• Be proud of your team and the Game of Rugby

Discipline

Any spectator in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the game of Rugby in to disrepute may be asked to remove themselves from the training session/fixture immediately. Misconduct could lead to suspension and in exceptional circumstances, where the behavior is deemed by MYRO as wholly unacceptable or their behavior has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, MYRO reserves the right to permanently ban a spectator from training and matches.