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Code for Players

- Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.

- Respect the "Game of Rugby" and play within the laws of the Game.

- Accept the referee's decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.

- Play with control. Do not lose your temper.

- Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club.

- 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" or take advantage of any player.

- Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach; team mates and members of your club.

- 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.

- Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend 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, club, family and the Game of Rugby.

Code for Parents

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

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

- Teach young children that honest endeavour 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 verbal and physical abuse from rugby.

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

- Do not publicly question the referees' judgement and never their honesty.

- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches.

- Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.

- Remember you and your child's contribution to the Game of Rugby is very important to the IRFU and be proud of your contribution.

- Understand the value of team sport and the importance there of.

Code for Coaches

- Remember that as a coach of an "age grade team" you are to act in "loco parentis" and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.

- Lead by example - young people need a coach whom they respect.

- Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match.

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

- Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities.

- Be reasonable in your demands on the players' time, energy and enthusiasm.

- Ensure that all players participate in matches. The "average" players require and deserve equal time.

- Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.

-Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.

- Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.

- Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.

- Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult-like competitions.

- Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.

- Do not over burden younger players with too much information.

- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people.

- Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.

- Never criticise the referee and touch judges during or after a match in front of players or spectators.

- Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.

- Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

- Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.

- Be responsible and ensure you uphold the ethos of the game and the IRFU.

- Attend coaching courses.

- Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport.

- Ensure you and your players are proud of your team, club and efforts during the season.

Code for Spectators

- Remember that although young people play organised rugby they are not "miniature internationals".

- Be on your best behaviour 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.

- 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 behaviour.

- 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 club and the Game of Rugby.

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