Purpose

This code has been devised to provide guidance to all involved in Blackrock College Rugby Football Club (RFC) as to the standards of conduct, responsibilities and interactions that are expected in accordance with the values and mission of Blackrock College RFC, which throughout this document will be referred to as BCRFC. By abiding by this Conduct Policy, participants contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment that fosters teamwork, personal growth, and the enjoyment of the game. 

Blackrock College RFC is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all involved in club activities: players (past and present), players parents, coaches, officials, executive or other committee members, staff, volunteers, spectators, guests of a visiting sports club, and community supporters. BCRFC encourages best practice in the running of sport clubs through its commitment to providing an environment that demonstrates dignity and respect and understanding for members rights, safety and welfare. The achievement of best practice is reliant upon the adoption of this code by all involved in BCRFC. All those involved are expected to undertake, comply and encourage others compliance with the Code in all circumstances, at all times, and throughout each form of sport and physical recreation activity for which they are associated.  

 

General Conduct Expectations

BCRFC Participants1 are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the club, both on and off the field.  

• Respect all teammates, opponents, officials, supporters, and staff is paramount. Treat others with dignity and fairness, regardless of their background, race, gender, or ability. 

• Respect for international conventions on protecting human rights insofar as they apply to BCRFC’s sporting activities and which ensure in particular; 

• respect for human dignity. 

• rejection of discrimination of any kind on whatever grounds, be it race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. 

• rejection of all forms of harassment and abuse, be it physical, professional or sexual, and any physical or mental injuries. 

• promotion of equality of opportunity to access and participate in Blackrock College RFC. 

• Respect all property, facilities, equipment and capital in contact with BCRFC and other sports clubs while representing BCRFC. 

• Adhere to the rules and regulations of the rugby club, as well as local, national, and international rugby governing bodies. 

• Members are required to read, implement and comply with all policies and procedures.  

• All members are required to act with integrity and must never engage in fraudulent or dishonest activity at any time. 

Sportsmanship and Fair Play:  

• Emphasize sportsmanship, fair play, and integrity. Avoid any behaviour that may bring the club into disrepute or compromise the spirit of the game. 

• Accept decisions made by match officials with grace, regardless of personal opinions. Do not argue with officials, incite violence, or engage in disrespectful behaviour towards them. 

• Show respect for opponents, both during and after matches. Avoid any form of taunting, trash-talking, or aggressive behaviour that may incite conflict. 

• Respect for the sporting spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. 

• Respect for the principle of the universality and political neutrality of the sporting relations. 

• Maintaining harmonious relations with sports authorities, while respecting the principle of autonomy. 

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BCRFC Participants

All participants must use due care and diligence in fulfilling their mission. At all times, they must act with the highest degree of integrity, and particularly when taking decisions, they must act with impartiality, objectivity, independence and professionalism. They must not act in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of Blackrock College RFC. In particular:

• Sports club, alumni, coaches and spectator members must be conscious of the fact that they are represent BCRFC. Consequently, committee members must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.  

• Members of clubs must always act in the best interest of the club and the welfare of the members of the club.  

• Members must always act in a financially responsible manner and report any financial irregularities or risk.  

• When arranging hospitality or events with a cost greater than €500 pre-approval must be sought from the Chairman or Director of Rugby. No booking or contract may be signed for unless such approval has been granted.  

• Members of clubs, as per the national governing body of their sport, should adhere to the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code.  

• Participants must not, by any manner whatsoever, manipulate the course or result of a competition, or any part thereof, in a manner contrary to sporting ethics, infringe the principle of fair play or show unsporting conduct and must not interfere in the running of sports competitions.  

• Members must ensure that their behaviour and actions are conducive to an inclusive and respectful culture within their club.  

• Members must adhere to all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations during club activities, events, and trips. 

Dignity and Respect:

• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each person in their right to self- determination. Specifically, members must ensure to treat everyone equitably and sensitively within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, family status, political beliefs, age, disability, or socio-economic status. 

• Members should respect one another and expect respect for their worth regardless of their role within any sports club. 

• Members must act in a professional and courteous manner and must ensure their actions, words or gestures do not breach the protected areas covered under Equality Acts (protected areas covered are; gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community). 

• Members have a duty to foster a culture of dignity and respect and must not participate or encourage participation in mandatory or undignified initiation and/or hazing ceremonies. ​

Communications and Confidentiality:

The principle of confidentiality shall be respected by all those who this Code applies to, in all their related activities;  

• Members must keep and store securely all documentation with respect to meetings, correspondence, minutes of committee meeting, databases and financial reports. These documents should be stored in a manner that reflects the colleges GDPR policies and procedures.  

• Members of clubs must communicate effectively and accessibly with other club members through e-mail, noticeboards or the club’s website.  

• In the course of, or for the purpose of this agreement the member will acquire or have access to and will be entrusted with information which will be confidential to the club. It is the member’s duty to observe such confidentiality.  

Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Abuse:

• The use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol is strictly prohibited at all club-related events and activities.  

• Members must not participate in training or matches under the influence of drugs or alcohol that may impair their judgment, coordination, or ability to play safely. 

Social Media and Online Conduct:  

• Exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms or any form of online communication, ensuring that posts and comments align with the club's values.  

• Do not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or the spreading of offensive or defamatory content that may damage the club's reputation or harm others. 

Club Property and Facilities: 

• Treat all club physical and digital property, facilities, and equipment with care and respect. Any intentional damage or theft will result in disciplinary action and potential liability for the cost of repair or replacement. 

Abuse of Privilege:  

• Members will avoid the use of their position as a member of the committee to seek any undue advantage for themselves, family member or associates. 

Reporting Violations: 

• Encourage members to report any violations of this conduct policy promptly and confidentially to club officials or designated individuals, or confidentially to confidential@blackrockcollegerfc.ie. 

• The club will investigate all reported incidents in a fair and unbiased manner, ensuring the privacy and well-being of all parties involved. 

 

Breaches of the Code

For members who fail to abide by this code an investigation may take place, and which may result in disciplinary action. Where it is decided that a breach of this code of ethics or part thereof should be treated as a disciplinary matter, the following shall apply; 

• Penalties may include possible suspension or exclusion from the club committee and/or activities, removal of budget or fines issued to the club in questions, or suspension/exclusion from BCRFC or club facilities.  

• Additional awareness training or training and resources around changing in cultural attitudes may also be part of any procedure where an investigation has found any breach in this code.  

• All breaches of this code will be reviewed at the first instance by the Chairman in conjunction with the President. This will determine the severity of the breach as one of minor, medium or major; 

• Minor breaches will be dealt with by a group made up of the President and Chairman. 

• Major breaches will be dealt with by the Club Executive Committee in the following way; 

• Staff, Contractors - will be dealt with in accordance with Employment Legislation. 

• Others - (public members, supporters, volunteers) – will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Committee and the appropriate body (if applicable), for example, the national governing body of sport. 

Disciplinary Actions: 

• Any member found to be in violation of this conduct policy may face disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, or expulsion from the club, as determined by the club's disciplinary sub-committee.  

• Serious offenses such as physical violence, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or cheating may result in immediate and severe consequences, including permanent expulsion from the club. 

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Review  

• The Conduct Policy will be reviewed on annual basis by the Executive Committee. Observations and comments can be sent to confidential@blackrockcollegerfc.ie.