Code of conduct
Who does it apply too?
This Code applies to all Participants involved with the Game and at Vikings Juniors, including:
- Members, including life members – Parents, guardians, and spectators
- Coaches and assistant coaches;
- Managers, First-Aiders and other Volunteers
- Players
- Referees and other officials
The Code is designed;
- To return the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction to ACT Junior Rugby Union (ACTJRU)
- To make adults aware that young people play sport to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group;
- To improve the physical fitness of youth by making participation in rugby attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people;
- To constantly remind administrators, coaches, referees and parents that rugby must be administered, taught and provided for the good of those young people who wish to play the game – it’s their game!
COACHES CODE
- You have the responsibility for your team and its supporters – exercise it.
- Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time and energy.
- Remember players have other interests and demands on their time, especially as they get older; schoolwork, jobs, other sport and girlfriends/boyfriends.
- Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual – no-one should evade or break them.
- Ensure all players get a game and adequate game time. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time. Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Less skilled players will greatly benefit form more game time!
- Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game.
- The timing and length of training should consider the maturity level of the players.
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as the judgment of referees & opposing coaches.
- Remember, young people need a coach that they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles of growth and development of young people.
- Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
- Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
- Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship.
- Ensure efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded by praise.
TEAM MANAGERS CODE
- Provide administrative assistance to the Coach and Team.
- Check eligibility of players for your team, including requirements set out in the ACTJRU Rules of Competition.
- Assist the Coach to ensure all players get a game and equal game time the ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time. Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Less skilled players will greatly benefit form more game time!
- Set a good example by personal good behaviour.
- Encourage parents to take an active interest in the Team.
- Encourage parents and supporters to talk to opposition spectators in a friendly and welcoming way.
- Encourage supporters to praise good play by both teams.
- “Insist on fair play”; do not tolerate foul language or abuse of opposition/officials by Vikings Parents and Supporters.
- Discourage supporters from excessive or disparaging barracking.
- Be fully informed of Rugby requirements and matters affecting your team.
- Look after injured players on sideline and check on day after and week after as necessary.
- Sledging is not accepted in any form. Players and officials are not fair game
PLAYERS CODE…
- Play for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach.
- Play the laws of the game of ACTJRU and Rugby Australia.
- Never argue with the referee’s decisions. Let your captain ask any necessary questions.
- Control your temper – no mouthing off
- Work equally hard for yourself, your coach and for your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
- Be a good sport applaud ALL good play, whether by your team or your opponent.
- Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
SPECTATORS CODE
- Remember, young people play organised sport for their own enjoyment… not for your entertainment – aren’t miniature Brumbies or Wallabies.
- Set a good example for fair-play and sportsmanship. Be on your best behaviour. Do not use profane language or harass players, coaches or referees.
- Applaud good play by your own team and by the opposing team.
- Show respect for your teams’ opponents.
- Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a game.
- Condemn and discourage the use of violence.
- Respect the referee’s decisions.
- Encourage players to play according to the laws of the game.
- Sledging is not accepted in any form. Players and officials are not fair game
VIKINGS ZERO TOLERANCE TO ABUSE
Our club and community expect respectful behaviour both on and off the field. Viking Juniors we always expect all involved to uphold Rugby and Vikings Juniors Core Values.
We want our kids to focus on playing sport in a safe, fun and friendly team environment. As such Viking Juniors supports the ACTJRU, Rugby Australia and the ACT Referees Association with their stance of ZERO tolerance to referee abuse along with failure to uphold and demonstrate the Code of Conduct by all involved with Viking Juniors.
Junior Rugby is the training ground for referees as well as players. The ACT Rugby Referees Association http://www.actrra.org.au provides referees to adjudicate over older age group games and on most occasions U7-U9s. Where a referee cannot be provided it is the responsibility of the Home Team to provide a referee. The Brumbies offer to all clubs training to become accredited referees for Kids Rugby (U7-U12s) via the Refereeing Kids Rugby course.
Referees are volunteers who are doing their best to support the development and operation of junior rugby.
