Policies and procedures

Coaches codes of conduct

Coaches of players should comply with the following standards and requirements:

  • Comply with the RFU Codes of Practice
  • Recognise the importance of enjoyment and treat all players fairly when coaching
  • Represent the club in a positive manner
  • Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury
  • Ensure the safe and proper supervision of young players, on and off the field
  • Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand
  • Understand that most learning is achieved through doing
  • Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport
  • Be a positive role model
  • Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances
  • Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same
  • Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches
  • Provide rugby experiences that are matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development
  • Never allow a player to train or play when injured
  • Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field
  • Not to purchase alcohol or tobacco for juniors and to actively discourage the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and unlawful drugs by their junior players
  • Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy
  • Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad
  • Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union
  • Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and be fully conversant with the laws that are relevant to the age group being coached
  • Display good organisational and time keeping skills
  • Abide by the laws of the land and the RFU regulations
  • Any use of social media and all comments regarding the Old Patesians RFC, its coaches, players, supporters and volunteers should at all times be respectful, encouraging and appropriate