All Parents and carers are expected to comply with the following codes of conduct and practice:
- Be familiar with the coaching and training programme/methods in order that you can ensure your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability
- Pay the club membership fees for your child when requested
- Do not coach your child in matches or training
- Be involved with Club activities and share their expertise
- Share concerns, if they have them, with the Team Manager or Safeguarding Officer for the relevant team
- Encourage young people to play for their own enjoyment – do not force them
- Focus on the players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing
- Be realistic about the players’ abilities: do not push them towards a level they are not capable of achieving
- Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game to all players
- Respect all decisions made by officials and coaches. Do not criticise players, coaches, match officials or other parents and support the club in their efforts to eradicate this behaviour
- Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players, referee’s and coaches performance and attitude
- Always show appreciation of good play by all players from both their own Club and the opposition
- Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to be a mistake, and encourage players to do likewise
- Comply with the Old Patesians (Juniors) club ethos
- Always comply with 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
- RFU insurance is provided to member clubs which compensates for serious / life threatening or limiting injury to players, but all players are advised to put in place additional insurance to provide required medical support or income protection