All Players must comply with the following codes of conduct and practice:
- Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administration in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment
- Always be respectful to match officials, coaches and all parents and spectators
- Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to your team, age group and club
- Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse and bullying
- Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should firstly speak with the Team Manager or Head coach for the relevant team
- Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parent
- Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
- Train regularly to meet the demands of the game
- Take responsibility for your own health and fitness
- Be on time and attentive for all training, coaching sessions and matches
- Work equally hard for themselves and their team – both will then benefit
- Recognise good play by all players
- Be a sportsman – win with dignity, lose with grace
- Play to the RFU Laws of the game and accept, without question, all referees’ decision even if they appear to make a mistake
- Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable
- Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player
- Promote the Club positively in all that you do
- Pay your Membership on time and in accordance with the requirements of the Club
- Always abide by the laws of the land and RFU regulations when engaged on any form of club activity
- 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.