The Coach’s Code
In rugby union, coaches of young players should:
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is achieved through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
• Be a positive role model – think what this implies.
• Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
• Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all young players, both during coaching sessions and games.

In rugby union, coaches of young players must:
• Provide experiences, which are matched to the young players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and mental development.
• Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
• Avoid the overplaying of the best players, by using a squad system, which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time
• Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
• Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field.
• Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
• Recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to drink alcohol.
• Ensure that your knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Play it Safe Booklet.

Important note: Coaches working with young players must be aware of the Under 15 and Under 19 law variations, including those that apply to cross border matches.
The Players Code
Players are encouraged to:
• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
• Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
• Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have a right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.
Players should:
• Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
• Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - both will then benefit.
• Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.
• Be a sportsman - win or lose.
• Play to the Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions.
• Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, or match officials is not acceptable.
• Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.
The Match Official’s Code
Match officials should:
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
• Provide positive verbal feedback, in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game.
• Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport.
• Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players.
• Be a positive role model. You set an example, and as such, comments you receive should be positive and supportive.
• Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in the Entry Level Referee Award or Referee Education Evenings.
Match officials must:
• Recognise that the safety of young players is paramount.
• Explain decisions - all young players are still learning.
• Always penalise foul play.
• Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
• Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.
• Be consistent and objective.
• Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Safeguarding policies and procedures.

The Good Spectator’s code
Young rugby players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of adults around them. In Rugby Union we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of fun, enjoyment and skill development.
In Rugby Union spectators are encouraged to:
- Act as positive role models to all young players.
- Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU child protection guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
- Respect the rugby club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.
In Rugby Union spectators should:
- Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.
- Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of which team they play for.
- Respect match official's decisions. Remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.
- Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
- Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the "win at all costs" ethic.
- Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is 'for', not 'at', the players.
- Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.
- Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team they play for.
- Remember - It's only a game!