WELWYN RFC WANT TO ENSURE THAT RUGBY IS AN ENJOYABLE, SAFE AND HAPPY EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN. HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS WHICH WILL ASSIST THE CLUB AND COACHES IN ACHIEVING THIS.

1. Ensure your child is fit enough and wants to play.
2. Make sure your child brings with them appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, a drink and at all sessions has their gum shields.
3. It is advisable and gives encouragement if parents, (especially of the mini section) are able to be present, however if you have to leave the club/ground during sessions, ensure the coach knows you have gone and leave a number where you can be contacted.
4. Ensure your child arrives and is collected promptly, the Club/coaches cannot be responsible for the children’s safety outside of the session.
5. If you have any concerns about your child or another child please raise these with the team coach or if this is not appropriate with the Club Child Protection Officer or Mini-junior Chairperson.

Clubs and Schools should encourage Parents to:

1. Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
2. Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.
3. Be aware that the Club or School has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away games.
4. Be involved with Club and School activities and share their expertise.
5. Share concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials.
6. Be familiar with the Good Coaches’ Code contained in the Rugby Continuum. In particular be aware that:
   • coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players; and
   • coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
7. Support coaches in instilling these virtues.
8. Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
9. Encourage young people to play - do not force them.
10. Focus on the players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.
11. Be realistic about the players’ abilities; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
12. Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game.
(m) Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players’ and referee’s performance and attitude.
13. Always support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
14. Remember young people learn much by example.
15. Always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own Club or School and the opposition.
16. Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to make a mistake, and encourage the players to do likewise.

Clubs and Schools should encourage Spectators to:

1. Act as positive role models to all players.
2. Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
3. Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.
4. Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of the
spectators.
5. Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the
team in which they play.
6. Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake – remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
7. Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
8. Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’.
9. Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the players.
10. Encourage all players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.

Players should be encouraged to:

1. Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
2. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
3. Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free
from all types of abuse.
4. Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or School or outside of the
game.
5. Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
6. Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
7. Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
8. Work equally hard for themselves and their team - both will then benefit.
9. Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
10. Be a sportsman - win with dignity, lose with grace.
11. Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions even if they appear to make a mistake.
12. Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
13. Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.