GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Rugby League prides itself on being a family game which is inclusive, uncompromising and passionate and the principles of RESPECT set out the obligations on all participants to maintain the game’s high standards.

The game will take positive action to ensure that high standards of behaviour are maintained at all times in Rugby League. RESPECT sets out the standards of behaviour which the game expects from the entire Rugby League family. Rugby League is passionate about – and prides itself on – its reputation as “The Family Game” and as such, will take responsibility to ensure that this reputation is maintained and improved. The Game is an inclusive sport, is committed to the
principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and will not tolerate any form of discrimination.

In order to uphold these values, participants in the game of Rugby League – players, parents, spectators, coaches, match officials, other volunteers and administrators of all ages – should:

• Discourage all instances of unsporting behaviour, foul or illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender identity, disability (including learning, physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health, or long-term illness) class or social background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, sex, colour or political persuasion.
• Accept the moral and legal responsibility to implement procedures to provide a duty of care for children (under the age of 18), safeguard their wellbeing and protect them from abuse and poor practice.
• Condemn the use of recreational and performance-enhancing drugs and doping practices; their use endangers the health of players and is contrary to the concept of fair play.

Important – Every person who attends a Rugby League match does so with the permission and licence of the home club and/or league. Any breaches of this Code of Conduct is Off Field Misconduct.

PLAYER

• Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from your team or the opposition and shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the game – win, lose or draw.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit. Make every effort to develop your own abilities.
• Always respect the match official’s decision.
• Make every effort to be consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game. Never get involved in foul play.
• Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship and respect the traditions of the game.
• Never engage in discriminatory or unacceptable conduct of any sort including swearing, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, taunting or other actions that are demeaning or disrespectful to other players, officials or supporters. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.
• Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
• Recognise that many officials, coaches and match officials are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect. Remember, without them you do not have a game.

COACH

• Actively discourage foul play and/or unsporting behaviour by players.
• Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability;
• Avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player; treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent.
• Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a doctor and/or physiotherapist to the letter when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or playing.
• Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.
• Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement of the Match Officials.
• Never engage in public criticism of officials.
• Never engage in discriminatory or unacceptable conduct of any sort including swearing, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, taunting or other actions that are demeaning or disrespectful to other players, officials or supporters. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with players at all times.
• Make a personal commitment to maintain an accurate knowledge of the rules of the game and keep abreast of current coaching methods; maintain or improve your current accreditation level.
• Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the players.
• Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap between their level of play and the professional game; do not coach them as if they are professionals.
• Ensure that your coaching reflects the level of the competition being played; do not be a “win-at-all-costs” coach.
• As coach, conduct yourself at all times and in all situations, in a manner, that demonstrates leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game – the players, officials, the fans, the parents, the referees and the media.
• Abide by the Coach Code of Conduct.

MATCH OFFICIAL

• Apply the laws of the game with complete impartiality.
• Prepare fully for a match, both physically and mentally.
• Conduct yourself both on and off the field with the utmost integrity.
• Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.
• Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else.
• Be alert to minimise dangerous physical play, fair or foul, especially in junior matches.
• Respond swiftly to all instances of unsporting, foul or unfair play.
• Respond swiftly to any discriminatory or unacceptable language or behaviour
• Show concern and caution for sick and injured players.
• Be accountable for your actions.
• Accurately report any misconduct including breach of RESPECT to the appropriate authorities.
• Avoid any situation, which may lead to a conflict of interest both on and off the field.
• Always complete and return, accurately and promptly, all administrative paperwork.

PARENT/SPECTATOR

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sport.
• Remember that children participate in Rugby League for their own enjoyment, not yours!
• Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final score of a game.
• Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
• Respect the match official’s decisions – don’t complain or argue about decisions during or after a game.
• Behave! Unsporting or discriminatory language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect opposition players and officials.
• Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – respect their efforts.
• Participate in positive cheering that encourages all the players in the team; do not engage in any jeering that taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.
• At all times, follow the directions of the Ground Manager and/or other match day staff.
• Never arrive at a game under the influence of alcohol, never bring alcohol to a game, and only drink alcohol, if it is available at the ground, in the designated licensed area.

VOLUNTEER AND ADMINSTRATOR

• Always operate to the principle of “Friendship first – competition second”.
• Ensure that all operations are under the supervision of appropriately qualified staff who have been through the required recruitment and selection checks.
• Ensure that all staff understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct.
• Ensure that all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
• Encourage all participants to remember that sport is enjoyed for its own sake- play down the importance of awards.

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

After consultation with children and young people this is what they would like to see from others involved in the game:

• Keep training and games fun – winning is not the primary objective for young people playing the game; having fun is.
• Everyone makes mistakes. There should be no undue criticism of any player who makes a mistake – encouragement reaps more benefits.
• Coaches should not lose their temper.
• All adults should be role models in everything they do – do not swear, abuse officials, show unsporting behaviour, encourage foul play, enter the field of play or drink or smoke when around children and young people.
• Report any incidents of bad behaviour.

After consultation, children and young people agree to:

• Give 100% effort at all times.
• Encourage team mates who make mistakes.
• Not argue with the referee.
• Listen to the coach.
• Play as a team.
• Dress smartly
• Welcome all new players, from all backgrounds, whether or not they have played before.
• Treat the other team with RESPECT.
• Attend all training sessions when possible.
• No bullying.