UK IGR League Code Of Conduct

The IGR is committed to ensuring that equality is incorporated across all aspects of the game in doing so, each club participating in the UK IGR League Championships are to acknowledge and adopt the following Sport England definition of sports equity:

• Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

• The clubs and members are to respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

• The clubs and members are committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

• All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

• The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

Fair Play Codes which help remind all of us why we enjoy being part of this great game:

  • People come into Rugby Union for a variety of reasons; it is the duty of the coach to recognise this and stimulate continued participation. Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all players are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on Fun, Enjoyment & Skill development.In Rugby Union coaches should:

    • Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching 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 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 constructively and encouragingly, to all players both during coaching sessions and games.

  • Players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual.

    In Rugby Union players are encouraged to:

    • Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

    • Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.

    • Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.

    • Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.

    • Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.

    • Play to the World Rugby Laws of the game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions even if they appear to make a mistake.

  • Rugby players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect 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 players.

    • Never engage with any verbal or emotional abuse to any player, match official, fellow spectator or coaches.

    • Respect the rugby club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.

    • Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all developing players irrespective of which team they play for.

    • Respect match official’s decisions. Remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for people to play rugby.• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the “win at all costs” ethic.

    • Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.

    • Encourage all players irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team they play for.

    • Remember – It’s only a game!

  • Match officials are an integral part of the development of new players to rugby. They have a responsibility to ensure that games are managed in such a way as to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of all players. Equally, match officials should gain respect from players, coaches and spectators through the quality of their officiating.

    In Rugby Union match officials should:

    • Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating development players.

    • Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games

    • Emphasise the spirit of the game.

    • Appreciate the needs of the developing players before the needs of the sport.

    • Understand the physical, social and psychological development of developing players.

    • Be a positive role model. You set an example and, as such, the comments you receive should be positive and supportive.

    • Recognise that the safety of developing players is paramount.

    • Explain decisions – all developing players are still learning.

    • Always penalise foul play

    • Play advantage whenever possible to let the game flow.

    • Show empathy for the ability of newer 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.

  • Clubs are reminded of behaviour on the field & at match locations above, but this extends further to public online Social Media activity.

    Players and Clubs should ensure they conduct themselves in accordance with all standard RFU, SRU & WRU regulations.

    Any rostered players or member clubs will be expected to maintain the same standards of behaviour online as per any of the above situations. Failure to do so, or any infringements, will be reported to their respective Club, CB or NGB for disciplinary sanction (where necessary) as deemed appropriate.

    If required, the UK IGR League committee will engage fully with any CB or NGB disciplinary investigations and requests.Digital/hand sign below to confirm your club understands and undertakes to uphold this Code of Conduct during the UK IGR League Season until it’s completion.