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Code of Conduct

Everyone deserves to be part of a game that is fun, safe, inclusive and respectful. As a coach, match official, parent, player or volunteer, it is your role to ensure the ARU Code of Conduct is upheld on and off the field.

All Participants in the game must comply with the ARU Code of Conduct which includes:

  • Conducting themselves at all times in accordance with Rugby’s values: Passion, Respect, Integrity, Discipline & Teamwork;
  • Conducting matches with fairness and honesty;
  • Not repeatedly breaching the Laws of the Game relating to Foul Play or Misconduct;
  • Not using crude or abusive language or gestures toward others on or off the field, including towards match officials and spectators;
  • Not doing anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminates anyone else on or off the field especially on the grounds of their religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or (dis)ability; and
  • Not showing unnecessary dissension or disapproval to anyone about a decision in a game.

PLEASE REMEMBER

  • These are kids
  • This is a game
  • The coaches are volunteers
  • The referees are human
  • This is not 
the World Cup
  • IT’S THEIR GAME, LET THEM PLAY

Rugby’s Governance and administration of the sport encompasses a wide range of codes and policies around safety and welfare, integrity, inclusion, application and processes including child safety and privacy. See here for Rugby Australia’s Codes and Policies. 

 

Clovelly Eagles Junior Rugby Club Code of Conduct

The Clovelly Eagles Junior Rugby Club code of conduct aligns with ARU and SJRU requirements but maintains higher standards to foster an environment of respect, fun and community. The following rules are central to the spirit of our club:

Respect for Referees:
At no stage should a coach or parent address a referee unless spoken to by the referee first. Interactions should be limited to pleasantries, such as greetings or congratulations.

If there are any concerns about the referee’s conduct or decisions, these should be raised after the match via the proper channels:
– Concerns should be directed to the club president or a committee member.
– Directly confronting or challenging referees during or immediately after the match is strictly prohibited.

Sportsmanship:
Coaches and parents are encouraged to foster a fun and inclusive environment. This is junior rugby, and the emphasis is on learning, development and enjoyment.

Parents and spectators are reminded that this is not a professional competition; these are children playing to learn and enjoy the game.
Coaches should be treating every game as an opportunity for development.

Post-Match Etiquette:
If issues arise during a match, they should be addressed respectfully and calmly after the game. Coaches or team representatives should bring these concerns to the attention of the president or committee member rather than confronting referees or officials directly.

Parental Behaviour:
Parents should support their children and team with positive reinforcement only. Negative comments, yelling at players, coaches, referees, managers, or other parents, or other unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be tolerated.

Parents are asked to model appropriate behaviour by cheering for good play and offering encouragement to all players, regardless of the team.

Team Culture:
Clovelly Eagles prides itself on its culture of inclusivity and friendship. All players are welcome and are placed in teams based on capacity and friendships. There is no grading system, and this non-competitive approach should be reflected in how both teams and supporters behave.

We are an inclusive club with both boys and girls playing in each age group. As such, we prefer the club to use inclusive language, e.g. cheer for the team and the players rather than “come on boys”

Our club motto is “Play to win, learn to lose” which means that the club values fair play, enjoyment and the development of rugby skills over winning at all costs.

Foul Play and Untoward Acts:
If a coach or team manager notices any foul play or untoward acts during the game that may have been missed by the referee, they are expected to act.

The management must take appropriate action, which may include:
• Removing the player from the field,
• Providing the player with guidance and coaching on the correct way to act,
• Offering the player a “time out” to reflect and calm down, or
• Any other appropriate disciplinary measures that ensure the game is played safely and in the right spirit.

The aim is to teach players about fair play and respect, ensuring that these values are upheld even if the referee does not spot an incident.

Respect and Dignity:
All players, coaches, supporters, officials and club volunteers must be always treated with respect and dignity.
Bullying, harassment or rudeness of any kind will not be tolerated, whether directed at players, officials, coaches or volunteers.

Clovelly Eagles fosters an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone is valued, and positive behaviour is expected from all members of the club, both on and off the field.

Social Media Use:
– When posting on social media, we aim to always be respectful to the club, the opposition, referees and everyone involved in the game.
– The preference is to focus posts on the enjoyment of rugby, team spirit and fun, rather than emphasising scores and wins.
– Let’s keep our social media presence positive, reflecting the inclusive and supportive values of Clovelly Eagles.
– Together, we can “paint the web blue and white” by celebrating the experiences, camaraderie, and joy of being part of the Eagles community.

Complaints and Disputes:
All complaints should be handled in a fair, just and transparent manner.
In the first instance, concerns should be directed to the club president, committee member or age manager.

Step by Step Process (ARU Formal & Clovelly Eagles Internal Process)

1. Identification of the Breach
– ARU Standard: A breach of the code of conduct can be identified through complaints, referee reports, or observations by club officials. ARU defines clear breaches such as disrespect towards officials, unsportsmanlike conduct, or inappropriate behaviour by players, coaches, or parents.
– Clovelly Eagles Internal: A simplified approach involves immediate identification by age managers, coaches, volunteers or parents, focusing more on behaviour not in alignment with club values.

2. Initial Report and Documentation
– ARU Standard: The breach must be reported to the club’s committee, which follows formal documentation, gathering reports from witnesses, match officials, and the involved parties. This is done formally using ARU templates for complaints.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: Reports can be made verbally or via email to the coach or age manager, who will document the breach with a brief written account. The focus is on immediate reporting to keep the process simple and informal.

3. Preliminary Review by Club Officials
– ARU Standard: The committee conducts a preliminary review to determine if the breach requires formal action or further investigation. In this step, they decide whether to escalate the case.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: The Club committee review the incident informally. If they agree it’s minor, they will resolve it through verbal warnings or mediation between the parties involved.

4. Notification of the Parties Involved
– ARU Standard: The person(s) accused of the breach are notified formally via a written notice, outlining the nature of the breach and the date of the disciplinary hearing.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: The player or parent is notified by the coach, age manager, or committee member usually through a quick conversation or an email. A formal hearing may not be necessary for minor incidents.

5. Disciplinary Hearing (if required)
– ARU Standard: A formal hearing takes place with a panel from the club’s committee. The accused and any witnesses can present their side of the story, and evidence is reviewed before a decision is made. If a SJRU (U10 and above) this may involve SJRU Committee.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: For less serious matters, informal discussions are held with the coach, player, and parent(s) to address the issue and agree on corrective action.

6. Decision and Sanctions
– ARU Standard: Sanctions can range from warnings, suspension, or expulsion from games or the club, depending on the severity of the breach. The decision is communicated formally, and a record is kept.
– Clovelly Eagles Internal: Sanctions are typically verbal warnings, additional training or education, or at most, temporary suspension from games or training. The emphasis is on learning and correcting behaviour rather than punitive measures. It is possible that a volunteer or player may be removed from their duties with the team and club.

7. Appeals Process
– ARU Standard: If the party disagrees with the decision, they have the right to appeal the ruling to the club’s disciplinary committee, and further to the ARU if necessary. The appeal process must follow formal procedures.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: Appeals can be made informally by discussing the issue with the age manager, coach, or the club’s president. A second discussion can be arranged, but formal appeals are rare unless the issue is serious.

8. Record Keeping and Follow-Up
– ARU Standard: All breaches, decisions, and sanctions must be formally recorded and submitted to the ARU if needed. Ongoing behaviour is monitored.

– Clovelly Eagles Internal: Records are kept informally, typically by the coach or age manager, with minimal paperwork. The focus is on ensuring the player or parent’s behaviour improves in future games.

Summary:
The ARU requires a formal process for serious breaches if the internal Clovelly issues are serious, we will take them to the ARU process as that is the appropriate forum. The Clovelly Eagles Internal process is more informal, focusing on quick resolution, learning, and correction for minor breaches, reserving formal action for more significant issues.

Approved by the Clovelly JRFC Committee September 2024