Any Coach working with young players within Chesterfield Rugby Union Football Club is part of a structure which has many stakeholders and as such he/she has responsibilities to all of them.

This Code has been written to remind or inform Coaches of those responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them. Each season all Coaches will be called on to confirm that they have read, understood and intend to abide by this Code.

PLAYERS

Rugby is only a part of players' lives. Recognise this and allow for it in your demands on them.
Treat games against other Clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not tests.
Rugby is for everyone. CPRUFC is for everyone. Do not rely on "star" players and never make any player feel like a "spare part". Share game time and your time in practice sessions equally.
Never ridicule any player. Never belittle any player. Always make every player feel valued. Treat all young players with respect and dignity. Be sensitive to disabilities and background.
Find out what makes each player tick. Know about their family background and their other interests. Be able to spot and then explain changes in their behaviour.
Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group you work with. Seek advice if you have any concerns whatsoever.

RUGBY UNION

Rugby is a potentially dangerous game which relies on every participant playing it in the spirit of mutual respect. Teach the players you work with the meaning of "fair play" and set them a good example.
Rugby works best when sides are evenly matched. Insist on mixing and matching ill matched teams.
Intelligent people with significant experience went to great trouble to construct the Continuum. Understand it and abide by it, to the letter. You have no option, the Continuum is part of the Laws of the Game.
Learn the Laws and learn to Referee.
Teach players, by your own example, to respect Referees at all times.

When you call yourself a Coach you apply to join an elite; when others call you a Coach you have achieved membership. You owe it to yourself and all other Coaches to behave as a Coach:-

Always look like a Coach, always act like a Coach - be an excellent role model.
Start on time and finish on time.
Plan your season.
Plan your sessions.
Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback - rather than negative criticism.
Do not drink alcohol before you work, or drink or smoke whilst you are working.
Do not use or allow the use of inappropriate language.
To be a good Coach, you need up to date information on coaching issues and Rugby issues. Stay in touch.

You are responsible for the safety of the players you work with:-

Mark out a safe work area and keep it safe. Make sure equipment is in good repair and safe. Ensure all jewellery and watches etc are removed.
Never "join in" inappropriately with contact drills and games. You are too big and too hard and will probably injure someone.
Do not encourage or allow players to play when injured. Refer injured players to their Doctor. Avoid excessive training / competition. Avoid overplaying - use a squad system.
Never coach law violations.
Involve parents / carers wherever possible. When groups are supervised in changing rooms, always ensure two coaches / parents / helpers and or other volunteers work in pairs.
If working with mixed teams always ensure both male and female coaches / parents / officials / volunteers accompany the team and remain in attendance.
Ensure that at tournaments, on tours or residential events you do not enter young peoples' rooms alone or invite young people into your room.
Provide parents with full details of training, games and travel times, dates and arrangements.

Always work in an open environment. Do not put yourself in a position where you could be suspected of, or accused of, physical or sexual abuse of any child associated with the Club. Ensure that if any form of manual / physical support is required it should be provided openly and with care. Also ensure you tell players before engaging in such activity and ask them if they have any objections. Use separate changing rooms from players, never be alone with individuals behind closed doors and never "get in the bath with the boys"

Tell the players and keep telling yourself that winning and losing are only by-products of performance. We are there to play and enjoy playing, nothing more.

A safe environment benefits both players and coaches alike.

Make sport fun!!