CODE OF CONDUCT
Whether playing at home or away, training, watching a game or attending a club event, your conduct and behaviour reflects upon YOU, THE TEAM and TEMECULA MOUNTAIN LIONS RUGBY CLUB (“TMLRC” or the “Club”). This Code of conduct is designed to promote the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction, the contribution that can be made by you as a player and to remind all people involved with the game that there are certain standards of fair play and conduct that should be maintained at all times.
It is the responsibility of all TMLRC members and those associated with TMLRC to become familiar with this code, the laws of the game and all additional relevant guidelines, rules and regulations related to the club and the game of rugby.
SENIOR PLAYER’S & MEMBER’S CODE of CONDUCT
Players and Members are encouraged to:
Recognize and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, match officials, and league administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play and enjoy the game of rugby.
Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to the team and to TMLRC
Recognize that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of harassment, abuse and foul play.
If as an individual or group of players you feel you are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have a right to tell a coach or board member of TMLRC.
At all times, whether on or off the field, you are expected to behave as follows:
Behave in an acceptable way.
Listen and act on any instructions given to you by the Team, Tour Manager or Coach responsible for any activity/pursuit in which you are involved.
Be responsible and safety conscious at all times.
Respect other people, their families and their possessions.
If staying in hotels or other accommodation, treat it respectfully, do not damage or steal anything.
Report any damage to the Team, Tour Manager or a Coach.
Treat with respect the oppositions’ clubhouse and traditions.
When Playing:
Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or others.
Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
Work equally hard for yourself and your team – both will then benefit.
Recognize good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents.
Be a sportsman; win or lose.
Play by the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee’s decisions.
Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of teammates, opponents, match officials or spectators IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Treat all players and their families as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
Failure to abide by any of the above standards will be treated seriously by the club’s Rugby Disciplinary Committee (RDC) or Club Disciplinary Committee (CDC).
CLUB OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS CODE of CONDUCT
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarized below. All volunteers must at all times:
Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).
Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club.
Hold appropriate valid clearances and qualifications.
Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results.
Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
YOUTH CODE of CONDUCT
Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints they may have about any aspect of the club with the club, coaches or board members.
As a member of TMLRC you are expected to abide by the following junior code of conduct:
All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
Members must wear suitable kit – approved studs and mouth guards are compulsory for training and match sessions.
Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
Junior members are not allowed to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.
PARENTS AND FAMILY CODE of CONDUCT
Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
Discourage unfair play and arguing with coaches and officials.
Bring their children to rugby on time, properly equipped with boots, mouth guard and suitable rugby clothes.
Help your child to recognize good performance, not just results.
Encourage their children by watching training sessions and matches whenever possible.
Inform the coaches when their children are unavailable.
Inform the coaches when they cannot stay to watch.
Inform the coaches if they are taking responsibility for other children.
Never force your child to take part in the sport.
Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding good performances of all.
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
Publicly accept officials' judgements.
Any altercation between players during training sessions and matches will be dealt with by the coach; parents should not get involved.
Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy the sport.
Use correct and proper language at all times.
Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior.
Additional Reading:
USARugby and SCRFU Rules and Regulations.
Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club Disciplinary Procedures.