The Guidelines in this section are designed to ensure that children and young people find enjoyment and satisfaction through participation in Rugby Union.

To make adults aware that children should play as children, not as small adults, and that children play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults and their ambitions.

That everybody has a responsibility to see “Fair Play” – players, coaches, officials, parents, administrators and spectators in an effort to ensure high standards of sporting behaviour, that places the emphasis firmly on fun, friendly competition and individual fulfillment.

SPECTATORS

Children play organised Rugby for their OWN entertainment and enjoyment.
Remember, children at play are NOT professional entertainers.
NEVER ridicule a child for making a mistake during a competition.
DO NOT harass or swear at players, coaches or officials.
ALWAYS respect the officials’ decisions.
Encourage children to always play by the rules.
Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
ALWAYS applaud good play by either team.

PLAYERS

Be a good sport.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Control your temper – No shouting, swearing or “sledging” the opposition.
Never argue with officials – let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions.
Play by the rules.
Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents, without them you do not have a game.
Play for the fun of it – not just to please your coach or parents.
Remember – it isn’t whether you win or lose – But how you play the game.

PARENTS

Do not force an unwilling child to take part in Rugby.
Children are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment – not yours.
Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing in a competition.
Teach your child that effort and teamwork are as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from Mini/ Junior Rugby.
Do not question publicly the judgement of officials and never their honesty.
Recognise and value the importance of coaches – they give their time, energy and resources voluntarily to provide guidance for your child.
ALWAYS applaud good play by either side.

COACHES

Children play Rugby for fun and enjoyment. Winning is only part of this.
Never ridicule or shout at a child for making mistakes or losing games.
Avoid over playing the talented players. The average ones deserve equal time and attention.
Be reasonable in your demands on children’s time, energy and enthusiasm – remember they have other interests.
Teach children to respect the judgement of officials and to NEVER criticise an official.
Teach your players the laws of the game of Rugby Union as applied to the Mini/Midi/Youth game.
Make a personal commitment to keep informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of the growth and development of children.
Always group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity wherever possible.
Follow the advice of medical personnel when deciding if a player can return following an injury.
The successful coach invests more in the well-being and interests of players than in their own win-loss record.

OFFICIALS

Sportsmanship and fair play are not a set of rules – they are a code of living.
Condemn gamesmanship and emphasise respect for Fair Play.
Use common sense to ensure that the spirit of the game is not lost.
Be consistent, objective and courteous when dealing with fouls in the course of a game.
Compliment both teams on good moves or performance whenever such praise is deserved.

ADMINISTRATORS

Ensure that proper supervision is provided by qualified coaches and officials who are capable of promoting good sportsmanship and good technical skills.
Ensure all your equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
Remember – Sport is enjoyed for its own sake – play down the importance of awards.
Friendship first – competition second.
Northumberland ask that at least one age group coach be qualified to Level One to Coach Mini/Midi players and to Level Two for Youth rugby.