Under 16

Under 15

Under 14

Under 13

WAJRU/ARU Junior Rugby Code of Ethics

This code is designed

• To return the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction to junior rugby;
• To make adults aware that young people play sport to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group;
• To improve the physical fitness of youth by making participation in rugby attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people;
• To constantly remind administrators, coaches, referees and parents that rugby must be administered, taught and provided for the good of those young people who wish to play the game – it’s their game!

• Play for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach;
• Play the laws of the game of rugby;
• Never argue with the referee’s decisions. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions;
• Control your temper - no mouthing off;
• Work equally hard for yourself and for your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own;
• Be a good sport: applaud ALL good play, whether by your team or your opponent;
• Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player;
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a show-off or always try to get the most points;
• Co-operate with your coach, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you wouldn’t have a game.

• You have the responsibility for your team and its supporters - exercise it;
• Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time;
• Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break;
• Ensure that all players get a game. The “just average” players need and deserve equal time;
• Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game;
• The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players;
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as the judgment of referees and opposing coaches;
• Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again;
• Remember that young people need a coach that they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example;
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles of growth and development of young people;
• Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years;
• Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching basic skills;
• Ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded by praise;
• Remember that players are also students so be reasonable in your demands on their energy and enthusiasm;
• Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured competitions for very young people;
• Insist on fair play; do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take an offending player off the pitch;
• Discourage excessive talk on the pitch;
• Insist on a disciplined approach by players and mean what you say;
• Set a good example by personal good behaviour.

• Remember that young people play organised sport for their own enjoyment - they are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature Wallabies;
• Be on your best behaviour. Do not use profane language or harass players, coaches or referees;
• Applaud good play by your own team and by the opposing team;
• Show respect for your teams opponents – without them there would be no game;
• Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a game;
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms;
• Respect the referee’s decisions;
• Encourage players to play according to the laws of the game;
• Sledging cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players and referees are not fair game.