GOOD PRACTICE IN THE RUGBY

  SETTING 

Pumas want all young people to enjoy rugby in a safe enjoyable setting.

The following section sets out Good Practice Procedures which all our staff, coaches and volunteers adhere to. 

Codes of Good Conduct 

Codes of Conduct will ensure that all young people enjoy the game in a safe environment. 

1. They must always be publicly open when working with young people. They must avoid situations where the adult and an individual child arealone and / or unobserved, e.g. individual skill sessions after a teamtraining session.
   
   They must work in pairs and never alone with an individual.
2. Rugby is a physical game. Situations will occur when in order to teach or coach certain techniques, it is necessary to make contact with the player. 

However the following must apply:

• · Parents and young people must be made aware of situations in whichthis may happen.
• · Physical handling must only be used for safety reasons or wherethere is no other way of coaching the technique and always with thepermission of the child / young person and their parent / carer.
• · Contact should not involve touching genital areas, buttocks, breastsor any other part of the body that might cause a child distress orembarrassment. Physical contact should always take place in anopen or public environment and not take place in secret or out ofsight of others
• · In the case of an Emergency or First Aid being required, all contact /treatment must be given by a qualified First Aider / ambulance crew /doctor. 

1. Any contact or touching which is inappropriate (not directly related to thecoaching / First Aid context) or is aggressive is poor practice and isunacceptable.
2. If groups are to be supervised in changing rooms always ensure thatindividuals work in pairs, and that gender is appropriate.
3. Children / young people must not change at the same time or in the same place as adults. 
4. Children / young people must not shower at the same time or in the same place as adults.
5. Pumas encourage young players to shower after training sessions and matches not only for basic hygiene reasons but also the comfort of the players and the comfort of fellow members of the club. In order to avoid any embarrassment or inappropriate behaviour or abuse all players are encouraged to keep on, their under shorts, cycling shorts or shorts whilst showering. 
6. Where mixed teams compete away from home they must always be accompanied by at least one male and one female adult. 
7. Volunteers and professionals must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all and treat everyone with equality.
8. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of the players above the development of performance.

This means that coaches must adhere to the following:

• · Avoid overplaying of players (particularly talented players)All players need and deserve equal opportunity to play and rest.
• · Remember that children / young people play for fun and enjoymentand that winning is only a part of it.
• · Motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructivecriticism.
• · Ensure that contact skills are taught in a safe, secure manner payingdue regard to the physical development of young players.
• · Never allow young players to train / play when injured. If unsure,err on the side of caution.
• All injured players should be encouraged to seek professional adviceeither from their GP / local hospital (if required) or the clubphysiotherapist and follow any advice given.
• All injured players must get a return to train / play consent from the Physiotherapist before being allowed to return.
• · Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ageand ability of the players. 

1. At least one coach per age group must hold a current RFU coachingaward or a recognise award. All other coaches must be workingtowards one. 
2. Coaches must keep up-to-date with knowledge and technical skillsand should be aware of their own limitations. Coaches must onlywork within the limitations of their knowledge and qualifications. 
3. Coaches must ensure that the activities which they direct or advocate are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of the players. 
4. Coaches, manager, volunteers and parents must always promote the positive aspects of their sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone lawviolations or use of prohibited substances. 
5. Coaches and Team Managers must consistently display highstandards of personal behaviour and appearance. 
6. Coaches, volunteers and parents must never overtly criticise playersor use language or actions which may cause the player to lose self-esteem or confidence.