Any coaches working with young players (under 18) within Warlingham Rugby Football Club are part of a structure which has many stakeholders,
and as such he/she has responsibilities to all of them to upkeep the good name of this Club and that of our sport, Rugby Football Union.

This code has been written in accordance with the Rugby Football Union’s Child/Youth Player Protection Policy and with reference to their Guidelines for Good Practice. We have consulted all youth coaches and both the Mini and Youth Chairmen and the full Club Committee has ratified it.

The purpose of the code is to inform or remind coaches of their responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them. Each season every coach active in each section will be called upon to warrant that they have read, understood
and say that they intend to abide by this code.

PLAYERS
Rugby is only one part of a player’s life. Recognise this and allow for it in your demands on them.
Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not as a test.
Rugby is for everyone, ensure that all players in your squad are given an equal opportunity to train, take part in all activities for your age group, and play in matches.
Never ridicule the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of each player. Always make all players feel valued.
Be aware of medical, physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of each players.

Rugby Union
Rugby can potentially be a dangerous game but it relies on every participant playing to be 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 - no one enjoys winning or losing by huge margins. Consider mixing and matching teams.
Read, understand and abide by the continuum. Remember the continuum is part of the laws of the game.
Learn the laws of the game and, if possible, learn how to referee.
Teach players by your own example to respect the referee always

Coaching
A Coach is a very important person. Players look to you for guidance, advice, help and example. You owe it them, their parents, the Club and yourself to conduct yourself accordingly at all times. You should strive to always:-
• Look and act as a coach
• Start and finish on time
• Plan your season
• Keep a register of player who attend each session
• Do not drink alcohol before you coach or while you are coaching
• Do not smoke during coaching or in the changing room
• Only use appropriate language
• NEVER manhandle a child

Keep up to date with information on coaching, laws and all rugby issues.
You are responsible for the safety of the players.
You will take and pass a recognised First Aid course.
Mark out a safe area in which to work and keep to it.
Never join in with contact drill and games. You are too big, too hard and you can damage players.
Do not encourage players to play through an injury. Refer injured players to their parents and suggest that they either consult their own GP, or if urgent, seek immediate hospital treatment. Ensure that details are recorded in the accident book held in the committee
room. (Please insure that any injuries sustained in away matches are also recorded).
The club provides safety equipment for training. Post protectors must be used and all equipment must be returned to the equipment store in
good condition. If any equipment is damaged you must let your chairman know so that action can be taken to repair or replace it.
Do not put yourself in a position where you can be suspected of, or accused of, physical or sexual abuse of any child associated with this or any other club. Use a separate changing room from players, never be alone with individuals behind closed doors and never get in a bath or shower with players.
Above all ensure that players, parents, helpers, etc. remember that rugby is played for fun.

September 2014