Wortley RUFC Club Code of Conduct

Tue 10 Feb 2026 10:26

Code of Conduct

  1. Policy Statement

Wortley Rugby Union Football Club (WRUFC) is committed to upholding the RFU Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all individuals involved in the club.

All members, players, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and spectators are required to comply with this Code at all times when representing or participating in WRUFC activities.

This Code of Conduct supports and should be read in conjunction with the club’s Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy, Parents’ Code of Conduct, and Photographic & Video Policy.

  1. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to:

  • All playing and non-playing members of WRUFC
  • Coaches, volunteers, and club officials
  • Parents, carers, and spectators
  • All club activities including training, matches, tours, social events, and online activity
  1. Standards of Behaviour

All individuals associated with WRUFC are expected to:

  • Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness at all times
  • Treat others with dignity and respect, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background
  • Promote a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment
  • Behave in a manner that reflects positively on the club and the sport of rugby union
  1. Respect for Players

All participants must:

  • Put the wellbeing, safety, and enjoyment of players first
  • Encourage participation, development, and enjoyment
  • Avoid placing undue pressure on players to perform
  • Support players of all abilities and experience levels
  1. Respect for Coaches and Officials

Members and spectators must:

  • Respect the authority and decisions of match officials at all times
  • Avoid questioning, disputing, or confronting referees or coaches
  • Raise concerns or complaints through appropriate club channels, not during matches or training
  1. Touchline and Sideline Behaviour

The following behaviours are expected at all times:

  • Applaud good play by all teams
  • Use appropriate language; loud, abusive, aggressive, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated
  • Avoid coaching from the touchline unless authorised
  • Support the club’s commitment to providing a safe and positive environment
  1. Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

All individuals must:

  • Comply with club rules and licensing laws relating to alcohol
  • Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol when responsible for or supervising others
  • Never attend club activities under the influence of illegal drugs
  • Respect smoke-free policies and designated smoking areas
  1. Safeguarding and Welfare

All individuals have a responsibility to:

  • Safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults
  • Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)
  • Cooperate with safeguarding procedures and investigations

Safeguarding concerns may be reported to the CSO, Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager, RFU Safeguarding Team, or statutory agencies in an emergency.

  1. Online Conduct and Social Media

When using social media or online platforms, individuals must:

  • Act responsibly and respectfully
  • Avoid posting content that could bring the club or the game into disrepute
  • Never share abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate material
  • Respect confidentiality and privacy at all times
  1. Breaches of the Code

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Informal guidance or warning
  • Formal disciplinary action in line with club and RFU procedures
  • Removal from club activities or facilities
  • Referral to the RFU where appropriate

The welfare of participants will always take precedence.

  1. Acceptance of the Code

Compliance with this Code of Conduct is a condition of membership and participation at Wortley Rugby Union Football Club.

Approved by: WRUFC Committee
Review Cycle: Annual
Next Review Due: September 2026

For further information about expected behaviours and other processes, this Code should be read in conjunction with the following policies and RFU Regulations:

  • RFU Speak Up Policy
  • Regulation 17 (Anti-corruption and betting)
  • Regulation 19 (Discipline)
  • Regulation 20 (Anti-doping)
  • Regulation 21 (Safeguarding)
  • RFU Safeguarding Children Policy
  • RFU Safeguarding Adults Policy
  • RFU Safeguarding Complaints Policy

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