Wortley Rugby

Parents’ Code of Conduct

1. Policy Statement

Wortley Rugby Union Football Club (WRUFC) recognises the vital role parents and carers play in supporting children and young people to enjoy rugby union in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.

This Parents’ Code of Conduct is aligned with the RFU Core Values (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship) and supports the club’s Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy. All parents and carers are expected to adhere to this Code at all times when involved in club activities.

2. Supporting Your Child and the Club

Parents and carers are encouraged to:

• Be familiar with the club’s coaching and training programme so they can support their child’s participation and ensure coaches are aware of availability
• Take an interest in coaching methods by observing training sessions and matches
• Recognise that the club has a duty of care to safeguard players and, where appropriate, assist with supervision under the direction of club officials
• Become involved in club activities and share skills or expertise where possible
• Share any concerns promptly and appropriately with club officials

3. Respect for Coaches and Coaching Practice

Parents and carers should:

• Be familiar with the RFU Good Coaches’ Code and Rugby Continuum principles
• Support coaches in promoting enjoyment, skill development, and fair play
• Recognise that winning and losing are part of sport and should always be kept in perspective
• Encourage players to behave with dignity, respect, and sportsmanship in all circumstances

4. Positive Support for Players

Parents and carers are expected to:

• Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment, not that of their parents or carers
• Encourage participation without forcing involvement
• Focus on effort, learning, and enjoyment rather than results
• Be realistic about players’ abilities and avoid placing undue pressure on them
• Provide positive, constructive verbal feedback during training and matches
• Understand that persistent negative comments can adversely affect players, referees, and the overall environment

5. Behaviour on the Touchline

Parents and carers must:

• Always act as positive role models
• Support the club’s commitment to eradicating loud, abusive, aggressive, or discriminatory behaviour
• Show appreciation of good play by all players, including those from the opposition
• Respect the decisions of match officials at all times, even where mistakes are perceived
• Encourage players to respect match officials and opponents

6. Breaches of the Code

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in:

• Informal discussion or guidance from a club official
• Formal action in line with club disciplinary procedures
• Removal from the touchline or club facilities where behaviour compromises the welfare of players

The welfare of children and young people will always take precedence.

7. Acceptance of the Code

All parents and carers are expected to read, understand, and support this Parents’ Code of Conduct as a condition of their child’s participation at Wortley Rugby Union Football Club.

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