Smiths Rugby Player & Spectator Conduct Standards

Smiths Rugby have always been proud to hold high standards of behaviour for players and supporters. This has been demonstrated in spades in recent years with officials, opposition club members and players all complimenting our club on what we bring to the match day experience both home and away.

We value the passionate support across the club but we would like to issue a reminder to all Smiths members of their responsibility when representing our club, on both sides of the touchline. Please see some values below that our club feels should be upheld at all times. Regular reminders from RFU / GRFU make it very plain that league points deductions are a potential sanction for clubs found not to have upheld these values.

We are ever thankful for the support shown on Smiths match days and look forward to sharing the rest of the season together in the right spirit upholding the core values of our game.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

A GOOD PLAYER ALWAYS:

• Respects the decision of the officials and coaches

• Treats their team-mates and opposition with respect and dignity

• Encourages fair play and sportsmanship, both on and off the pitch

• Remains disciplined throughout the game, and sets a good example for all players

• Opposes any form of cheating carried out by the opposition or their teammates

• Remember that their and their team-

mates’ enjoyment and development is more important than the result of the game

AS A GOOD PLAYER, I WILL NEVER:

• Act violently towards any player or official, or engage in violent or offensive language towards them

• Challenge or dispute decisions made by the official or my coaches

• Tolerate foul language from spectators, coaches, players or teammates

• Bully, intimidate or abuse the opposition, or my team-mates

SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

A GOOD SPECTATOR ALWAYS:

• Puts the wellbeing of the players first, and remembers that any comments or feedback they offer should be based on constructive, helpful comments that do not involve criticism of any form

• Respects all players and officials, including the opposition, and remembers that all teams are here to enjoy the game

• Understands that they’re not in a position to influence the game, and respects and accepts the decisions of officials and coaches

• Acts as a role model for the players, and

does not engage in any abusive or offensive behaviour

• Treats the premises with respect, and obeys any rules or bans regarding smoking, vaping or consuming alcohol on the premises

AS A GOOD SPECTATOR, I WILL NEVER:

• Engage in any abusive, hateful or discriminatory language towards officials, coaches or players

• Try to enter the field of play, challenge the decision of the officials or coaches, or interfere with the game at any point

• Tolerate abusive behaviour or language from players or coaches

• Forget that players are here to enjoy rugby and develop their skills. Winning is not everything.