Hammers Rugby! RUNNING STRONG SINCE 1985
Hammers Rugby!

Code of Conduct

Hammers Rugby Club Code of Conduct

The success of Rugby is built on mutual respect. Players, coaches, referees, parents, family, and friends associated with the club must all demonstrate respect towards one another. The Hammers Rugby Club (“the Club”) expects adherence to the following standards of behavior in addition to the Code of Conduct that Rugby Colorado implores all sanctioned clubs to agree to-(included below for reference) 

  1. Respect for Decisions: Members will respect the decisions of the Board of Directors and coaching staff regarding gameplay time, medical decisions, or disciplinary actions for athletes. Any grievances should be submitted properly through the established grievance processes outlined below.
  2. Responsibility for Match Play: Players and coaches should take responsibility for match play. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support this approach and respect the Club’s philosophy of using sports to teach life lessons.
  3. Positive Encouragement: All members should use positive and encouraging sentiments with all children, their teammates, and their coaches while on the sidelines or at practice. Concerns should be escalated to the appropriate club representative after the match to avoid disrupting practice or matches.
  4. Setting an Example: Members should honor the game by encouraging respect for laws and rules, opponents, officials, teammates, and themselves, both on and off the pitch. 
  5. Respect for Referees: Members must not publicly question the referee’s judgment, honesty, or integrity. The value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches should always be recognized and respected.
  6. Alcohol Consumption Policy: The Hammers Rugby Club maintains a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption at club functions where student-athletes and families are present. This includes matches, practices, social events, and any other gatherings organized or sanctioned by the Club. Violation of this policy may result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of membership.
  7. Good Sportsmanship: Members should set a good example by applauding good play on both sides of the pitch and should never speak disrespectfully of another player, team, coach, or referee.
  8. Timeliness: Members should respect the coach’s time by ensuring athletes arrive and depart from practice and matches punctually.
  9. Constructive Feedback: Negative comments about coaches, athletes or referees or other governing bodies of rugby volunteers should not be made to avoid negatively influencing athletes motivation and the overall rugby experience.
  10. Inclusivity and Diversity: The Club is an all-inclusive organization that welcomes diversity. Racist, sexist, homophobic, religious, or otherwise bigoted jokes or statements will not be tolerated.
  11. Active Participation: Members are encouraged to actively participate in Club activities and volunteer to assist teams and the Club.

Code of Conduct for High School Rugby Coaches

As a high school rugby coach, you play a critical role in the development and well-being of your players. It is essential to maintain high standards of conduct and create a positive and inclusive environment for all participants. The following code of conduct outlines the expectations and responsibilities of high school rugby coaches:

Professionalism and Integrity:

  1. Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness in all interactions with players, officials, parents, and other coaches.
  2. Display good sportsmanship, both on and off the field, and promote a culture of respect and fair play.
  3. Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and policies of the rugby governing bodies 

Player Welfare and Safety:

  1. Prioritize the safety and well-being of your players, ensuring they are aware of and adhere to proper safety protocols and techniques.
  2. Maintain appropriate ratios of coaches to players during practices and matches to ensure adequate supervision and instruction.
  3. Stay up to date with best practices in player safety, injury prevention, and concussion management, and implement them accordingly.

Skill Development and Training:

  1. Provide players with appropriate and progressive training programs that enhance their technical, tactical, and physical abilities.
  2. Foster a positive learning environment, offering constructive feedback and guidance to help players improve their skills and understanding of the game.
  3. Encourage all players, regardless of their ability level, and provide equal opportunities for growth and participation.

Respect and Inclusion:

  1. Treat all players, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or ability, with respect and dignity.
  2. Foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages teamwork and cooperation among players.
  3. Prohibit any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior, and take appropriate action if such incidents occur.

Personal Conduct:

  1. Serve as a positive role model for your players, both on and off the field, displaying exemplary behavior and sportsmanship.
  2. Avoid any actions or behaviors that could bring the team, or the sport of rugby into disrepute.

Continuous Development:

  1. Stay updated with the latest coaching techniques, rule changes, and advancements in the sport of rugby.

By adhering to this code of conduct, you contribute to the growth and success of your players both on and off the field, and uphold the values of fairness, respect, and integrity that are fundamental to the sport of rugby.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Conduct Violation Procedure (Consequences)

To ensure these standards are upheld, violations of the Code of Conduct will be managed through the following procedure:

Strike 1 – Verbal Warning

  • A clear verbal warning will be issued by a coach, manager, or Board Member.
  • The incident will be documented.

Strike 2 – Written Warning

  • A formal written warning will be issued by the Board of Directors.
  • Consequences may include temporary suspension from practices, matches, or events.

Strike 3 – Removal from Club

  • A third violation results in removal from the Club for the remainder of the season.
  • Future reinstatement will be reviewed by the Board.

⚠️ Zero-Tolerance Clause
 Severe misconduct (violence, harassment, discrimination, substance abuse, or actions that endanger others) may result in immediate removal without following the strike progression.

Code of Conduct for Coaches and Clubs in Youth Rugby in the State of Colorado. 

(This Code of Conduct is to be read and signed by all coaches, assistants, administrators who are actively  involved in youth rugby, from under 8 level through High School seniors, in the State of Colorado.)  

Coaches, players, parents, and friends of rugby are there to support, mentor and lead the community in  a game that encourages a clear set of values; namely Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and  Solidarity. By signing this Code of Conduct, you are agreeing to maintain and sustain a base level of  standards and expectations within your club and teams amongst all stakeholders in the game of rugby.  

1. I will actively create, and coach in, a positive and safe environment.  

2. I will maintain and sustain coaching best practices as stipulated by USA Rugby, USOC and Rugby  Colorado to maximize growth and development of players in an appropriate playing environment  

3. I will actively discourage and de-escalate any forms of abuse (including but not limited to sexual  abuse, swearing, violence, threats of violence, sexist, racist, homophobic commentary, and other forms  of physical and non-physical abuse)  

4. I will complete, every year, USOC safe sport modules  

(https://education.usarugby.org/safesport/ ) and World Rugby / USA Rugby concussion management  courses (https://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/)  

5. I will actively seek out coach development opportunities through appropriate organizations.  

6. I will be of an exemplary standard of behavior as role models, mentor and leader to players and non players in our rugby community, displaying why rugby is unique from other sports in on-field  competition and off-field conduct.  

7. I will not consume nor be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, Street drugs nor similar substances  at youth games, meetings, coaching sessions, practice games or scrimmages.  

8. I will make sure that we have at least 1 qualified touch judge or referee at each game we attend and  are participating in, across all age grades.  

9. I will disseminate all, information related to playing logistics, education or coaching opportunities, and  league directives to parents and guardians, other coaches, age grade coaches, and players when they  arise, in a prompt fashion.  

10. I will not engage in closed 1:1, or inappropriate communications with players, including but not  limited to physical meetings, social media, direct messaging, similar electronic, digital, or verbal and  non-verbal methods of communication. I will keep a hard copy of electronic communication if made,  being unable to be rescinded.  

11. I will read, be conversant with, and abide by, the World Rugby Misconduct and Code of Conduct in  Regulation 20 https://www.world.rugby/handbook/regulations/reg-20