Official Club Policies

Fair Play for All

In these days of competitive league rugby at Senior level and a pervading culture of winning at all costs, it is important not to forget the reasons why young players participate in and enjoy the game of Rugby Union.

The idea of "Fair Play" should be a constant reference point for all those people involved in the Mini and Youth game. To lose sight of this would be detrimental to everyone.

In Rugby Union the Partnership between team management and parents is positively encouraged through:

• Agreeing issues relating to Duty of Care (e.g. responsibility for traveling to and from games).
• Encouraging parents to attend coaching sessions and games and making them aware that the "win at all costs" ethos is not accepted in Rugby Union.
• Ensuring that parents have realistic aspirations for their child and are aware of his/her strengths and weaknesses.
• Informing parents about specialist equipment that is required (e.g. gum shields), and where it can be purchased from.
• Ensuring parents are aware of what is acceptable touchline behaviour.

And above all:

• Involving parents in peripheral activities which make them feel they 'belong', especially if it involves expertise which is not rugby related.