Young people come into Rugby Union for a variety of reasons; it is the duty of the coach to recognise this and stimulate continued participation. Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on:
•Fun
•Enjoyment
•Skill development
In Rugby Union coaches should:
•Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is achieved through "doing."
•Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
•Be a positive role model - think what this implies.
•Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
•Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
•Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players both during coaching sessions and games.
In Rugby Union coaches of young players must:
•Provide experiences which are matched to the young players' age and ability, as well as their physical and mental development.
•Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment - is there adequate first aid readily to hand?
•Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system, which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
•Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
•Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field.
•Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury.
•Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
•Recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to purchase alcohol.
•Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
•Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
•Be aware of the club’s Child Safeguarding Policy

The Good Coach’s Code

Remember:

•Coaches working with young players up to the age of 12 must follow the guidelines laid down by the RFU continuum.
•Coaches working with young player’s age 13 must be aware of the under 19 and under 15 Law variations, including those that apply to cross border matches.

The Good Player's Code

Young players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual.
In Rugby Union young players are encouraged to:
•Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
•Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.
•Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
•Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.

In Rugby Union, as a young player, you should:
•Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
•Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
•Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions.
•Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit.
•Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.
•Be a sportsman - win or lose.
•Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's decisions.
•Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents, or match officials is not acceptable.
•Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.