In Rugby Union coaches and administrators both fully acknowledge that parents are an integral part of the partnership, which ensures that young players enjoy their involvement in the sport and experience an environment in which they can flourish.
In Rugby Union parents are encouraged to:
•Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure that their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
•Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your child participates.
•Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters to away games.
•Be involved with club activities and share your expertise.
•Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.
•Be familiar with the "Good Coach's code". In particular:
•Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.
•Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
•It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues.
In Rugby Union parents should:
•Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
•Encourage young people to play - do not force them.
•Focus on the young players' efforts rather than winning or losing.
•Be realistic about the young players' ability; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
•Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game. Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players' and referee's performance and attitude.
•Always support the rugby club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
•Remember young people learn much by example.
•Always show appreciation of good play by all young players both from your own club and the opposition.
•Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young players to do likewise

The Good Spectator’s Code
Young rugby players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of adults around them. In Rugby Union we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of fun, enjoyment and skill development.
In Rugby Union spectators are encouraged to:
•Act as positive role models to all young players.
•Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU child protection guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
•Respect the rugby club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.

In Rugby Union spectators should:
•Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.
•Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of which team they play for.
•Respect match official's decisions. Remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.
•Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
•Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the "win at all costs" ethic.
•Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is 'for', not 'at', the players.
•Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.
•Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team they play for.
•Remember - It's only a game!

The Good Match Official's Code

Match officials are an integral part of the development of young players. They have a responsibility to ensure that games are managed in such a way as to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of all players. Equally, match officials should gain respect from players, coaches and spectators through the quality of their officiating.
In Rugby Union match officials should:
•Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
•Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
•Emphasise the spirit of the game.
•Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport.
•Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players.
•Be a positive role model. You set an example and, as such, comments you receive should be positive and supportive.
•Look to self-improvement by taking one of the RFU referee courses e.g. Mini/Midi or National 15-a-side.

In Rugby Union match officials must:
•Recognise that the safety of young players is paramount.
•Explain decisions - all young players are still learning.
•Always penalise foul play.
•Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
•Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.
•Be consistent and objective.
•Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
•Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures.

Remember:
•Officials working with young players up to the age of 12 must officiate to the rules laid down in the RFU continuum and must keep themselves updated on rules changes.
•Officials working with young player’s age 13 must officiate according to the Under 19 and Under 15 Law variations and keep themselves updated on relevant changes.