The Fairplay Code has been prepared to ensure that London Irish Junior/Mini Rugby is conducted in a sensible and fair manner. The Fairplay Code is part of our statement of direction and is incorporated into the Rules of Junior/Mini Rugby as an appendix to those rules. The objectives of the Fairplay Code are summarised as follows:

PLAYERS’ CODE

• Remember, play for the ‘fun of it’, NOT just to please your parents or the coaches.
• Play by The Laws of The Game.
• Never argue with officials’ decisions. Let your Captain or coach ask any necessary questions.
• Control your temper – no ‘mouthing-off’ or bad behaviour. If you lose control you will not play well.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team and your own performance will benefit.
• Be sportsmanlike. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by the opposition.
• Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated. Do NOT interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.
• Remember that the objectives of The Game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good in yourself. achieving these objectives will ensure that success will follow.
• Co-operate with and respect your coaches, team-mates, opposition and officials: without them you do NOT have a game.

SPECTATORS’ CODE

• Remember that children play organised rugby for their own fun. They are NOT there to entertain you and they are NOT miniature professional athletes.
• Be on your best behaviour and set a good example. DO NOT use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials.
• Applaud good play by your own team and by the opposition.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents and supporters. Without them there would be no game.
• Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake during the competition.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form.
• Respect the officials’ decisions.
• Encourage players always to play according to The Laws of The Game.

PARENTS’ CODE

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
• Remember children and youths are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment NOT yours.
• Encourage your child always to play by The Laws of the Game.
• Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Use defeat creatively by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or harass your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by the opposition.
• Do NOT publicly question the officials’ judgement and NEVER impugn their honesty. Remember they are volunteers.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the Junior Rugby activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of the volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational and educational activities for your child.

COACHES’ CODE

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children and youth.
• Ensure that you are physically fit enough to execute your duties.
• Be reasonable in your demands on the young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests.
• Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
• Group players according to age, size, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.
• Avoid overplaying the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.
• Remember that children and youths play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or harass children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age, size and ability of the players.
• The scheduling, length and intensity of practice sessions should take into consideration the maturity and level of the players.
• Develop team respect for the abilities of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a doctor when determining when a player is fit to train or play after injury.
• Remember that children and youths need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Make criticism constructive. Set a good example.