PITCH-SIDE BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS
‍The Rugby Football Union is the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England. Its purpose is to encourage rugby, and its values, to flourish across England.

Surrey Rugby, as a Constituent Body and proud member of the Rugby Football Union, follows the RFU Values and Codes of Conduct. We expect all clubs, players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators and administrators to uphold them.

RFU VALUES: TEAMWORK - RESPECT - ENJOYMENT - DISCIPLINE - SPORTSMANSHIP

• Play to win - but not at all cost
• Win with dignity, lose with grace
• Observe the Laws and regulations of the game
• Respect opponents referees and all participants
• Reject cheating, racism, violence and drugs
• Value volunteers and paid officials alike
• Enjoy the game

CODES OF CONDUCT:
The Codes of Conduct give clear expectations of what is acceptable and what is not. Unfortunately it has come to our attention that some pitch-side behaviour around the county is not adhering to these Codes. Red cards can be issued by referees to players and coaches, and spectators can be asked to leave the pitch side or the stand by a referee. Serious spectator misconduct may cause the referee to issue a report to Surrey, which in turn could result in Surrey citing the club under Rule 5.12, leading to a range of available sanctions including points deduction.

Given this, we would like to bring your attention to the clear guidelines the RFU gives throughout all the codes:

Parent Code: Will not criticise or verbally abuse any of the officials, coaches or players or tolerate other parents or spectators engaging in this behaviour

Spectator Code: Will not engage in any abusive, hateful or discriminatory language towards the officials, coaches or players

Coach Code: Will not condone or tolerate spectators who abuse players or the official

Player Code: Will not engage in violent or offensive language towards another player

Club Code: Will not tolerate abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards anyone at the club, and instances of this behaviour should be challenged and reported

WHAT WE DON’T WANT TO SEE - Any form of abuse - physical or verbal - including obscene, sexist or discriminatory language and bullying

WHAT WE DO WANT TO SEE - Everyone feeling comfortable and welcome whatever their race, gender, sexual orientation, appearance or religion

WHAT YOU CAN DO - Hold others accountable; If necessary remind those around you of our positive policies to keep rugby a safe and happy space for everyone

Tyrone Lawless

Chair of Surrey Rugby