Code of Conduct

Our Club Code of Conduct aims to set out the minimum standards of behaviour for anyone involved in sporting activities with Brothers Junior Rugby League Football Club Ipswich Inc. It should apply when playing, training or taking part in club-sanctioned activities.

Our Club is committed to providing a safe environment for its Members, their Families, their Friends, Sporting Personnel and others involved with the Club.

Aggressive, threatening or other inappropriate behaviour during a game, training or a club sanctioned event will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Act within the rules and spirit of rugby league.
Promote fair play over winning at any cost.
Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of rugby league.
Treat each person as an individual.
Show respect and courtesy to all involved with the Club.
Respect the rights and worth of every person, regardless of their age, race, gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.
Respect the decisions of officials, coaches and administrators.
Display appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions.
Display responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment.
Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment-free environment.
Do not tolerate abusive, bullying or threatening behaviour.

Players:

Give your best at all times.
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
Play by the rules and show respect for other players.
Always respect the decision of officials and encourage others to do the same.
Shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the match, win, lose or draw. Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
Avoid being involved in foul play including fighting.
Be a good sport on and off the field. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent.
Recognise that many officials and coaches are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.
Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during games and training.
Treat other players and officials as you would want to be treated. Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including swearing, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other players, officials or supporters.
Safeguard your health; do not use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
Never behave in a manner that would damage the reputation of the Club either on or off the field.

Coaches:

Place the health, safety and welfare of the players above all else. Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players.
Support, encourage and involve all players regardless of their talent level.
Remember, young people are involved in rugby league for their own enjoyment and development, not yours.
Never ridicule, shout at or abuse any player for making a mistake. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process.
Respect the rights of all players and treat them all equally and sensitively, regardless of their talent, gender, religion, ethnic origin, physical capacity or cultural background.
Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up-to-date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.
Teach players to play the rules of rugby league and to follow fair play and ethical guidelines.
Always respect the official’s decision and support them carry out their role.
Ensure that any physical contact with another person is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person's skill development.
Insist on fair play and do not tolerate foul play, fighting or bad language.
Set a good example by personal good behavior. Do not use bad language nor harass players, officials, spectators or other coaches.

Team and Club Officials:

Place the safety and welfare of players as the top priority.
Treat everyone equally and sensitively, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, physical capacity or cultural background.
Ensure quality supervision and instruction for players.
Support coaches and officials to improve their skills and competencies.
Act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of rugby league as a whole.
Establish an environment at the Club for players that is safe, welcoming and fun.
Help to establish a culture with the Club that promotes fair play, good behaviour, and respect of opponents, team spirit and the development of technical skills.
Conduct club responsibilities with due care, competence and diligence.
Accept responsibility for all decisions made.
As a representative of the Club, set an exceptional standard of dress, behaviour and conduct at all times.

Match Officials:

Place the health, safety and welfare of the players above all else. Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players.
Ensure all players are included and can participate, regardless of their gender, religion, ethnic origin, physical capacity or cultural background.
Be consistent, impartial, objective and courteous when making decisions.
Avoid any situations which may lead to or be construed as a conflict of interest.
Avoid any form of verbal contact with coaches, team officials, parents and spectators during play.
Condemn all and every instances of unsportsmanlike, foul or unfair play.
Officiate to the age and/or experience of the players.
Ensure you remain up to date with any rule changes and/or interpretation of rules as laid down by the NRL.
Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.

Parents and Family Members:

Encourage your child to participate, do their best and have fun.
Remember that your child is involved in rugby league for their enjoyment, not yours.
Focus on your child's effort and performance, rather than winning or losing.
Encourage your child to avoid foul play, display good sportsmanship and to respect opposition players and match officials.
Never ridicule, shout at or abuse any child for making a mistake. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process.
Respect the match official’s decision. Don’t complain or argue about decisions during or after the game.
Never, under any circumstances, enter the playing area.
At all times follow the directions of match officials.
Help out the coach or officials at training and games, where possible.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and officials. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.
Behave! Unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, other parents or spectators.
Avoid confrontation with other spectators. If necessary, walk away and report any breaches of the
Code of Conduct to the relevant authority.
Treat everyone including the opposition with respect regardless of their gender, religion, ethnic origin, physical capacity or cultural background.
Don’t arrive at the game, training or Club facilities intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.

Spectators and Members of the Public:

Behave! Unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect opposition players and match officials.
Encourage and applaud both teams for good play.
Respect the match official’s decision. Don’t complain or argue about decisions during or after the game.
Never, under any circumstances, enter the playing area.
At all times follow the directions of match and club officials.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and officials. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.
Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, other parents or spectators.
Avoid confrontation with other spectators. If necessary, walk away and report any breaches of the
Code of Conduct to the relevant authority.
Treat everyone including the opposition with respect regardless of their gender, religion, ethnic origin, physical capacity or cultural background.
Don’t arrive at the game, training or Club facilities intoxicated or drink alcohol at junior matches.