Club Rules and Policies

This club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity:

“Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.”

The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

Fair play: the definition of fair play that the Club adheres to is set out below:

“Fair play is much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respecting others, and always playing within the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption”

(European code of sports ethics 1992)

The welfare of young players (i.e. anyone under the age of 18) is paramount to the club. The club considers it essential to work in partnership with young players and their parents / carers for their protection and wellbeing.

As a member of Rotherham Clifton RUFC Mini / Junior Section, you are expected to follow the code of conduct as set out below.

1.Participate for the ‘fun of it’, not just to please your parents or coach.

2. Play to the laws of the game.

3. Accept the referee’s decisions, without any disagreement.

4. Control your temper and you and your team will benefit and not feel let down.

5. Be a good sport. Recognise and acknowledge all good play, whether by your team or by your opponents’ team.

6. Treat all players (teammates and opponents) as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of any player.

7. Remember, as well as enjoyment the aims of the game are to improve your skills and feel good. Do not be a show off – remember you are part of a team.

8. Co-operate with your coach, referee, team mates, and opponents, for without them you do not have a game.

9. Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.

10.Bring to training and games the appropriate kit – Gum shields, towel and change of clothing are all required.

11.Mini / Junior members are not permitted to consume alcohol on our premises or while representing the Club at other venues.

12.Mini / Junior members are not permitted to smoke while on our premises or while representing the Club at other venues.

It is the right of Rotherham Clifton RUFC to make additions to, amend or delete any part of these rules as they see fit. All members will be given due notice of any amendments.

As a Parent of a Junior Member of Rotherham Clifton RUFC, you are expected to follow the guidelines set out below.

1. Encourage your child to learn the Laws of the Game and play within them.

2. Discourage unfair or foul play and arguing with the referee or officials.

3. Help your child to recognise good performance and not just results.

4. Do not force your child to take part in the sport.

5. Set a good example; by applauding good play (by all participants and teams) and recognising fair play.

6. Do not punish or belittle your child for losing, poor performance or making mistakes.

7. Do accept Referee’s or Officials decisions and judgements. He is in charge whilst play is taking place. His decision is final and remember he is a volunteer.

8. Support the involvement of your child and help them to have fun.

9. Use correct and proper language at all times.

10. Treat everyone with the respect you expect to be treated with.

11. Do not use aggressive, abusive or racist behaviour towards other Parents, Supporters, Players, Coaches, Club Officials or Match Officials.

12. Do not encroach on the field of play.

13. Do not interrupt or distract players while training is taking place, or coaches are speaking to players. They may miss important information and it may affect their safety.

It is the right of Rotherham Clifton RUFC to make additions to, amend or delete any part of these rules as they see fit. All members will be given due notice of any amendments.

As a Club official, volunteer or coach for Rotherham Clifton RUFC you are expected to follow the guidelines set out below.

1. Ensure that your first priority is the Safety and Wellbeing of all participants.

2. Ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the participants.

3. Promote the positive aspects of the Sport – for example Fair Play.

4. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.

5. Follow all guidelines set out by the RFU and the Club.

6. Hold the appropriate and valid qualifications and insurance cover.

7. Never put undue pressure on participants to gain your own benefit or reward.

8. Do not condone the use of Law Violations, the Use of Foul Play, Foul Language or the use of Prohibitive Substances.

9. Encourage participants to value their own level of performance and not results.

10. Work to engender a team spirit and seek to identify bullying, racist behaviour and deal with incidents promptly and appropriately, reporting such incidents in accordance

  with the Club Procedures.

It is the right of Rotherham Clifton RUFC to make additions to, amend or delete any part of these rules as they see fit. All members will be given due notice of any amendments.