Coaches Code of Conduct
1. Consistently display high standards of personal behaviour and appearance.
2. Be reasonable in your demands on the player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests.
3. Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements that no one should break.
4. Avoid over-playing talented players. Everyone needs and deserves equal time.
5. Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at children making mistakes.
6. Ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to age and ability.
7. Develop respect for opponents, referees and coaches.
8. Follow the RFU guidance when determining a player’s fitness to play after injury.
9. Be generous with praise and set a good example in every way.
10. Make a personal commitment to self-improvement on sound coaching techniques, child development and child protection.
11. Involve parents and guardians wherever possible whilst ensuring technical issues are under your control and that players are clear that the coach’s authority has priority on the playing and training ground.
12. Always be publicly open when working with children. Avoid situations where you and an individual child are completely unobserved.
13. Use separate changing rooms from players and never shower or bath with children. When supervising changing rooms work in pairs and ensure that gender is appropriate.
Revised By: Tristan Chatfield
Checked By: Phil Spencer
Revision Date: 06/10/2026