Rugby’s Core Values Ethos and Culture of the Game Task Group established in early 2007. The Group’s name was subsequently changed to Rugby and Core Values Task Group Group was established as the result of an emergence of undesired behaviour at all levels e.g. aggression from parents towards match officials and hostility at elite matches similar to that seen at football matches Feedback suggested that a number of events and developments may have had an adverse impact on the game: Growth of the game away from the traditional roots e.g. football parents A ‘win at all costs’ mentality as a result of league rugby Advent of professionalism Task Group established a clear definition of the fundamental elements of the game that must be retained and five Core Values which lie at the heart of Rugby Union The values that characterise the sport are recognised by those within and outside of the Game as being unique and worthy of emulation by other sports The values are Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship

‘This is Rugby’ is the title of the campaign to promote the Core Values The Core Values were launched to the media at the end of September 2009 The values are now being promoted in the following ways: Each club and school has received/is to receive the Core Values DVD and Z Cards Community Rugby resources will carry the Core Values Core Values stories have been carried in ‘Touchline’ England players have received a presentation on the Core Values Core Values workshops to be delivered within each CB

Teamwork HEADING HERE SUBHEADING HERE Body copy here Holding slide only

Teamwork – Key Points The game is interdependent and reliant on others Without teamwork, there would be no game All new team members, irrespective of size, shape or background, welcomed and included

Respect Holding slide only

Respect – Key Points Mutual respect forms the basis of the sport We should treat others how we would ourselves expect to be treated We should hold in high esteem the sport, its values and traditions We should earn the respect of others by the way we behave We must respect match officials and accept their decisions We must respect opposition players and supporters We must value coaches and those who run clubs

Discipline

Discipline – Key Points Safety is of paramount importance. Lack of discipline on the field of play can lead to serious harm to self and others Breaches in discipline will be dealt with by the disciplinary process Without discipline, there would be damage and injury to participants and a breakdown in authority We must ensure that the sport is one of controlled physical endeavour We support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport

Enjoyment

Enjoyment – Key Points Enjoyment should be the primary reason we play and support rugby union The game, at all levels, must be fun and entertaining for all involved Participants enjoy the sport for different reasons

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship – Desirable Behaviours Captains shaking hands before kick off Buying your opposite number a drink post match Thanking the referee Thanking club volunteers Player of the match awards for opposition Speeches by team captains post match Parents sharing a drink post match

Matthew Syed (The Times): “…a deeply affecting moment that spoke volumes about human empathy and true sportsmanship”

Sportsmanship – Key Points Fair play should be observed both on and off the pitch Participants should be in victory and dignified in defeat We must uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with team mates and opposition Effort as well as achievement must be recognised

Rugby’s Core Values