RESPECT A code for our sport

Aim To maintain and enhance the environment in which the game is played at all levels.

Objectives No touchline abuse at our club Improve recruitment and retention of participants Promote Rugby League’s values Ensure that everyone enjoys their Rugby League experience at our club Ensure that our club has a good reputation

Remember to be: Responsible Encouraging Sporting Positive Enjoyable Considerate Tolerant A checklist for behaviour

What is involved? Code of Conduct – all players & coaches Referee Report Forms – every match Touchline Manager Programme –every match Technical Area – every match Spectator Area – where possible Coach Education – cards can be withdrawn “Tackle it” – anti- racism Education & Strong Sanctions

What does it mean? Behave; never use unsporting language, question match officials decisions or promote violent or illegal acts Encourage all players,coaches and match officials to enjoy their game Support all the players, coaches and the officials. They are here for fun Take pride in the reputation of our club and our game

What can we do? Make sure that we have read and understood the Code of Conduct Make sure that we encourage players, coaches and officials to abide by the Code of Conduct for the whole day Ensure that ALL Spectators are greeted when they arrive and shown the available facilities. This will set the tone for the whole day. Challenge others who break the Code of Conduct Report incidents to the Touchline Manager Always show true RESPECT Most importantly: be responsible for our own behaviour

Touchline Manager Who? – (it may be someone in the club with experience e.g a police officer or teacher) –Volunteer – either new or existing –Someone with authority and presence –Someone who can remain calm –Someone known to club members What? –First point of contact to nip issues in the bud –Point of contact during the game for the referee –Remind spectators of their responsibility How? –Discreetly and swiftly

Conflict Resolution – a stepped approach Be aware –Enjoy the game but monitor the touchline Move towards –In the case of an incident or potential incident; move towards the area Observe and analyse –Is this a significant incident likely to escalate or will a quiet reminder sort it out. Isolate –Ask the person to move away for a chat, explain the potential consequences of continued abuse Be calm and firm –Explain the RESPECT Code, explain that this behaviour cannot be tolerated. Explain that continued abuse will lead to problems for the club and the players –Explain that the incident will be fully reported and action taken –Remain calm and in control – at all times

Steps to be taken Explain that you understand their frustration however their behaviour is out of order Calmly ask the people involved to move away to discuss the problem Observe and quickly assess if you will need to step in Move towards any potential incidents Be aware of potential problems and hotspots Ask that they either stop or leave as there will be consequences for everyone In the last resort the referee should abandon the game

and if this doesn’t work….. Ask the culprit to move away from the game Bring the incident to the attention of the referee If required the game will be abandoned and the club will face a full report. Remember: if you have done all that you can the League should take this into account

Communication What you say is more than just the words Words –7% of message Vocal Tone, Volume, Intonation, Pitch and Pace –38% of message Body Language or Non-Verbal Communication –55% of message

Confrontation

Touchline Manager You are there to assist the smooth running of the game and the enjoyment of the game for EVERYONE You are the first port of call if there is a small scale incident You are there to reduce and diffuse problems You are not there to replace the referee or the normal League sanctions You should never place your self or others in danger

RESPECT A shared responsibility for the common good All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke Edmund Burke Irish orator, philosopher, & politician ( )