The Good Coaches Code

Coaches of young players are encouraged to:

• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players
• Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
• Be a positive role model - think what this implies.
• Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
• Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players, both during coaching sessions and games.

Coaches of young players should:

• Provide experiences, which are matched to the young players' ages and abilities, as well as their physical and mental development.
• Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
• Avoid overplaying of the best players, by using a squad system, which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
• Never allow a player to play when injured.
• Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field.
• Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
• Recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to drink alcohol.
• Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the policies and procedures outlines in the RFU Policies and Procedures for the welfare of young people in Rugby Union.