Nottingham Outlaws fully endorse the Rugby Football League’s ‘RESPECT’ code-of-conduct campaign.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Participants in the game of Rugby League include players, parents, spectators, coaches, match officials, volunteers and administrators. Every participant should:

  • Discourage all instances of unsporting behaviour, foul or illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, special needs, including learning and physical disabilities, class or social background, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, colour or political persuasion.
  • Condemn the use of recreational and performance enhancing drugs and doping practices their use endangers the health of players and is contrary to the concept of fair play.
  • Important every person who attends a Rugby League match does so with the permission and license of the home club and/or league.

PLAYERS

  • Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from your team or the opposition and shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the game – win, lose or draw.
  • Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit. Make every effort to develop your own abilities.
  • Always respect the match official’s decision.
  • Make every effort to be consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game. Never get involved in foul play.
  • Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship and respect the traditions of the game.
  • Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including swearing, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other players, officials or supporters. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
  • Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.
  • Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
  • Recognise that many officials, coaches and match officials are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect. Remember, without them you do not have a game.
  • Do not bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or indirectly, on the outcome or any other aspect of a rugby league match or competition in which you are involved.

COACHES

  • Actively discourage foul play and/or unsporting behaviour by players.
  • Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability; avoid the tendency to overuse a talented player; treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent.
  • Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a doctor and/or Physiotherapist to the letter when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or playing.
  • Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.
  • Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement of the Match Officials.
  • Never engage in public criticism of officials.
  • Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with players at all times.
  • Make a personal commitment to maintain a knowledge of the rules of the game and keep abreast of current coaching methods; maintain or improve your current accreditation level.
  • Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the players.
  • Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap between their play and the professional game; do not coach them as if they are professionals.
  • Ensure that your coaching reflects the level of the competition being played; do not be a “win-at-all-costs” coach.
  • As coach, conduct yourself at all times in a manner, and in all situations, that shows leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game – the players, officials, the fans, the parents, the match officials and the media.

SPECTATORS

  • Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final score of a game.
  • Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
  • Respect the match officials decisions – don’t complain or argue about decisions during or after a game.
  • Behave! Unsporting language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
  • Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect opposition players and officials.
  • Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – respect their efforts.
  • Participate in positive cheering that encourages the players in the team you are supporting; do not engage in any jeering that taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.
  • At all times, follow the directions of the Ground Manager and/or other match day staff.
  • Never arrive at a game under the influence of alcohol, never bring alcohol to a game, and only drink alcohol, if it is available at the ground, in the designated licensed area.

VOLUNTEERS & ADMINISTRATORS

  • Always operate to the principle of “friendship first – competition second”
  • Ensure that all operations are under the supervision of appropriately qualified people who have been through the required checks.
  • Ensure that all volunteers/administrators understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct
  • Ensure that all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
  • Encourage all participants to remember that sport is enjoyed for its own sake- play down the importance of awards