All coaches within Wyke ARLFC must be aware of and adopt the RFL Coach Code of Conduct and Safeguarding & Protecting Children & Vulnerable Groups Policy, in addition to Wyke’s own: code of conduct for Coaches, Club Officials and Volunteers, 100% ME Anti-Doping Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy, Equity Policy Statement, Risk Management Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, RESPECT Policy, Tackle It! Policy.

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All coaches must adhere to the following:

Hold the appropriate coaching qualifications relevant to the age group coaching and have undertaken a CRB check with the RFL.

Make a commitment to continued personal development, maintain an accurate knowledge of the rules of the game, keeping abreast of current coaching methods and maintaining or improve your current coaching accreditation level to keep your licence active.

As a coach, conduct yourself at all times and in all situations, in a manner, that demonstrates leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game - the players, referees, officials, parents and spectators.

Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.

Follow all guidelines and policies laid down by Wyke ARLFC.

Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with players at all times.

Ensure all equipment and facilities are safe.

Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.

Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.

Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability.

Avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player, treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent.

Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.

Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap between their level of 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.

Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – RESPECT their efforts.

Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances.

Never exert undue influence over players to obtain personal benefit or reward.

Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the players.

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.

Actively discourage foul play and/or unsporting behaviour by players, encourage fair play.

Encourage players to respect and accept the judgement of the Match Officials.

BEHAVE! Unsporting language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse from Rugby League.

Respect the match officials decisions – DO NOT complain or argue about decisions during or after a game, never engage in public criticism of officials. Where a breach of this Code of Conduct involves children who are the officials at the match it may also be treated as a breach of the Safeguarding Policy and be dealt with by the RFL.

Wyke ARLFC WILL NOT tolerate any form of referee abuse or any other anti-social behaviour from any member. Any persons reported could be expelled from the Club.

Every person who attends a Rugby League match does so with the permission and license of the home club & league. Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in penalties up to and including a fine, loss of team match points and suspension.

The Rugby Football League publication entitled ‘RESPECT’, outlining the standards expected of ALL participants of Rugby League is available, along with copies of Wyke ARLFC’s Codes of Conduct & Policies from the Club Secretary.