1697s Rugby Club

Code of Conduct – Club Members

 

“Club Member” refers to any individual who has:

 

• Registered with the 1697s Rugby Club for the current season or applicable program (e.g., player, coach, volunteer, or board member), and

• Paid any required membership or program fees (if applicable), and

• Agreed to abide by the club’s policies, including the Code of Conduct and any applicable rules or guidelines.

 

Club membership remains valid for the duration of the registered season or program, unless suspended or revoked in accordance with club policies.

 

1.0 Application & Jurisdiction

The 1697s Rugby Club Code of Conduct applies to all registered members of the Club, including but not limited to:

 

• Players

• Coaches

• Team managers

• Match officials

• Board members and executive officers

• Volunteers

• Committee members

• Support staff

• Any individual participating in club-sanctioned activities

 

All individuals adopt and agree to this Code of Conduct upon registration or participation in any capacity with 1697s Rugby Club.

 

This Code applies to all club activities, including but not limited to:

 

• Matches (home and away)

• Training sessions

• Tournaments

• Travel to and from club events

• Social events

• Meetings

• Community events

• Any activity where a member represents 1697s Rugby Club

 

2.0 Standards of Conduct

Members of 1697s Rugby Club shall uphold the highest standards of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect.

 

2.1 General Behaviour

Members shall:

 

• Demonstrate self-control and responsible behaviour at all times

• Show respect toward teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, administrators, volunteers, and spectators

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, or abuse

• Protect the physical and emotional well-being of all participants

• Conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents the Club and the sport of rugby

• Members are expected to exercise good judgement and appropriate behaviour both on and off the field, particularly when attending or traveling to club-sponsored events.

 

2.2 Substance Use

Members shall:

 

• Abstain from the use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs

• Avoid the excessive or irresponsible use of alcohol

• Comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws

 

No member shall commit a criminal offence while participating in or attending any club-sanctioned activity.

 

2.3 Respect for the Game

Members shall:

 

• Abide by the Laws of Rugby and all governing body regulations

• Accept referee decisions with respect and professionalism

• Refrain from verbal or physical abuse toward officials or opponents

• Avoid conduct that brings the Club or the sport into disrepute

 

2.4 Responsibility for Supporters

Members share responsibility for ensuring that supporters, family members, and guests attending club events behave respectfully. Members may be asked to leave the event with their guest who is not complying.

 

3.0 Complaints & Reporting

The executive shall review complaints and may refer matters to a Discipline Committee.

 

“Discipline Committee refers to a designated group of impartial club representatives responsible for reviewing alleged breaches of club policies, codes of conduct, or rules, and determining appropriate outcomes.

 

The committee is authorized to:

 

• Review incident reports and relevant evidence

• Hear from involved parties where appropriate

• Make fair and unbiased decisions based on club policies

• Issue disciplinary actions or recommendations, which may include warnings, suspensions, or other sanctions

 

Members of the Discipline Committee must avoid conflicts of interest and act in the best interests of the club, ensuring a process that is fair, consistent, and respectful to all parties involved.

 

Members, which may include board members and/or impartial club representatives.

 

4.0 Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to:

 

• Verbal or written warning

• Reprimand

• Suspension

• Removal from team activities

• Expulsion from 1697s Rugby Club

• Reporting to governing bodies for further action

 

Disciplinary action may apply to conduct occurring both on and off the field where such conduct impacts the Club or its reputation.

 

All disciplinary matters shall be handled fairly, impartially, and in accordance with established Club and governing body procedures in keeping with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness

 

Members must cooperate fully with investigations. Failure to do so may result in suspensions or other sanctions.

 

5.0 Review & Approval

This Code of Conduct shall be reviewed periodically by the 1697s Rugby Club Board of Directors and may be amended as required.

 

This policy becomes effective upon approval by the 1697s Rugby Club Board.

 

Acknowledgment

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Code of Conduct – Coaches

 

The athlete–coach relationship is a position of trust and leadership. Coaches play a critical role in the athletic, personal, and character development of players within the 1697s Rugby Club. Coaches must recognize the inherent power imbalance in this relationship and ensure it is never abused.

 

Coaches represent the values, culture, and standards of 1697s Rugby Club. How players experience rugby is deeply influenced by the behaviour, communication, and integrity of their coaches. This Code of Conduct establishes the standards expected of all 1697s coaches to foster a safe, inclusive, competitive, and respectful rugby environment.

 

Coaches Have a Responsibility To:

 

1. Treat all participants fairly and equitably, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, economic status, or ability.

2. Provide constructive feedback, directing comments toward performance and decision-making rather than the individual.

3. Model the highest personal standards and represent 1697s Rugby Club with professionalism:

   • Refrain from public criticism of fellow coaches, players, officials, or club leadership.

   • Avoid the use of tobacco or vaping products in the presence of players.

   • Abstain from alcohol consumption while coaching or supervising players.

   • Discourage alcohol misuse in connection with rugby activities or events.

   • Refrain from profane, insulting, discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing language.

4. Prioritize player safety by ensuring all training sessions and matches are appropriate for the age, experience, skill level, and physical readiness of players.

5. Promote a safe playing environment, educate players about injury prevention and safe rugby techniques. Coaches must follow Concussion Management policies to recognize, remove and graduated return to play.

6. Collaborate with medical professionals’ recommendations regarding injuries and health concerns. The long-term health and well-being of players must always take precedence over short-term competitive success. 1697s Rugby Club is unable to overrule medical recommendations at the request of a parent, player or club member.

7. Recognize limitations and refer players to qualified specialists when appropriate. Players’ development goals must come before personal coaching ambitions.

8. Pursue ongoing professional development to maintain evolving coaching best practices. Certifications from World Rugby and Coach Canada programs are encouraged.

9. Demonstrate respect for opponents and match officials, in both victory and defeat, and actively promote respect for the Laws of Rugby and the spirit of the game.

10. Support player well-being beyond the field, recognizing academic, professional, and family responsibilities.

11. Communicate openly and professionally with players, parents (where applicable), and club leadership.​

12. Coaches Must:

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all players under their supervision.

• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times. Coaches must never engage in intimate or sexual relationships with club athletes, including requests for sexual favors or any form of coercion or implied reprisal.

• Respect the dignity of all participants. Verbal, emotional, physical, or psychological harassment or abuse is strictly prohibited.

• Never advocate, condone, or supply banned performance-enhancing substances.

• Never provide alcohol to underage players.

• Intervene appropriately in cases of misconduct, bullying, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour.

  • Issue a verbal warning

  • Removal from field of play or activity

  • Report actions to the Executive and/or Discipline Committee fo investigations, sanctions and appeals

• Comply with all applicable Rugby Canada, provincial union, and club policies.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the 1697s Rugby Club Code of Conduct.