Congratulations,

You are becoming part of more than a game; Rugby is an experience. 

Rugby is mentally demanding and a competitive contact sport. 

It is a sport where you have no enemies, only competitors. After the match, Rugby players join with the opposing side for fun and fellowship. 

We honor the opposing team because without them we have no game. 

It is the trust form of sportsmanship played in more than 110 countries and is the second most popular sport played in the world. 

After international Rugby matches there are no riots like the number one sport in the world is known for. 

The Rugby tradition of sportsmanship and fellowship has not fostered this behavior. 

We as members of the World Rugby family will make this our number one goal.

Mission:  Our mission is to introduce boys and girls to the game of rugby, teach the basic concepts, play attractive rugby and be competitive in the various leagues while making all aspects of the game enjoyable.

Guiding principles:  (How we will conduct ourselves). 

Rugby's traditions of camaraderie, associating with the opposition after games, fair play and sportsmanship is one of the differentiators that have attracted people to the game.  While many players will take up rugby for different reasons, rugby's emphasis on tradition and teamwork creates a need for all players and coaches to have the same vision in how we play the game and conduct ourselves on and off the field.  Remember that our conduct and behavior can positively or negatively affect the reputation of rugby in the community.  This affects the opportunity of others to continue to participate in rugby and receive support from the community, schools and sports authorities.  The game is above our own individual attitudes, values and motivation for playing it.  Therefore we avoid any behavior or conduct that reflects negatively on rugby and brings the games and those associated with it into disrepute.

Conduct and attitude:

 Don't talk back to the ref.

 Referees call the game as they see it and will sometimes make bad or marginal calls. However, we do not debate the merits or otherwise of a referee's call.  He cannot and will not change a call - the team captain only is allowed to ask for clarifications.

No swearing.

Minimize talk and discussions to necessary communications only.  

Be responsible, do your job and never give up. 

We turn up on time to practice and games.  

We let the coach know when we are not available.

Every player wears the full clean uniform and mouthguard at every game.

The Team captain makes all tactical decisions on the field.

There is no dissension or arguing amongst the team members during a game.

No taunting or other unacceptable behavior.

We do not trash talk, taunt or in any other way show un-sportsmanlike conduct towards opposing players, coaches and supporters.  

Dirty or dangerous play is not part of the game and is not to be tolerated by our team nor retaliated against if perpetrated by the opposition.

Meet and talk to the opposition after the game. We shake hands with opponents and coaches after the game. 

We thank referees and other officials.  

We are good hosts when we play home games.  

Show class

We do not whine during or after the game. 

Whatever the outcome, we will not act victimized.

All good plays are appreciated by all the team members; self-congratulating, preening etc. has no place in rugby.

We are respectful of our hosts, their property and reputation when we are the visitors.

We strive to improve the image of rugby and rugby players at every opportunity.

Measuring success and progress in how we play:

There are many ways to be winners in a rugby match as well as scoring the most points.  Here are some of the ways in which we will set our goals and measure our playing success:

• First time tackling - get your man down - minimize missed tackles.

• First to line outs & scrums.

• First to get possession of the loose ball. 

• Quickly into attacking or defending position at all times.

• Get all scrum balls and line outs that we put in.

• Only  pass the ball to a  player  in a better position to take it and who is moving forward.

• Number of times we get the ball (all possessions).

• Number of times we cross the gain line whenever we get the ball.

• Amount of “good ball” we get from set pieces, second/ third phases etc. vs. “bad” ball.

• Quickly pass off “good ball” we get from set pieces, second/ third phases etc.  and suck up “bad” ball.

• Number of dropped passes as a ratio of caught passes.

• Number of penalties conceded vs the opposition. (Fewer penalties at each game as we progress through the season).

• Line outs won/ lost on our line out throw.

• Line outs won/ lost on their line out throw.

• Scrums won/lost on our put in.

• Scrums won/lost on their put in.

• Conversion and penalty kicks at goal percentage.

• Time of  ball possession vs. the opposition.

• Time in the opponents half.

 ENJOY!!!

  This is a simple outline for parents to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to enjoy the game to the maximum level. Rugby has always been a game that prides itself on fair play and enjoyment for all, so please adhere to these guidelines to ensure this continues.