West Wicklow Rugby Football Club Match Day and Touchline Behaviour Policy
Aligned with IRFU Governance Guidelines
1. Purpose
This policy aims to ensure that all matches involving West Wicklow Rugby Football Club are played in a positive, respectful and safe environment. Supporters play an important role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable match day atmosphere. The welfare, enjoyment, and development of children and young people must always take precedence over winning or results.
2. Expected Behaviour
All spectators, including parents, guardians, family members and supporters are expected to:
● Respect referees and match officials at all times.
● Accept the decisions of match officials without dissent.
● Encourage all players in a positive and supportive manner.
● Promote the spirit and values of rugby.
● Respect coaches, volunteers, opposition players and supporters.
● Follow reasonable instructions from club officials where required.
3. Unexpected Behaviour
The following behaviour will not be tolerated:
● Shouting abuse at, or openly criticising referees or match officials.
● Criticising, shouting at, or intimidating players from the touchline.
● Coaching or instructing players from the sideline during matches unless authorised to do so.
● Confronting coaches, referees, volunteers, players, or supporters in an aggressive or intimidating manner.
● Using abusive, offensive, or discriminatory language or behaviour.
● Posting inappropriate, abusive, or offensive comments about players, coaches, referees, volunteers, opposition teams or the Club on social media.
4. Supporting players Positively
Supporters are encouraged to:
● Applaud good play by both teams.
● Encourage effort, teamwork, learning, and enjoyment.
● Allow coaches, players, and match officials to perform their roles without interference.
● Remember that youth rugby is about participation, development, respect and enjoyment.
● Parents, guardians, coaches and supporters are asked to lead by example and help create a positive, family-friendly environment that reflects the values of the Club and the game of rugby.
5. Breaches of This Policy
Where inappropriate behaviour occurs:
● A club official may speak to the individual involved and request that the behaviour stops.
● The individual may be asked to leave the touchline or match venue.
● Serious or repeated breaches may be referred to the Club Committee and may result in appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension from attending club activities or matches.
6. Safeguarding
West Wicklow Rugby Football Club is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment for all children and young people.
Any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child should be reported without delay to the Club Children's Officer or the Club Designated Liaison Person (DLP), in accordance with the Club's Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures.
7. Respecting the Spirit of Rugby
Rugby is built on the core values of Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Teamwork, and Inclusion. Everyone involved with West Wicklow Rugby Football Club is expected to uphold these values at all times.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Club's Safeguarding Policy, the IRFU Code of Conduct, and any relevant Leinster Rugby safeguarding and disciplinary guidelines.
This policy applies to all West Wicklow Rugby Football Club matches, training sessions, festivals, tournaments, tours and club events.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in action under the Club's Code of Conduct and, where appropriate, referral to Leinster Rugby or the IRFU in accordance with their disciplinary procedures.