West Wicklow RFC Minis Section (U6–U12)Codes of Conduct and Participation Guidelines
Aligned with IRFU Governance Guidelines
1. Introduction
West Wicklow Rugby Football Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all young players in the Minis section (U6–U12). All rugby activities are delivered in accordance with the current IRFU Age Grade Rugby Regulations, IRFU Safeguarding Policy, and Leinster Rugby Branch guidelines.
At Minis level, our primary focus is on:
● Fun and enjoyment
● Skill development
● Teamwork and friendship
● Respect for others
● Learning the core values of rugby
All players, parents/guardians, coaches and volunteers are expected to uphold the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct.
2. Minis Player Code of Conduct (U6–U12)
Players are expected to:
● Listen to coaches and follow instructions.
● Treat teammates, opponents, referees and volunteers with respect. ● Participate to the best of their ability.
● Play safely and avoid dangerous behaviour.
● Encourage and support teammates.
● Include others in games and activities.
● Take care of equipment and club facilities.
Respect and Teamwork
Players must not:
● Engage in teasing, bullying, intimidation or exclusion of others.
● Use inappropriate, offensive, abusive or discriminatory language.
● Engage in inappropriate physical contact, including pushing, hitting, kicking, grabbing, or any behaviour intended to hurt or intimidate another person.
● Deliberately hurt or endanger another player.
● Disrespect referees, coaches, teammates, opponents, or volunteers.
● React aggressively to winning or losing.
● Damage club property or equipment.
Players should:
● Respect all decisions made by referees.
● Shake hands with opponents after games.
● Support and encourage teammates.
● Remember that rugby is about learning, enjoyment, respect, and personal development.
Safety
Players should:
● Inform a coach if they are hurt, unwell or feel unsafe.
● Report any bullying or unsafe behaviour to a coach.
If the Code is Not Followed
Where behaviour falls short of this Code:
● The coach will explain and guide the player.
● Parents/guardians may be informed.
● In serious cases, a player may be temporarily removed from activity.
3. Parents and Guardians Code of Conduct
Parents and guardians play a key role in creating a positive rugby environment. Parents/guardians are expected to:
● Encourage participation and enjoyment.
● Support all players, not only their own child.
● Respect coaches, referees, volunteers and other families.
● Refrain from coaching from the sideline.
● Accept referees’ decisions respectfully.
● Promote good sportsmanship at all times.
Touchline Behaviour
Parents/guardians must not:
● Criticise or shout at players.
● Confront coaches or referees during matches.
● Place undue pressure on children regarding performance or results.
Parents/guardians should:
● Applaud effort, teamwork, and fair play from both teams.
● Allow coaches to coach and referees to referee.
● Help maintain a positive and encouraging environment.
Supporting the Club
Parents/guardians should also:
● Ensure players arrive on time and properly equipped.
● Communicate any injuries or medical needs to coaches.
● Support all club safeguarding and welfare policies.
4. Coaches & Volunteers Code of Conduct
Coaches and volunteers are responsible for ensuring a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all players.
Coaches and volunteers must:
● Act as positive role models at all times.
● Treat all players fairly and respectfully.
● Deliver safe, structured and age-appropriate sessions.
● Promote participation, inclusion and enjoyment.
● Encourage fair play and respect for others.
● Communicate positively with players and parents/guardians.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Coaches and volunteers must:
● Comply fully with IRFU safeguarding policies.
● Promote a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, abuse, harassment, or unsafe behaviour.
● Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.
● Ensure all players feel safe, valued and included.
5. Photography and Social Media(please see club policy)
West Wicklow RFC complies fully with IRFU guidelines on photography, video recording and social media involving children.
● Parental consent must be obtained for any official club photography.
● Images or videos of children must not be shared publicly without consent.
● Children must not be tagged or identified on public social media platforms.
● Only authorised club personnel may manage official club media content.
6. Safeguarding and Welfare
West Wicklow Rugby Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children involved in rugby. We operate a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, abuse, harassment, or unsafe behaviour.
All safeguarding or welfare concerns should be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer. Where necessary, concerns may also be escalated in line with IRFU safeguarding procedures.
All concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and managed in accordance with IRFU safeguarding policy.