Surrey Rugby

The Good Spectator's Code

SPECTATORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

  • Act as positive role models to all young players
  • Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Safeguarding Policy in relation to verbal and emotional abuse
  • Respect the rugby club regarding spectator behaviour

SPECTATORS SHOULD:

  • Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours
  • Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of the team for whom they play
  • Respect match officials’ decisions. Remember - they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby
  • Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators, or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this
  • Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘win at all costs’ ethic
  • Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is ‘for’, not ‘at’ the players
  • Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team for whom they play