Torquay Athletic RFC
Code of Conduct
Torquay Athletic RFC is built on the rugby core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. This code applies to every member of the TARFC community at all club activities, home and away.
Our Commitment
Our Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct exists to make sure that everyone who plays, coaches, volunteers, watches or visits TARFC does so in an environment that is safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all. The club reserves the right to impose sanctions in respect of any breach of this code.
Standards of Behaviour
The Codes
• Play because you want to, not to please coaches or parents
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game
• Treat all players, coaches and officials with respect at all times
• Accept the referee's decisions without argument or dissent
• Never use abusive, threatening or discriminatory language on or off the pitch
• Support and encourage your teammates. Include everyone
• Arrive on time, ready to train and give your best effort
• Shake hands with opponents and officials after every match
• Report any concerns about your welfare or that of a teammate to a coach or club officer
• Represent TARFC with pride. Your behaviour reflects the whole club
As a coach or volunteer you should:
• Treat every player with equal respect regardless of ability, age, background or identity
• Recognise that the safety of players is always paramount
• Keep winning and losing in perspective. Player development and enjoyment come first
• Never single out, humiliate or publicly criticise a player
• Maintain appropriate boundaries in all communication with players, especially those under 18
• Only communicate with players under 18 via club channels, never personal social media or messaging apps
• Never be alone with a child without another adult present
• Ensure your knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy
• Complete all required RFU training including RugbySafe and hold a valid DBS check
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer
• Be a positive role model at all times, on the touchline, in the clubhouse and online
As a parent or guardian you should:
• Remember that children play sport for their own enjoyment, not yours
• Encourage your child and all players positively. Celebrate effort, not just results
• Never shout criticism, abuse or negative comments at players, coaches or officials
• Respect the authority of the referee. Do not question decisions from the touchline
• Stay in designated spectator areas and off the pitch during matches
• Never approach the referee before, during or after a match in a confrontational manner
• Raise concerns calmly and privately with the relevant coach or club officer, never on the touchline during a match
• Be familiar with the Good Coach's Code. Understand what coaches are trying to achieve
• Be a positive role model. Young players are impressionable and their behaviour often reflects that of the adults around them
• Never leave your child unattended or out of sight on club grounds. The welfare and safety of every child at TARFC is paramount. Parents and guardians are responsible for their child's supervision at all times, including during training sessions and matches
As a spectator you should:
• Act as a positive role model to all players
• Applaud good play from both teams
• Never use abusive, offensive or discriminatory language
• Respect the match officials and their decisions
• Stay behind the designated spectator areas
• Never enter the field of play without permission
• Encourage a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all
As a junior member you should:
• Listen to your coaches and follow their instructions
• Be kind and supportive to your teammates. Include everyone
• Never bully, exclude or make fun of another player
• Tell a coach or trusted adult if something does not feel right
• Use social media responsibly. Never post anything about a teammate you would not want said about you
• Represent TARFC well at home and away
All members of the TARFC community are expected to:
• Never post abusive, threatening or discriminatory content about any player, coach, official, club or referee
• Never share photos or videos of other people, especially children, without their permission
• Avoid online arguments about match results, refereeing decisions or club matters
• Report anything concerning to the club rather than responding publicly
• Coaches and volunteers must not follow or connect with players under 18 on personal social media accounts
Dogs are welcome at the Recreation Ground and we want it to stay that way. As a dog owner you should:
• Keep your dog on a lead at all times while on club grounds
• Keep dogs on hard standing areas only. Dogs are not permitted on the grass pitches
• Clean up after your dog immediately
• Keep your dog away from children and players unless you are certain they are comfortable with dogs
• Never leave your dog unattended on club grounds
• Be mindful of other spectators, especially children, who may be nervous around dogs
The clubhouse is an important part of life at TARFC and we want everyone to enjoy it. The following standards apply to all members, guests and visitors inside the clubhouse:
Respect for staff:
• Treat all clubhouse and bar staff with courtesy and respect at all times
• Abusive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the premises and further club sanctions
• Staff have the right to refuse service to anyone behaving inappropriately
Children in the clubhouse:
• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while in the clubhouse
• Children must never be left unattended in the clubhouse for any reason, including while a parent or guardian visits another area of the ground
• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when making any purchase at the bar. Children are not permitted to purchase anything from the bar independently. This is in place to protect the safety and welfare of children and to support our bar staff in meeting their legal obligations
• Parents and guardians are responsible for their children's behaviour inside the clubhouse at all times
General behaviour:
• Please drink responsibly and be mindful of the environment you are in
• Excessive noise, rowdy behaviour or anything that creates an uncomfortable environment for others will not be tolerated
• The clubhouse is a shared space enjoyed by players, families and guests of all ages. Please conduct yourself accordingly
Sanctions
What Happens if the Code is Breached
TARFC takes breaches of this code seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, the club may:
â‘ Issue a verbal or written warning
â‘¡ Require the individual to meet with the club committee
â‘¢ Suspend the individual from club activities temporarily
â‘£ Refer the matter to the RFU
⑤ In serious cases, terminate club membership
All concerns are handled fairly, confidentially and in accordance with RFU guidelines.
Reporting
Reporting a Breach
If you witness or experience a breach of this code, please contact the club via the Contact page. For safeguarding concerns, please refer to our Safeguarding page where full reporting guidance is available. This code is adopted in accordance with the RFU's Code of Conduct framework and reviewed annually by the club committee.