Parent & Player Code of Conduct

Version 1.0 – March 2026

Players representing Vale Vultures and their respective parents/guardians will abide by the following Code of Conduct.

Players

Players are expected to:

• Be suitably dressed for the activity and the weather.
• Learn the laws of the game and abide by them.
• Make a personal commitment to attend, work hard, and improve.
• Never argue with the referee’s decision.
• Control their temper on the field. Do not overreact, show ill feeling, or take unfair advantage of any other player.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - the team’s performance will benefit, as will yours.
• Do not listen to comments from spectators. Concentrate on your own and the team’s play.
• Co-operate with your team-mates, coaches and referee, for without them you do not have a game.
• If you are disciplined for your behaviour by the coach, accept it without question.
• Your team-mates are your friends. If you have any problems, tell your coach or parent/guardian. Do not take matters into your own hands.
• Bullying will not be tolerated.
• Above all, do not use abusive, foul, or discriminatory language.

Parents / Guardians

Parents and guardians are expected to:

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in rugby league; at this level our aim is to encourage and develop, not to force.
• Encourage your child to play by the laws and the spirit of the game.
• Teach your child the importance of effort and teamwork.
• Help your child to improve skills and to learn a positive attitude to the game.
• Set a good example to your child.
• Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Be friendly to parents and supporters of the opposition.
• Do not question publicly the referee’s decision.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal abuse, physical abuse, bullying, and poor behaviour from the game.
• Recognise and value the importance of coaches and other volunteers.
• Inform the Team Manager regarding availability for training and matches.
• Ensure that, if selected, your child is at the correct venue by the given time and properly prepared.
• Above all, do not use abusive, foul, or discriminatory language.

Health and Safety

Players must wear the required safety equipment at training and in matches. Gumshields are mandatory for all players, and any player not wearing one will not be allowed to take part. All players should bring their own water bottle to training and matches.

Any injury, medical issue, welfare concern, or safeguarding concern should be reported to the Coaching Team or Safeguarding Officer as appropriate.

Failure to follow reasonable safety instructions will mean the player is unable to take part in the session or match.

Team Tactics and Selection

Matters relating to team tactics and selection are the sole responsibility of the coaches. They should not be publicly criticised by players, parents, or non-participants.

Rugby League is a competitive sport. While the coaches will aim to give players equal game time where possible, we reserve the right to select players and adjust game time according to ability, effort, attendance at training, and the strength of the opposition.

It is the responsibility of the player/parent/guardian to inform the Team Manager regarding availability for training and matches.

If selected for matches, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child is at the correct venue by the given time. Prompt arrival is essential for children to warm up and prepare for the match.

Player Performances

Judgement of players’ performances is the prerogative of the coaches. Shows of public disapproval by parents and spectators should not occur.

Training

Your team coaches have given freely of their time and effort to prepare and develop players. Please show your respect by following instructions and not distracting others during sessions, to avoid accidents and help training remain safe and productive.

Discipline

All matters relating to team and individual discipline on and off the field are the responsibility of the coaches and team management.

Bullying of team-mates will not be tolerated, whether physical, verbal, psychological, or online in nature.

Failure to comply with any of the above could result in a player being removed from the squad.

Grievance Procedure

1. If you feel you have a grievance with your respective squad, you must inform the Team Manager in writing within 7 days of the incident or event occurring.
2. The Team Manager will respond in writing within 7 days acknowledging receipt of the original complaint.
3. The Team Manager will endeavour to deal with the complaint within 14 days of the original complaint.
4. If you feel that your complaint has not been dealt with sufficiently, and the above process has been exhausted, it then becomes an issue for the appropriate club lead, whose decision will be final.