Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Uticuse Rugby Club is a rugby football club committed to the ethics of:
(1) Inclusion.
(2) Fair and safe play on the field.
(3) Mutual respect and consideration.
(4) Providing a harassment-free sport environment.

The Uticuse Rugby Club’s (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Organization’) is organized exclusively for the purpose of participating in and promoting the sport of rugby at the state, national and international level. In view of this purpose, the members accept these articles with the intention that personal efforts will benefit the team as a whole. In addition the members hold the expectation that involvement with the sport of rugby will provide them with recreation and the opportunity for personal growth.

Developing a club culture that reflects these principles is integral to successfully realizing our mission. It is within that spirit that the Organization asks all of its members to adhere to certain standards of conduct, which are outlined below. These standards of conduct are intended to establish some expectations and guidelines as to what constitutes behavior consistent with our stated ethics, our club mission, and the law.

The sections below provide the club’s standards of conduct expected of all its members (players, coaches, staff, and supporters), associated with each of the four principles inherent within our statement of ethics.

1. Inclusion
With the mission of our organization being to provide a welcoming, safe environment for all participants to enjoy the sport of rugby, the Organization and its members will not discriminate on the grounds of ethnicity, race, nationality, or religion in any matter; nor on the grounds of sex, orientation, age or disability, except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of the sport. The Organization follows the gender inclusion policies as laid out by USA Rugby.

2. Fair and Safe Play on the Pitch
Fair play espouses striving to win, but not at all costs. The Organization’s members are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the game, in both spirit and action, as set out by USA Rugby and the Empire GU governing bodies, referees, and coaching staff. The Organization’s players will abide by and respect the officials’ decisions, and refrain from direct commentary to officials, other than communicating through the Captain(s). Players will refrain from the use of physical force or behavior that reflects an intentional disregard for the safety of another player(s) outside of the rules of the game.

Coaching staff are expected to demonstrate a standard of care for the individual athlete’s wellbeing, commensurate with the individual’s abilities and standards of the sport.

Safe play requires that the Organization’s players report all injuries and medical conditions that directly impact their playing capability, in a timely manner to the appropriate club personnel. Players will also wear appropriate safety equipment as required, such as mouth guards and headgear, to reduce the risk of injury. The Organization’s players are expected to abide by the directions and/or decisions of medical personnel and coaches.

3. Mutual Respect and Consideration
The Organization is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon themselves, their teammates, and the Organization– whether that is with other teammates, within the local and regional community, with other rugby teams, coaches, referees, sponsors or spectators. Members are expected to display good sportsmanship conduct in club events, both on and off the pitch.

• Sportsperson like conduct includes showing respect and consideration in language and behavior toward all whom are in attendance at an athletic event: officials, coaches, athletes, opponents, spectators, sponsors and the media.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct includes inappropriate behavior in language, gesture, or action that demeans, physically intimidates, or endangers others, not just during athletic competition but also during other activities of the Club or by actions that bring the Organization into disrepute.

• Good sportsmanship conduct also implies winning with character and losing with dignity.

4. Harassment-Free Environment
Every member of the Organization has the right to participate in a sporting environment free from harassment. The Organization does not tolerate harassment in connection with any of its internal or external business, sport or related activities. All members are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. See the Organization’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy for more details.

5. Member Complaints resolution procedure – See also the Organization’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy , and see the Organization’s Disciplinary Procedure disciplinary action, termination, and reinstatement policies.

By signing this form, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the By-Laws, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, the Disciplinary Procedure Policy, and Code of Conduct of the Uticuse Rugby Club in order to remain a member in good standing. I understand that by breaking any of rules set forth I may be subjected to disciplinary action set forth in the Disciplinary Procedure Policy. (*Copies of all Policies and Procedures as well as the Organization's By-laws are provided in the private Uticuse Facebook group files, as well as upon request)