PLAYER

• Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from your team or the opposition and shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the game – win, lose or draw.

• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.

• Always respect the referee’s decision.

• Never become involved in acts of foul play.

• Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship and respect the traditions of the game.

• Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other players, officials or supporters.

• Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.

• Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.

• Recognise that many officials, coaches and referees are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.

• Do not bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or indirectly, on the outcome or any other aspect of a Rugby League match or competition in which you are involved.

COACHES

• Actively discourage foul play and/or unsportsmanlike behaviour by players

• Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability; avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player; treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent.

• Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician and/or sports trainer to the letter when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or playing.

• Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.

• Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with players at all times.

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the rules of the game and keep abreast of current coaching methods; maintain or improve your current accreditation level.

• Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the players.

• Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap between their play and the professional game; do not coach them as if they are professionals.

• Ensure that your coaching reflects the level of the competition being played; do not be a “winner-at-all-costs” coach.

• As coach, conduct yourself at all times in a manner, and in all situations, that shows leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game – the players, officials, the fans, the parents, the referees and the media.

OFFICIALS

• Be impartial! Also, be consistent, objective and courteous.

• Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else.

• Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest, both on and off the field.

• Condemn all and every instance of unsportsmanlike, foul or unfair play.

• Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards players, coaches, referees, officials, parents and spectators.