THE GOOD SPECTATOR’S CODE:
Clubs and Schools should encourage Spectators to:
• Act as positive role models to all players.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
• Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.
• Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of the spectators.
• Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play.
• Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake – remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
• Recognise that match officials may at time see infringements of rules that may not be apparent from the side lines
• Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’.
• Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the players.
• Encourage all players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.