First Emailed 10/3/18
Referees Code of Conduct
You will have doubtless seen since the 2018 Law Book a pretty chunky section on Game values is in the RFU and LADS objectives. It is imperative that we remember game values apply to referees as much as they do players, coaches, and spectators – we face specific challenges and can come under greater scrutiny than others involved in the game, but it is imperative we maintain our professional and personal standards in this regard.
Teamwork
At the grassroots level it's often the case that we referee alone; very rarely do we have the privilege of qualified touch judges. But when we do, working as a knowledgeable and coordinated team is essential to ensure the game flows in a safe and productive manner. Welcome all club officials, players, and spectators and coordinate with them to ensure the game goes well and to plan.
Discipline
The referee must be the sole judge of discipline in the field of play. The laws must be maintained and fair play promoted at all times. As a referee not only must we ensure players keep their discipline but we must uphold our own too. It's essential we maintain our self-control even under pressure, in order that we're not swayed by others' points of view.
Off the pitch stay within LADS policies and procedures and don't use WhatsApp to score points or go off on tangents.
Sportsmanship
As a referee we promote fair play and place paramount importance on safety, well-being, and on-field banter that's in good faith. We all love to see the mutual respect between teams.
Ensure you are a good sport to all officers and members of society. Don't let yourself down by your words and actions and don't blame others. Check facts first, use Pitchero as a single source of the truth, and discuss things in a reasonable way without blaming or being dogmatic.
Enjoyment
It can’t be denied that the referees performance can affect the overall feeling of a game and be the difference between enjoyment of a game and leaving feeling low and unmotivated. Promote enjoyment by allowing the game to flow within the laws of the game, fair play and not punishing players unnecessarily. Instead, we promote our great sport by ensuring everyone leaves looking forward to the next game, regardless of the result.
We all want to enjoy membership in society. So don't blame others. See the opportunities for improvement situations show, be accountable for your actions and be responsible for seeking out knowledge rather than reacting to situations or comments.
Respect
The referee must show respect for everyone involved, displaying strong communication skills that never belittle anyone. Obviously, this aspect works both ways, and the more mutual respect shown, the smoother the game will flow.
Show respect to other members, LADS processes and procedures, and each other at all times.
Other key areas include honesty, trust, knowledge of the game, empathy, encouragement, fairness, approachability, and committed.
As a reminder, rugby’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship are what makes the game special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create.
Teamwork
Teamwork is essential to our sport and our organisation. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We work selflessly: working for the team, not for ourselves alone. We take pride in our team, rely on one another, and understand that each colleague has an important part to play. We speak out if our team or colleague is threatened by inappropriate words or actions.
Respect
Mutual respect forms the basis of our sport and our organisation. We hold in high esteem our sport and our organisation, its values, and traditions, and earn the respect of others by the way we behave. We respect our work colleagues, our rugby volunteers and officers, and their decisions. We value our work surroundings, our clubs, and facilities and always treat them with consideration.
Enjoyment
Enjoyment is the reason we work for and support rugby union. We value all work colleagues and encourage them to enjoy their work and the contribution they all make to our sport. We use our sport and our organisation to adopt a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard the welfare of all colleagues and participants in our sport. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the rugby family.
Discipline
Strong discipline underpins our sport and our organisation. We ensure that our organisation is well organised and orderly and that we are honest and fair with each other. We abide by our policies and procedures which ensure that our organisation can operate effectively for the benefit of all. We support our disciplinary system, which protects our organisation and our sport and upholds its values.
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. In the workplace, we uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with teammates and opposition. We observe fair play in the workplace. We work to succeed and meet our objectives, but not at all costs, and we recognise both endeavour and achievement. We ensure that the well-being and development of our colleagues is central to all RFU activity.