Rules

Beyond the actual Rules of Play as laid down by the Rugby Football League, there are three main areas of Policy which underpin what are Club is all about:

Code of Conduct
Child Protection Policy
Club Development

Please see below to learn more about the Centurions club ethos.
St Albans Centurions has adopted the Respect Code of Conduct as the basis for all Club rules and policies. It applies to all players, parents, spectators, coaches, match officials, volunteers and administrators and sets out what the game expects from itself as well as the people who participate in it. Rugby League is a tough physical sport that places many demands on all concerned. The Code represents a significant step forward for sport of Rugby League as we seek to reinforce our well earned reputation as an inclusive, family-friendly sport.

The Code states that we as a Club are responsible for the conduct of our players, parents/carers of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to promote the Code to try to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Rugby League is a tough physical sport that places many demands on all concerned. The Code represents a significant step forward for sport of Rugby League as we seek to reinforce our well earned reputation as an inclusive, family-friendly sport.

The Code states that we as a Club are responsible for the conduct of our players, parents/carers of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to promote the Code to try to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone.

Code of Conduct for Coaches
Coaches must:
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person.
• Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
• Adhere to all guidelines laid down by B.A.R.L.A and the Rules of The Rugby League
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
• Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
• Clarify with the player exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
• Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
• Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
• Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Continually be mindful that St Albans Centurions is a family club and to always adhere to the club's policy of no swearing when children and families are present
• Always have regard to the best interest of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game or any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

Code of Conduct for Players
A player should:
• Make every effort to develop his own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina
• Respect club property (including opposition clubs) at all times
• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game. Even is his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
• Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, time wasting and maintain a professional conduct at all times
• Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game
• Be continually mindful thatSt Albans Centurions is a family club and always adhere to the club's policy of no swearing when children and families are present
• Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win
• Resist any influence that might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning
• Adhere to the correct dress code for all fixtures
• Represent the club respectfully and positively at all times
• Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules
• Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equality
• Resist temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques

Code of Conduct for Spectators
A spectator should:
• Remember the players are taking part for their enjoyment not yours. They are not professionals or international gladiators.
• Be on your best behaviour. Do not use foul, sexist or racist language or harass players, coaches or match officials.
• Be clear that verbal abuse of players or match officials is not acceptable in any shape or form.
• Show respect for opponents and match officials. Without them there would be no game.
• Acknowledge good performance and fair play by opponents as well as your own team.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
• Not ridicule players who make mistakes.
• Not overemphasise the importance of winning.

Code of Conduct for Parents & Guardians
As a parent or guardian you should:-
-Teach your child to treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their gender, ethnic origin or cultural background.
-Not force an unwilling child to play Rugby League.
-Encourage your child to always play by the rules and respect match officials.
-Remember that young people are taking part in organised sports for their enjoyment - not yours.
-Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
-Teach your child that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
-Insist on fair and disciplined play, do not tolerate foul play, cheating, foul, sexist or racist language.
-Turn defeat into victory by helping young people towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
-Remember that young people learn best by example.
-Not question publicly the decisions of match officials, and never question their honesty.
-Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and administrators-they give their time energy and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
-Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical, sexist and racial abuse from Rugby League.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

St Albans Centurions has adopted the Rugby Football League Child Protection Policy and Implementation Procedures. In summary, this Policy commits Centurions to:
- ensuring that all officials are carefully selected and vetted and if necessary trained on these Policies and Procedures
- ensuring that all officials with the potential to abuse young people are properly CRB checked
- ensuring that details of any players medical condition are notified to the relevant officials or authorities
- giving parents and players information about the clubs aims and ambitions and what they can expect from the club
- advising parents of what the club expects from them
- ensuring that parents and players know how to voice their concerns or complain if there is anything that they do not like or agree with