The RFU is committed to protecting the welfare of everyone involved in rugby, including children, young people and adults at risk. Everyone has the right to participate in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination and harm.

At Orrell RUFC, we take this responsibility seriously. We want every child and young person to feel welcome, valued and supported, both on and off the pitch.

Our Core Values

Everything we do at Orrell RUFC is guided by the five core values of rugby union:

Teamwork – working together, supporting one another and celebrating our collective achievements.
Respect – treating teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and volunteers with consideration and dignity.
Enjoyment – making rugby a positive experience where everyone has the opportunity to learn, develop and have fun.
Discipline – understanding our responsibilities, following the rules and taking pride in our behaviour.
Sportsmanship – playing fairly, accepting decisions and showing humility in both victory and defeat.

These values are central to our club culture and apply to everyone involved in Orrell RUFC, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to creating an environment where children and young people can enjoy rugby, develop their skills, build friendships and reach their potential in a safe and supportive setting.

We aim to foster an inclusive culture in which everyone feels confident to raise concerns about inappropriate behaviour, poor practice or anything that may compromise the welfare of a player or another participant.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Coaches, team managers, volunteers, parents, guardians, spectators and players all have a part to play in protecting the wellbeing of our rugby community.

We encourage everyone to speak up if something does not feel right. Concerns will be taken seriously and addressed in accordance with the club's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Everyone Has Rights

Every person participating in activities at Orrell RUFC has the right:

To enjoy rugby in a safe environment, free from abuse, neglect and harm.
To be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
To participate voluntarily, without inappropriate pressure to train, compete or play against their wishes.
To be treated in accordance with the RFU's core values and the standards expected at our club.
To participate without discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
To challenge inappropriate behaviour or discrimination, whether experienced personally or witnessed.
To raise a concern or make a complaint and have it taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.

We want every member of our Mini & Junior Section to feel that they belong, that their contribution matters and that they can enjoy rugby with confidence.

Our Code of Conduct

Orrell RUFC expects everyone involved with the club to uphold our core values and behave in a way that promotes a positive, respectful and inclusive environment.

Our Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected from players, coaches, officials, parents, guardians, spectators and volunteers. It also provides a framework for addressing inappropriate behaviour and determining whether informal or formal action is necessary.

Respectful behaviour is expected everywhere our rugby community comes together, including:

During training sessions, matches, festivals and tournaments.
On the touchline and in the presence of players, officials and spectators.
In the clubhouse and other club facilities.
During club events, tours and other rugby-related activities.
On social media, messaging services and other online platforms.

Poor behaviour can undermine a player's confidence, enjoyment and development. We therefore expect everyone to demonstrate our core values in their words, actions and interactions with others.

What Does Good Conduct Look Like?

We encourage everyone at Orrell RUFC to:

Support and encourage players of all abilities.
Respect coaches, match officials, opponents and fellow spectators.
Accept decisions made by match officials without confrontation or abuse.
Encourage teamwork, fair play and positive sportsmanship.
Help create an environment where children feel confident to learn from mistakes.
Use appropriate language and communicate respectfully, both in person and online.
Raise concerns through the appropriate channels rather than engaging in confrontational behaviour.

Abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation and other forms of unacceptable conduct have no place at our club.

This list is not exhaustive. Everyone is expected to familiarise themselves with the club's relevant policies and understand their responsibilities.
https://www.orrellrugbyunion.com/a/black--amber-safe-together-safeguarding-welfare-and-support-information-for-players-parents-and-volunteers-70409.html

Raising a Concern or Seeking Advice

If you have a concern about the welfare of a child or young person, inappropriate behaviour or a potential breach of the Code of Conduct, please speak to the Orrell RUFC Safeguarding Officer or another appropriate club official.

Concerns will be handled in accordance with the club's safeguarding procedures and relevant RFU guidance.

Please do not assume that someone else will raise a concern. Early reporting can help protect players and ensure that issues are addressed appropriately. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Find Out More – Our Safeguarding Section

We have a dedicated Safeguarding section on the Orrell RUFC website, which provides further information, policies and guidance for players, parents, coaches and volunteers.

We encourage all families to familiarise themselves with the resources available, including the relevant safeguarding policies, codes of conduct and reporting procedures.

Please visit our Safeguarding section for the full policies, guidance and information on raising a concern.

Orrell RUFC Safeguarding

At Orrell RUFC, safeguarding is not simply a policy or a procedure. It is part of who we are and how we look after one another.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. Everyone deserves respect. Everyone belongs.

Orrell RUFC – Keeping the Future Black and Amber.

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Orrell RUFC Code of Conduct Updated September 2026 V2

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