Good Coaches Code

All Hastings & Bexhill coaches of players should:
Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.

• Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
• Be a positive role model - think what this implies.
• Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
• Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
• Provide rugby experience which are matched to the players' ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development.
• Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
• Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
• Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
• Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
• Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
• Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol and those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
• Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy