Heath Code of Conduct and RFU Code of Rugby

At Heath, we follow the RFU Code of Rugby and have signage, around the Clubhouse and Grounds with our specific expectations with regards to a Code of Conduct. Additionally, we draw your attention to the stance, sanctions etc for Abuse of Match Officials.

All following:

As highlighted in our Match Day Programme, the Code of Rugby details:

Enjoyment

Sportsmanship

Teamwork

Respect and

Discipline

Uphold the Core Values of our Sport.

The Heath Code of Conduct, for Players and Spectators, expects us to:

Always promote fair play - be positive

Always promote high standards of behaviour

Never condone rule violation or behaviour

Encourage and treat all players equally

Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials

Never criticize officials

Recognise good performance and effort

Never belittle a player

Use correct and proper language at all times

Always follow Club and RFU guidelines.

Abuse of Match Officials: Statement January 2024. NEW.

With just under 20% of all discipline cases in the game being related to MOA and survey data from Match Officials showing that c50% of officials have been abused in the last season, the RFU Head of the Judiciary has today, the 1st January 2024, issued guidance to all discipline panels that all sanctions for proven instances of MOA must be aggravated by an additional number of weeks/ matches. This will be applied to all levels of the game.

The full details and reasoning for this guidance are here, however, in summary, any offence contrary to RFU Rule 9.28 will be aggravated in accordance with RFU Regulation 19.11.13(b) as follows:

Low-end

by 2 weeks,

Mid-range

by 3 weeks

Top-end

(whatever starting point is determined), by 4 weeks.

For the avoidance of doubt, this aggravation will also be applied to any misconduct or rule 5.12 cases.

Finally, please help HEATH establish a safe and welcoming environment.