Rugby - Code of Conduct

University of the West of England Men's & Women's Rugby Clubs

1.0. Introduction
This document outlines the expectations of UWE Students' Union (UWESU) along with its aims to satisfy sports club members & provide guidelines to cater for their well being, safety & behaviour whilst remaining a member of a UWESU Sport & Activities. This document shall be the basis for the safe operation of the University of the West of England Rugby Clubs.

2.0. General Information

2.1. Membership to UWESU Sport & Activities

Membership is open to UWESU students, UWE & UWESU staff & UWESU life members in accordance with UWESU's constitution providing that they:

a) Receive a UWESU Membership carb) register their membership to the sport club through the online UWESU membership application form
c) read & agree to comply with the UWESU Activities Code of Practice

Members are also required to comply with the Centre for Sport "Conditions of Use" when using University hired or owned facilities.

The list of members entitled to participate in rugby activities will be kept with the Club President & updated by the Club Committee as appropriate.


2.2 Club Purpose
To provide equal, equitable & safe opportunities for members of the University to participate in rugby.

Activities shall include:

• The introduction of beginners/novices
• Provision for experienced performers
• Participation in appropriate competition (specifically BUSA) & coaching programmes
• Instruction on safe practice & technical aspects of the sport
• Support to progress as appropriate within Performance & Coaching parameters

UWE Rugby Clubs shall make provision for the encouragement of the development of the sport of rugby as the Committee & Executive see fit.


2.3. Affiliation
UWE Rugby Clubs affiliates to the GRFU, RFU, RFUW. All UWE Rugby Clubs members having paid club subscription & registered online are affiliated to BUSA via UWESU.


2.4. Instruction
Training sessions for sports clubs within UWESU will be conducted by coaches who have appropriate qualifications. Instruction will cover: communication, footwear, clothing, equipment, & safety precautions. The coaches are assigned to the club by the Centre for Sport.


2.5. Trials/Selection Policy
Trials will be held in the first week of the autumn term for the purpose of assessing the ability of all members. UWESU operates a policy that all individuals must trial each year irrespective of ability. Training sessions are held on Monday & evenings where the ability of all club members can continually be assessed by team captains & coaching staff to aid team selection.


2.6. Training & Coaching:
The club shall seek to support persons actively involved in coaching activities in attaining RFU/RFUW Coaching & Official Qualifications as appropriate. All student members can receive funding via the Community Volunteer Programme.


Vehicles:
In order to drive UWESU hired vehicles all drivers must be tested & insured. UWESU Sport & Activities provides a nationally accredited minibus driver awareness (MiDAS) practical & theory test free of charge. UWESU Sport & Activities provides people carrier familiarisation tests & trailer towing training & assessments free of charge.


1st Aid:
UWESU Sport provides 1 day nationally accredited 1st aid courses for all members free of charge.

3.0. Health and Safety Guidelines

3.1. Clothing and Equipment
The sports club must ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn & equipment used for, the appropriate activity.

As per International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations:

• All jewellery must be removed before training &/or fixtures
• Studs on boots must conform to British Standard BS6366 & comply with IRB specifications (regulation 12). Moulded/rubber studs are permissible
• Shoulder pads, headgear & chest pads (women only) may be worn, but must bear the authorised mark of the IRB
• Mitts (fingerless gloves) are permissible providing they comply with IRB specifications (regulation 12)
• All supports must be made of elasticated or compressible material, with the exception of ankle supports which may be rigid, but not made of metal
• Shin guards are permissible, but only where consisting of non-rigid fabric & comply with IRB specifications (regulation 12)
• Players must not wear any other item which does not conform with the IRB specifications for such clothing

NB: IRB regulations can be found in UWESU Sports & Activities Centre


3.2. Personal Protection
A mouth guard/gun shield should be worn during all training sessions & fixtures.

UWESU advises all players should ensure they have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation.


3.3. Rules and Regulations
All sports & activities where applicable should be conducted according to the rules & regulations of the activity issued under the authority of the respective National Governing Body.

All activities irrespective of whether 'active' or 'social' organised by the club shall be run in accordance with these guidelines & those of RFU/RFUW. Activities shall include:

• Rugby training & competition
• Fitness & strength & conditioning
• Social trips/tours as appropriate

1. Coaches Role:
It is the coaches role to inform beginner/novices of all the safety features of rugby. To write training plans for squads, supervise correct technique, ensure safety both on & off the pitch & to provide support during training & fixtures of UWE squads.

Coaches shall behave in such a manner as not to place members at any greater risk as that associated with normal participation.

2. Trips & Fixtures:
Prior to visiting away locations & or using UWESU hired transport the club will complete the necessary "Trip Registration Form" - which highlights details such as destination, date & time of departure & arrival, first aiders, a list of all those travelling, their UWESU Membership card numbers & emergency contact names & telephone numbers.

ANY changes to the above details MUST be notified to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & the Gatehouse prior to departure.

All travelling members MUST carry with them their UWESU Sport cards for identification purposes.

Where the club is participating in a fixture, squad members will be informed via the squad captain &/or club committee of the travel arrangements, event arrangements & general requirements. Trip notification will be provided by one of the above to UWESU Sports & Activities.

NB: Regular Activities not requiring specific trip notification to UWESU Sports & Activities are organised training sessions based at Portway Rugby Development Centre, Clifton RFC & Saracens RFC respectively.


BUSA Competition:
All members must have paid the appropriate UWE Rugby subscription & registered online.

Undergraduates:
Only current UWE students undertaking a minimum of 60 credits of an undergraduate course are eligible to compete for UWE in BUSA competition.

Postgraduates:
Only current UWE students undertaking a study programme of no less than 50% of the full time student programme are eligible to compete for UWE in BUSA competition.

NB: Any club or individual that does not adhere to the above eligibility requirements will be subject to a UWESU Sport disciplinary.


3.4. First Aid
First aid supplies should be signed out for all training & fixtures, but are available at UWESU where first aiders are also usually available. All student coaches should be qualified first aiders.

Members are requested to advise their coach/team mates of any medication or medical condition which may affect their health/performance (this information must also be recorded on the online registration membership) eg: Asthmatic - & where the inhaler is carried, diabetic, epileptic etc.

All accidents & injuries other than 'routine blisters/scrapes' must be recorded on an Accident Form & passed to the Sports & Activities Manager.

Any member requiring further physiotherapy treatment other than at training or fixtures must be referred by the club sports physio or coach using a physio injury report or Accident Form.


NB: Any player that is not registered as a member that receives treatment from the sports physio will cause the individual & the club to be subjected to UWESU Sport & Activities disciplinary, as well as may incur financial penalties.


Within the club there should be at least 2 qualified 1st aiders per squad at anyone time. Where possible a first aid kit shall be taken on every trip, training session & fixture.

NB: Nursing & Physio students do not qualify as substitute 1st aiders, unless they have an up-to-date 1st aid qualification.


3.5. Equipment
No person shall use any equipment not specifically allocated to him or her without reference to the club committee. Members remain responsible for monitoring the equipment they are using before & after every training session or match & reporting defects accordingly to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

Repairs/Damage
Members have a responsibility to report all equipment damage/repairs & remedial work required. Failure to do so will lead to a suspension from rugby for a period defined by the Rugby Club Executive committee &/or Sports President & the Sports & Activities Manager.


3.6. Accident Procedures
All Members MUST be aware of the accident/emergency procedures. An accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre. If required, assistance from a 1st aider should be sought.

Report to club officials any injuries or incidents, this includes (an accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre:

• On the way to & from training/practices
• During any training session &/or races

All incidents/accidents are kept on file in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & are used to support any review of safety procedures.

In the event of any serious accident or incident which involves the Emergency Services or which could involve media attention please follow this procedure:

1. Assess the situation.
2. Ensure the safety of yourself then the group. Call the Emergency Services if necessary & ensure before your call that you are able to explain exactly where you are. You will also be expected to give them your name, the number from which you are ringing & a brief summary of the incident including possible injuries & the number of injured. If you are calling from a mobile you may in some circumstances need to ask them to ring you back if your call is indistinct
3. Where possible treat any casualties if it is safe to do so. Always be aware of potential spine injuries - never move someone in this situation unless there is a more serious potential situation such as fire.
4. All accidents/incidents that occur MUST be reported as soon as possible. Contact UWE by ringing:
   • UWESU Sports & Activities Centre
     Tel: 0117 32 84103 / 82719 / 83288 / 83291
     Hours: 09.30hrs - 17.30hrs (Mon to Fri)
   • Alternatively the University Gatehouse (24hrs)
     Tel: 0117 32 82552

All incidents resulting in injury occurring in a sports facility owned or hired by UWE MUST be recorded in the accident book, located in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre, 5th Floor F-Block, Frenchay Campus.

Please be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• The telephone number from which you are calling
• A brief summary of the incident & any injuries
• The number & names of people involved
• The name of any hospitals where casualties may have been taken
• The details of any police officers involved with the incident

You may be rung back if there are any further steps that need to be taken.

Do not make any statement to the media other than "no comment". DO NOT discuss ANY aspect of the incident with anyone who is not connected with the emergency services.

3.7. Insurance
Fully paid members that have registered online involved in club activities have insurance cover under the UWESU BUSA Gold Personal Injury Insurance Policy. This is not medical insurance, for which individuals remain individually responsible. UWESU takes out further insurance for both Rugby Clubs that is ' a significant level of compulsory personal accident cover, for all affiliated clubs, to provide lump sum benefits for players in the event of serious permanent disability injury.' Full details are available from UWESU Sports & Activities Centre &/or the club Logbooks. UWESU recommends that individuals take out appropriate individual insurance cover.

All equipment is registered & insured with UWESU Sports & Activities. The personal property of members is not covered unless specifically noted.

4.0. Conduct of Members

Members should not act in any way that could foreseeably cause harm to themselves or anyone else, & be aware that they owe a "Duty of Care" to those who are so closely affected by their acts & omissions.

Members are expected to abide by UWESU policy (copies available from the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & UWESU Site Offices) & if relevant their particular Regional & National Governing Body Guidelines. UWERFC/UWEWRFC will abide by the safety codes of practice at all training facilities or fixture they attend.

Members will pay their own fines for any cautions or suspensions received. Neither the sports club or UWESU will take any responsibility financial or otherwise.

Any member or official who is deemed by UWESU Sport & Activities to be acting in an irresponsible manner or ignoring guidelines laid down in this Code of Practice may be subject to disciplinary measures by your respective club, UWESU Sport & Activities or the relevant National Governing Body.


4.1. Alcohol Consumption
No alcohol is to be consumed on board transport owned or organised by UWESU.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking.

Whilst engaging in social events please ensure that you remain with the group.

Each individual has responsibility for themselves to maintain safe alcohol consumption levels, to know your limits & keep well within them.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking. For more information: www.drinkaware.co.uk & www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk

4.2. Facilities
Members are expected to treat facilities, staff, & students at the University of the West of England & other institutions & establishments with the utmost respect.


4.3. Equal Opportunities
"The University of the West of England Students' Union is a campaigning organisation which represents a diverse membership.

UWESU recognises that inequality, oppression & discrimination exists in this society.

The Students' Union will work towards a fairer society through ensuring greater equality of opportunity for its members & employees.

UWESU aims:

• To increase the quality of everyone's participation in the workforce & the educational process.
• To address attitudinal & organisational barriers to achieving greater equality of opportunity.
• To take positive action to promote fair employment practices & to eliminate discrimination against, & oppression of, individuals or groups of people on the basis of any of the following:
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Sexuality
  • Class
  • Ethnicity
  • Nationality
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Colour
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Age
  • HIV
  • Status
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Marital status

UWESU believes that the oppression of the above groups & other discriminatory behaviour or language is unacceptable to the Union and will result in disciplinary action.


Note: If the Rugby Club's incoming committee fails to attend the Annual Committee Training in the spring term the club will automatically be shut down & as a result withdrawn from all relevant leagues and activities for the forthcoming academic year.