Code of Conduct for Players

Young players can benefit greatly from sports in terms of personal development and enjoyment.

As part of their development our players must be encouraged to realise that due to their participation they also have a responsibility to treat others with fairness and respect. With rights there will always be responsibilities.

When a young person signs a membership form as a player with DRP they are agreeing to abide by this Code of Behaviour and to any other policies or codes in your Club and National Governing Body.

YOUNG PLAYERS should be entitled to:

  • Be safe and feel safe.
  • Have fun and experience a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment.
  • Be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity.
  • Comment and make suggestions in a constructive manner.
  • Be afforded appropriate confidentiality.
  • Participate in games and competitions at levels with which they feel comfortable.
  • Make their concerns known and have them dealt with in an appropriate manner.
  • Be protected from abuse.
  • Be listened to.

YOUNG PLAYERS should always:

  • Play fairly, do their best and enjoy themselves.
  • Respect fellow team members regardless of ability, ethnic origin, cultural background or religion.
  • Support fellow team members regardless of whether they do well or not.
  • Represent their team, their Club and their family with pride and dignity.
  • Respect all coaches, mentors, officials and their opponents.
  • Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.
  • Shake hands before and after a game, irrespective of the result.
  • Ensure that their coach/mentor/manager is informed in advance if they are unavailable for training and games.
  • Know that it is acceptable to talk to the Club or juvenile Section Children’s Officer with any concerns or questions they may have.
  • Adhere to acceptable standards of behaviour.
  • Tell somebody else if they or others have been harmed in any way.
  • Take due care of Club equipment.
  • Endeavour to play to the best of their ability and to constantly strive to improve.

YOUNG PLAYERS should never:

  • Cheat – always play by the rules.
  • Shout at or argue with a game’s official, with their coach, their team mates or opponents and should never use violence.
  • Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage or isolate other players.
  • Spread rumours.
  • Tell lies about adults or other young people.
  • Play or train if they feel unwell or are injured.
  • Use unacceptable language or racial and/or sectarian references.