Our Commitment

The Byron Shire Rebels Rugby Union Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable environment for all players, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, members and supporters.

We believe rugby is more than a game - it is about community, connection, culture, teamwork and creating lifelong friendships.

Every person involved with the Rebels is expected to uphold the values of:

•⁠ ⁠Respect

•⁠ ⁠Integrity

•⁠ ⁠Discipline

•⁠ ⁠Teamwork

•⁠ ⁠Passion

•⁠ ⁠Inclusion

This Code of Conduct applies to all club activities, including matches, training, social events, travel, tours, meetings and online interactions.

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Expectations of All Members

All participants must:

•⁠ ⁠Treat teammates, opponents, referees, volunteers and spectators with respect.

•⁠ ⁠Play and support rugby in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play.

•⁠ ⁠Follow the Laws of the Game and all Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby and Far North Coast Rugby policies.

•⁠ ⁠Help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, genders and abilities.

•⁠ ⁠Respect club facilities, equipment and property.

•⁠ ⁠Act honestly and with integrity at all times.

•⁠ ⁠Refrain from abusive, aggressive, discriminatory or offensive behaviour.

•⁠ ⁠Support and protect the reputation of the Byron Shire Rebels Rugby Union Club.

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Players

Players are expected to:

•⁠ ⁠Attend training and games with commitment and a positive attitude.

•⁠ ⁠Respect coaches, teammates, referees and opponents.

•⁠ ⁠Play hard, but always fairly and safely.

•⁠ ⁠Support teammates and contribute positively to club culture.

•⁠ ⁠Never engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation.

•⁠ ⁠Maintain high standards of behaviour both on and off the field.

•⁠ ⁠Follow directions regarding safety, injury management and player welfare.

•⁠ ⁠Remember that they represent the Rebels whenever wearing club apparel or attending club events.

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Coaches, Managers and Team Officials

Coaches, managers and officials will:

•⁠ ⁠Prioritise player welfare and safety at all times.

•⁠ ⁠Lead by example through respectful behaviour.

•⁠ ⁠Encourage participation, enjoyment and skill development.

•⁠ ⁠Treat all players fairly and equally.

•⁠ ⁠Promote positive sideline behaviour.

•⁠ ⁠Provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

•⁠ ⁠Comply with Rugby Australia safeguarding and integrity requirements.

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Parents and Supporters

Parents and supporters play an important role in creating a positive environment.

Parents and supporters will:

•⁠ ⁠Encourage players positively.

•⁠ ⁠Respect match officials and volunteers.

•⁠ ⁠Avoid negative comments, abuse or confrontation.

•⁠ ⁠Allow coaches to coach and referees to referee.

•⁠ ⁠Support all players, not just their own child.

•⁠ ⁠Behave responsibly at all club events.

There is zero tolerance for:

•⁠ ⁠Abuse of referees or officials

•⁠ ⁠Aggressive behaviour

•⁠ ⁠Harassment

•⁠ ⁠Discrimination

•⁠ ⁠Violence

•⁠ ⁠Bullying

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Social Media

All members must use social media responsibly.

Members must not:

•⁠ ⁠Post abusive, offensive or discriminatory content.

•⁠ ⁠Bring the club, players, officials or rugby into disrepute.

•⁠ ⁠Share confidential information.

•⁠ ⁠Engage in online bullying or harassment.

Members are encouraged to:

•⁠ ⁠Promote the club positively.

•⁠ ⁠Celebrate achievements respectfully.

•⁠ ⁠Support teammates, volunteers and sponsors.

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Alcohol, Drugs and Behaviour

The Byron Shire Rebels supports responsible behaviour at all times.

Illegal drugs, violence, harassment and dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated.

All members are expected to act responsibly at club events, away trips and social functions.

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Child Safety

The Byron Shire Rebels Rugby Union Club is committed to providing a safe environment for children and young people.

All adults involved with junior players must comply with relevant safeguarding requirements and Working With Children legislation.

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Breaches of the Code

Breaches of this Code may result in action including:

•⁠ ⁠Verbal warning

•⁠ ⁠Written warning

•⁠ ⁠Suspension

•⁠ ⁠Removal from club activities

•⁠ ⁠Referral to governing bodies under Rugby Australia policies

Serious incidents may be reported to Far North Coast Rugby Union, NSW Rugby or Rugby Australia.

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Our Club Promise

At the Byron Shire Rebels, we are more than a rugby club.

We are a community built on respect, friendship, culture, inclusion and a shared love of the game.

Every player, parent, volunteer and supporter has a role to play in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and proud to wear the Rebels colours.

Together, we represent the Byron Shire Rebels with pride - on and off the field.