CODE OF CONDUCT

Colchester Kings RFC is proud to be East Anglia's first inclusive rugby team. We play with pride and fiercely support our players, friends and chosen family. We come together to create a vibrant and fun club that welcomes people of all ages, experiences and sexualities. The people that make up our club show others how we enact the core values of rugby. 

By joining as a Player, Coach, Supporter or Committee Member you agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

REPRESENTATION

As a member of Colchester Kings RFC, you individually represent the club on and off the pitch. Your actions within the Clubhouse, on the pitch, while travelling on tours, or at any club-organised event, not only reflects on you as a player, but that of our Club, our sponsors, and Colchester RFC. Your behaviour should be respectful at all times.

WEAR YOUR CROWN WITH PRIDE

When you wear our playing kit, training gear, or branded merchandise, you should wear your crown with pride.  This includes in person and on social media.  Any club kit remains the property of the club and should be cared for and returned intact. Club kit should not be used for any other purpose than representing the club. Use of its imagery on social media platforms is subject to club approval.

RESPECT YOUR KINGS

No matter the situation, all Kings will respect each other, be that in training, on the pitch, or in the Clubhouse bar. Respect builds a strong community and any member found to be disrespectful or using the club for any other purpose beyond rugby will be held accountable.

ENGAGE WITH THE COMMITTEE

Members will understand that the administration of the club is done on a voluntary basis and members will show respect by engaging with the requests of the committee, including paying subs/fees on time and providing timely information on request. 

CREATE OUR CULTURE

We take pride in our club and we encourage all members to speak out if inappropriate words or actions are used by any other member. 

ABIDE BY THE RULES

When you're training in Colchester, or playing away at another team's ground, as a King you will respect the clubhouse rules set by Colchester RFC, or another host rugby club.

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ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Alcohol or drug abuse can impair judgement, performance and the safety of players. Therefore, Kings players and supporters are not permitted to consume alcohol or use, purchase, transfer, possess or sell illegal drugs or controlled substances while on Kings events, whether at home or away.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Social media is an excellent tool for promoting our teams’ activities and engaging with all members and supporters. However it must be used sensibly and considerately. 

You must not use Social Media Platforms to bad-mouth or abuse your Kings teammates or opposing teams/players. You must not divulge any information (which may be considered sensitive or controversial) about Colchester Kings, CRFC or any of it’s associated teams. You must not post pictures of yourself committing unethical, irresponsible, or unlawful acts whilst wearing Kings Branded clothing. 

If you are found to be in breach of any of these rules, you will be removed from the Kings Clubhouse Facebook group and will also be prohibited from tagging Colchester Kings in any posts on Social platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for 30 days. 

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AS MEMBERS OF COLCHESTER KINGS RFC, EACH PERSON MUST MEET BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS. 

PLAYERS

• Never argue with the referee and play by the laws of the game. All communication is to go through your team captain, and you will always accept the referee’s decision without question.
• Play well for yourself and your club, understanding the importance of personal self-development, engaging with training and the Club’s coaching team.
• Be a good sport; recognise all good play, whether by your own team or your opponents. Positively engage with our opposition, win or lose after the match.
• Members should keep to the agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team captain if they are going to be late. This shows respect for your teammates and coaches.

COACHES

• Operate a fair and transparent method of team selections and substitutions across all teams.
• Never allow a player to train or play when there is a known injury that could endanger the player’s health.
• Commit and aspire to continually improve their coaching knowledge and experience through appropriate courses and development opportunities available through the Club.

SUPPORTERS

• Respect match officials’ decisions (even if they appear to make a mistake)—remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
• Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators, from within the Club or of an opposing side—such negative behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Support with verbal encouragement all players of our teams in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the players of an opposing side.#

COMMITTEE

• Uphold the constitution and this code of conduct as the senior members of the Club and leaders amongst its community.
• Operate a transparent structure across the Club, allowing members to be informed, to ask questions and to engage positively throughout the year.
• Be guardians of the Club for future generations, striving to leave the Club in a stronger position than when they take up their role.

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Under RFU rules, the Club is responsible for policing its own internal club breaches of this code of conduct. If any member of the Club wishes to raise a breach of the code, they are to contact the Club’s Secretary.

Breaches of this Code of Conduct, including serious offenses, which may jeopardise the reputation and future success of the club will be considered by the Committee and the appropriate action will be taken. This may include suspension from the club.