Our Commitment
We are committed to a culture grounded in the core values of rugby:
Respect • Integrity • Discipline • Solidarity • Passion
Every athlete deserves an environment that promotes physical safety, psychological safety, and belonging.
This is how we play.
This is how we lead.
Our Core Values: SAFE
S – Support Teammates
- We uplift one another on and off the field
- Every athlete brings value to the team
- We celebrate effort, growth, and resilience
A – Advocate for Respect
- Respect is non-negotiable
- We treat all players, coaches, officials, and opponents with dignity
- Harassment, discrimination, or exclusion is not tolerated
F – Focus on the Game
- We compete with discipline, passion, and purpose
- We prioritize effort, skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship
- We do not judge teammates based on appearance, identity, or personal characteristics
E – Engage with Integrity
- We act with honesty and accountability
- We address concerns through coaches or team leadership
- We do not engage in gossip, speculation, or public accusations
- We take responsibility for our actions and their impact
NERFU Player, Coach & Community Expectations
As members of NERFU we commit to:
- Creating a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment
- Upholding both the letter and spirit of the game
- Communicating with respect and accountability
- Supporting player welfare and team cohesion
- Representing our teams and our sport with integrity
We explicitly reject:
- Gossip and rumor-spreading
- Commentary on others’ bodies or identities
- Behavior that undermines trust, safety, or inclusion
Misconduct of fans or supporters
Our Standard
- We are stewards of the game.
- We compete fiercely.
- We support relentlessly.
- We lead with character.
We Are SAFE Ruggers
We stand for a culture where every player can compete, grow, and belong. Leave the jersey, and the game, better than you found it.
SAFE Players follow World Rugby – Regulation 18
Core Principle
All players are responsible for upholding the integrity of rugby by demonstrating discipline, respect, honesty, and sportsmanship at all times, on and off the pitch.
Player Expectations
Respect & Sportsmanship
- Respect referees, coaches, teammates, opponents, and spectators at all times
- Accept all referee decisions without argument or dissent on the pitch – there are appropriate channels to follow up with concerns within NERRS
- Play within both the laws and the spirit of the game
Behavior Standards Players must NOT:
- Engage in abusive, insulting, intimidating, or offensive behavior
- Use discriminatory language or actions (race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc.)
- Use foul or abusive language toward officials, players, or spectators
- Intimidate, threaten, or harass any person
- Engage in violence off the field (including sidelines, socials, etc.)
Integrity of the Game
- Do not act in any way that brings the team, club, or rugby into disrepute
- Do not publicly criticize referees, officials, or disciplinary decisions
- Do not post or share content (including social media) that harms the reputation of the game, clubs or players in regards to practice, matches, socials etc.
- Do not engage in cheating, dishonesty, or unsporting conduct
Accountability & Cooperation
- Fully cooperate with coaches, club leadership, and any disciplinary process
- Be honest in all communications regarding incidents or investigations
- Follow all team, club, and governing body rules and regulations
Responsibility Beyond the Field
- Conduct yourself appropriately at all team events, travel, and social settings
- Understand that behavior off the field can still be subject to discipline (by Union, USAR or local law enforcement)
- Represent the team and rugby community with professionalism at all times
Misconduct (What Can Lead to Discipline)
Misconduct includes any behavior, on or off the field, that is:
- Unsporting, abusive, or disrespectful
- Discriminatory or harmful
- Dishonest or misleading
- Damaging to the reputation of rugby
Consequences
Violations may result in:
- Warnings or reprimands
- Suspension from games or team activities
- Removal from the union
- Additional disciplinary action as determined by the club or governing body
Key Standard
Being part of this union means you are held to a higher standard, your actions reflect on your teammates, your club, New England and the sport of rugby as a whole.
