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Code of Conduct

Updated on June 30, 2026

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.

 

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