Sarasota Rugby Club Player Code of Conduct
The mission of Sarasota Rugby Club is to promote competition, athleticism, and community through sportsmanship and fair play. Our leagues, practices, and events should always be played with integrity and respect. While competition may become intense, we expect all participants to remain competitive while maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship.
Rugby, like all sports, involves competition, interpretation, and judgment calls. Disputes between players, coaches, and officials may occur from time to time. What matters most is that these disputes are addressed with civility, respect, and self-control.
As a participant in any Sarasota Rugby Club league, tournament, practice, or event, I pledge to be responsible for my words and actions, and I agree to uphold the following standards:
I Will:
Respect the game, play fairly, and follow all rules and policies.
Accept the decisions of Sarasota Rugby Club officials with good grace.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games toward opponents, teammates, and officials, regardless of the outcome.
Take responsibility for the conduct of my teammates and help maintain a respectful environment for all participants.
Treat opposing teams, officials, coordinators, and staff with courtesy and respect.
Help maintain the fields, equipment, and facilities in good condition.
Respect the privilege of using our game and practice locations, including following all rules and caring for equipment, common areas, parking lots, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Refrain from using abusive, discriminatory, or profane language.
Not engage in any behavior that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of players, officials, staff, or spectators.
Not engage in verbal, written, or physical threats or abuse toward any player, official, or staff member.
Not initiate or participate in physical altercations, including pushing, shoving, or fighting of any kind.
Not use alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs at any Sarasota Rugby Club location or event unless otherwise specified.
Wear and properly use all required uniforms and equipment.
Enforcement & Accountability
I understand that any behavior deemed unacceptable by Sarasota Rugby Club may result in ejection and/or suspension from a practice, game, or event for an indefinite period of time. Sarasota Rugby Club reserves the right to remove any player who displays poor sportsmanship or conduct contrary to this Code.
All decisions made by on-site Sarasota Rugby Club officials must be respected and obeyed. Any disputes or concerns with a rule, player, team, or staff member should be brought directly and immediately to a Sarasota Rugby Club official for resolution.
Disciplinary Actions
I acknowledge that failure to conform my conduct to the above standards while attending, coaching, officiating, or participating in Sarasota Rugby Club events may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following, in any order or combination:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Suspension or immediate ejection from practice, match, or event
Season-long or multiple season suspension from practices, matches, or events
Permanent expulsion from Sarasota Rugby Club
Commitment
By participating in Sarasota Rugby Club activities, I commit to upholding these standards of conduct. I understand that I represent not only myself but also the club, my teammates, and the sport of rugby as a whole. My actions will reflect the values of respect, integrity, and community that define Sarasota Rugby Club.