Bayside RFC Sideline Behavior Protocol

Purpose

This protocol outlines expected behaviors and actions for all individuals on the sidelines during rugby games, including coaches, players, team staff, spectators, and officials. The goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone involved, maintaining the integrity of the game and promoting positive interactions.

1. General Conduct

  • Respect and Sportsmanship: All sideline participants must demonstrate respect for the game, the players, the officials, and other spectators. Unsportsmanlike behavior, including yelling at officials or opposing teams, will not be tolerated.
  • Supportive Environment: Sideline behaviors should foster an atmosphere of encouragement and positive reinforcement. Coaches, players, and spectators should focus on motivating and uplifting their team, not berating or criticizing individuals or teams.
  • No Inappropriate Language: Use of vulgar, offensive, or derogatory language is strictly prohibited. This includes both verbal and physical expressions of disrespect.

2. Coaches' Responsibilities

  • Professionalism: Coaches must always maintain a high level of professionalism, modeling appropriate behavior for players, staff, and fans. They should focus on guiding and motivating their athletes rather than engaging in confrontations with officials, opposing coaches, or fans.
  • Respect for Officials: Coaches are responsible for controlling their team's behavior and ensuring that their players do not argue with referees or other officials.
  • Communication with Players: Coaches should communicate with players in a manner that is both constructive and positive, giving clear instructions and feedback.
  • Control of Bench Area: Coaches should ensure that their team bench area is orderly and that players remain focused on the game, not engaging in disruptive behavior.

3. Players' Behavior

  • Positive Attitude: Players should maintain a positive attitude both on and off the field, respecting the game, teammates, coaches, and opponents. Complaints, negative body language, and dissent are discouraged.
  • Respect for Officials: Players must respect the decisions of referees and officials. Arguing calls, showing dissent, or engaging in inappropriate physical or verbal behavior towards officials is prohibited.
  • Sideline Conduct: Players not currently in the game should remain seated or in the designated team area. They should refrain from disruptive behavior, including loud or inflammatory remarks directed at the game, officials, or the opposing team.
  • Injuries and Safety: Any injuries sustained during the game should be reported immediately to the coaching staff. Players should not engage in risky behavior, and they must follow the medical staff’s advice if an injury occurs.

4. Spectator Behavior

  • Respect for Players and Coaches: Spectators should avoid making negative comments about players, coaches, or officials. Verbal abuse or taunting directed at participants is strictly prohibited.
  • Supportive Cheerleading: Fans should focus on supporting their team with cheers, chants, and positive encouragement. Any form of derisive or mocking behavior towards the opposing team is unacceptable.
  • Compliance with Event Rules: Spectators should remain in designated areas, avoid interfering with the game, and comply with any venue-specific rules, such as not crossing into team bench areas or field boundaries.
  • Behavior Towards Other Spectators: Spectators are expected to show respect for other fans, regardless of team affiliation. Disruptive, aggressive, or antagonistic behavior towards other spectators will result in ejection from the event.

5. Officials’ Role

  • Enforcement of Protocols: Officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and this behavior protocol. They have the authority to penalize or remove individuals who violate sideline behavior expectations.
  • Communication: Officials should communicate calmly and professionally with players, coaches, and spectators when necessary. Disputes should be addressed in a respectful manner, and officials are expected to remain neutral and fair in all interactions.

6. Enforcement of Protocols

Triage and enforcement of protocol for bad sideline behavior is crucial in maintaining a positive, respectful, and safe environment during sporting events.

6.1 Triage – Identifying and Addressing Behavior in Real-Time

  • Monitor the Sidelines: Bayside designates, such as Group directors, team managers, or event coordinators) must observe the sideline during games. These persons should be responsible for noticing and assessing disruptive behavior.
  • Assess the Situation: Once an issue arises, quickly assess whether the behavior is:
    • Minor (e.g., loud but not threatening behavior)
    • Moderate (e.g., verbal abuse, arguing with officials)
    • Severe (e.g., physical threats, harassment, or discriminatory language)
  • Immediate Intervention: If the situation is moderate to severe, it may require an immediate intervention to stop the behavior and ensure it does not escalate.
  • Zero Tolerance for Violence: Any form of physical violence, including fighting, pushing, or aggressive physical interactions, will result in immediate ejection from the event and possible legal action.

6.2 Enforcement – Applying the Protocols

  • Step 1: Verbal Warning:
    • For minor violations, a verbal warning should be issued by the designated person. This reminder should emphasize that the behavior is unacceptable, and the person should stop.
    • Example: "Please remember the importance of supporting all players respectfully. Further disruptions may result in consequences."
  • Step 2: Formal Warning
    • If the behavior continues despite the verbal warning, issue a formal written warning to the offending person (or their team). This could be via the coach or event organizer.
    • Example: "This is a formal warning. If there is any further disruption, you may be asked to leave the premises."
  • Step 3: Removal from the Sideline
    • For continued disruptive behavior after formal warning, the ref will stop the game, and the person may be asked to leave the sideline or the venue entirely. This should be done in a calm, professional manner by the referee and the team manager.
    • Example: "We have asked you several times to stop. You need to leave the sideline now, or the game is paused until the situation is resolved."
  • Step 4: Disciplinary Action
    • In extreme cases, where behavior is severe or repeated, further disciplinary actions should be taken. These could include suspensions, fines, or a ban from attending future events. These decisions should be made in accordance with the organization’s policies.
    • A written report should be filed, and appropriate disciplinary measures should be followed.

6.3 Post-Event Review

  • Incident Report: After the event, an incident report should be filed, detailing the behavior, actions taken, and any relevant communications. This helps track repeat offenders and provides transparency in the enforcement process.
  • Counselling & Education: Depending on the severity of the behavior, offer education and counseling opportunities to those involved, particularly if the behavior was due to lack of awareness or understanding of the expectations.

6.4 Reports and Complaints

  • Coaches, players, and spectators can file reports about inappropriate sideline behavior to event organizers or sport’s governing bodies. These complaints will be reviewed and addressed by the Bayside Executive Committee and then escalated to the BCRU Discipline Committee if necessary.

 

Conclusion

By adhering to Bayside Rugby Sideline Behavior Protocol, all individuals involved in the sporting event help create a positive, fair, and supportive environment. This ensures that the focus remains on the game itself and on the values of teamwork, integrity, and respect for everyone involved.