Code of Conduct

KEY TERMS

APPLICABILITY

RESPONSIBILITY

Relevant Organisation

Includes:

• an “Affiliated Union” (SRU), and
• any rugby club in membership with or affiliated to an Affiliated Union (Norths).

All relevant Organisations are under an obligation to:

• Publish, distribute, and promote the Code.
• Ensure a copy of the Code is available and accessible to all people and organisations to whom the Code applies.
• Appoint a person(s) responsible for administering the Code.

Relevant Persons

In respect of a Relevant Organsiation:

• Individual Members (Norths’ members)
• Participants (players, coaches, administrators, officials, support personnel in a professional or voluntary capacity, other individuals that attend rugby activities or facilities)
• Employees
• Contractors
• Volunteers (including directors & officers, coaches, officials, administrators, Team, and Support Personnel)

All Relevant Persons are under an obligation to:

• Be aware of the Code’s content.
• Comply with the Code
• Be accountable for their behaviour.
• Cooperate with any request for information or investigation commenced under the Code.
• Comply with any decisions and sanctions imposed for a breach of the Code.

Appointed Person

The person appointed by a Relevant Organsiation that is responsible for the administration of the Code within their jurisdiction.

Behaviour Standards

See clause 4 of the Code.

To foster a positive rugby community, the following behavioural standards are expected in the context of rugby related activities between Relevant Persons and Relevant Organisations:

• Compliance: Act or operate in compliance with Rugby AU's codes, policies, and guidelines and those of Relevant Organisations and their representatives.
• Respect: Engage with everyone respectfully, valuing their rights and responsibilities.
• Respect Officials: Match officials' authority must be respected and must not use offensive language or behaviour towards officials.
• Ethics: Ensure all interactions are ethical, fair, and honest.
• Integrity: Act with honesty, integrity, and objectivity.
• Conduct: Do not harm the reputation or interests of the rugby community.
• Safety: Prioritize health and safety, contributing to a secure environment for all.
• Domestic Violence: Must not be committed.
• Positive Impact: Must not act in ways that could negatively affect others' experiences or safety, including:
• Discriminatory, offensive, or critical remarks.
• Bullying, harassment, sexism, racism, or homophobia/transphobia.
• Intimidation, threats, aggression, or disorderly conduct.
• Unwanted physical contact or disruptive behaviour.
• Any actions that are illegal or unsafe.
• Physical Interactions: Must be suitable for the context and environment.
• Venue Rules: Respect and follow the rules of venues during rugby events.
• Event Conduct: must not be violent, intimidating, or any inappropriate in any rugby event location.
• Public Disturbances: behaviour at rugby events must not be disruptive.
• Illegal Activities: must not commit any criminal activities, especially involving illegal drugs at rugby events.
• Accountability: Maintain professionalism, keep professional relationships appropriate and related to rugby activities. Be accountable and take responsibility for own actions.
• Confidentiality: Protect confidential information related to individuals or the Relevant Organization.
• Communication: must not be threatening, discriminatory, or inappropriate.
• Content Sharing: must not be offensive or inappropriate material.
• Social Media: must not post or incite others to post offensive content on social media.
• Reputation: Avoid damaging the reputation of rugby or Relevant Organizations.
• Cooperation: Assist in any investigations by providing accurate information and materials.
• Reporting: Report any suspected breaches of the Code and support the integrity of the proceedings.

All Relevant Organisations and Relevant Persons

Prohibited Conduct & Breach of Code

See clause 5 of the Code.

A Relevant Person or Relevant Organisation commits a breach of the Code if they:

• engage in conduct contrary to the behavioural standards in clause 4.
• fail to comply with sanctions or disciplinary measures under the Code

All Relevant Organisations and Relevant Persons

KEY DEFINITIONS

Bullying

A person or group of people repeatedly and intentionally using words or actions, or the inappropriate use of power, against a person or a group of people that causes distress and/or risk to their wellbeing.

Discrimination

Treating a person or group of people less favourably than another person or group of people because of a person characteristic.

Harassment

Any type of behaviour towards another that is:

• unwanted; and
• offensive, abusive, belittling or threatening; and
• reasonably likely to cause harm to that other.

Victimisation

Subjecting a person, or threatening to subject a person to any unfair treatment because the person has:

• made or intends to pursue their right to make a complaint or lawful disclosure, including under applicable legislation or the Code, or
• supported another person to take such action.

Vilification

A PUBLIC act, conduct, or behaviour that incites hatred, serious contempt, revulsion, or severe ridicule of another person or group because of a particular characteristic they hold, as covered by applicable legislation including race, religion, age, sexuality, gender, or HIV/AIDS status.

Racist

Prejudiced or antagonistic behaviour towards another or others based on their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group.

Sexist

Discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on gender.

Homophobic

Having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against gay people.

Transphobic

Having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against transgender people.