USA Rugby Policies

This policy constitutes the Code of Conduct (Code) of The United States Rugby Football Union, Ltd., d/b/a/ USA Rugby (“USA Rugby”). Membership in USA Rugby is a privilege, not a right. This Code of Conduct is intended to protect the safety and well-being of individuals who associate with USA Rugby, and to ensure that all individuals who associate with USA Rugby conduct themselves in accordance with Rugby’s Core Values of respect, discipline, integrity, solidarity, and passion; and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct.

This Policy applies to all USA Rugby members, board members, officers, directors, committee members, employees, coaches, administrators, independent contractors, officials, and volunteers, and anyone participating in USA Rugby events and activities (collectively, “Affiliated Individuals”). All such Affiliated Individuals should become familiar with the rules and standards of this Code.

USA Rugby requires that Affiliated Individuals follow the Code of Conduct and abide by all applicable USA Rugby policies and procedures; United States federal, state and local law as applicable, including the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act; and foreign law as applicable. If an Affiliated Individual should ever encounter a conflict of law, such as a conflict between United States and foreign law, or have any questions about the legality of any action, contact the Audit and Risk Committee, dshanagher@usa.rugby, for further information and guidance.

• Adhere to the Bylaws of USA Rugby and all USA Rugby Policies.
• Adhere to the Laws and Regulations of World Rugby, including the World Rugby Code of Conduct, which is currently found in World Rugby’s Regulation 18.
• Adhere to the anti-doping rules and policies of World Rugby, the International Olympic Committee, USOPC, World Anti-Doping Agency, and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
• Adhere to the rules and policies of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including, but not limited to, the SafeSport Code and the USA Rugby Safe Sport Program Handbook.
• Comply with the USA Rugby Integrity Policy, World Rugby Anti-Corruption and Betting policy found in World Rugby Regulation 6, the USOPC Sport Integrity Policy, any statute or regulation regarding sports betting in any international, national, or state jurisdiction, and commit to promote sport free from manipulation, corrupt conduct, or using or disclosing inside information for any purpose.
• In competition, compete to the best of their ability while being safe and sportsmanlike.
• Be honest and truthful in communications and dealings with USA Rugby, councils, unions, or other Affiliated Individuals and any affiliated organizations. Not provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information in any application, complaint, response, or judicial proceeding.
• Not abuse any process afforded by USA Rugby. Abuse of Process may include providing inaccurate or misleading statements in an application, response, complaint, or judicial process; submitting a frivolous or baseless complaint; utilizing a USA Rugby policy or procedure or the purpose of intimidation or harassment.
• Respect and comply with the laws of the state and/or country in which he or she is training, traveling, or competing, including, but not limited to, laws governing the possession and use of drugs and alcohol, and providing of drugs to any person and of alcohol to minors.
• Be responsible for their own behavior and for reading, understanding, and abiding by all applicable policies, including those of USA Rugby, as well as the competitions and events in which he or she participates.
• Respect and abide by all other rules, policies, and procedures of USA Rugby, and of the facilities and accommodations in which he or she trains, resides, and/or uses.
• Never engage in discrimination of any kind on whatever grounds, be it race, color, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, national origin, or other status.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing respect toward teammates, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers, fans, and spectators at all events and competitions. Understand that of any kind of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of teammates, coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers, and other spectators will not be tolerated and may subject the offender to disciplinary actions.
• Refrain from foul language, violence, and behavior that could reasonably be deemed dishonest, offensive, intentionally malicious, or illegal.
• Respect the property of others and not vandalize, damage, or steal any such property.
• Agree to refrain from authorizing the use of photographs, films, or videos of a member in USA Rugby apparel or equipment or the use of the USA Rugby logo for the purpose of trade, without the prior written consent of USA Rugby.
• Understand that any act, conduct, or personal appearance, even if not expressly enumerated above, that violates the spirit and intent of this Code of Conduct, or brings disrespect or dishonor to myself, my fellow athletes, USA Rugby, World Rugby, or the USOPC, is a Code violation.
• Understand that, if under the age of 18, a parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may be notified of all written reports of counseling or misconduct.
• Understand that any dispute or action arising from this Code of Conduct will be resolved through USA Rugby’s Complaint, Grievance, and Dispute Resolution Policy and World Rugby regulations.

• Function primarily on behalf of USA Rugby and not on behalf of any one constituency or group.
• Respect confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of USA Rugby governance documents, policies and procedures.
• Be independent and impartial and not influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism. Specifically, coaches, and those functioning as coaches, must:
• Treat all athletes with respect at all times.
• Be aware of the health and safety of all athletes at all times in regard to rugby. If the conditions are unsafe, follow best practices and not allow the health and safety of the athletes to be compromised.
• Recognize the signs of injury, physical and psychological stress in themselves and in athletes, take these indicators seriously, and refer or seek out appropriate and qualified support. This includes, specifically, the USA Rugby Concussion Protocol.
• Be prepared with an executable emergency plan for their primary use facilities that has been shared and practiced.
• Assist the athlete in forming goals and expectations that are realistic and practical with consideration of the age, resources and experience of the athlete.
• Consistently give the athletes the opportunity to develop their sport and non-sport skills translating into other facets of their lives (e.g. rugby’s core values, time management, goal setting).

• Maintain a current and thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations of our sport, officiating procedures of rugby, and officiating procedures.
• Conduct themselves impartially, professionally and in good faith.
• Assist with the development of lesser-experienced officials as needed.
• Take ownership of actions and decisions made while [officiating].

• Encourage athletes to compete within the rules and to resolve conflicts positively.
• Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a competition, practice or training session.
• Respect the decisions of the coaches and refrain from coaching from the sideline.
• Respect the decisions of officials and encourage participants’ continued effort.
• Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, officials, and volunteers.

• Encourage athletes to compete within the rules and to resolve conflicts positively.
• Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a competition, practice or training session.
• Respect the decisions of officials and encourage participants’ continued effort.
• Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, officials, and volunteers.

• Are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, and fans. Rugby Bodies must also conduct themselves in a manner that ensures they do not commit or tolerate any act(s) of misconduct.
• Must comply with Eligibility requirements as set forth in any USA Rugby Policy or any Eligibility policy set forth by the Council under which a competition or rugby activity takes place. An ineligible Affiliated Individual is prohibited from participating in a rugby competition or activity. An ineligible team or ineligible club is prohibited from participating in a rugby competition or activity. Conduct that causes, allows, or tolerates repeated and/or persistent instances of ineligible Affiliated Individuals, ineligible clubs, or ineligible teams to participate in a rugby competition or activity may constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct.

No code of conduct can address every situation, nor can it take the place of good judgment and integrity. USA Rugby maintains an “open door” for anyone who has questions or concerns. USA Rugby will support all efforts to comply with this Code of Conduct.

If Affiliated Individuals need advice or assistance concerning the application of any aspect of these standards, consult your supervisor or manager, or the USA Rugby Director of Compliance. Affiliated Individuals are expected to seek advice and clarification promptly when they are uncertain about proper actions or practices. Affiliated Individuals should be alert and sensitive to situations that could result in unethical, illegal, or improper actions.

Affiliated Individuals must report potential or actual violations of this Code of Conduct. A report can be made in accordance with the USA Rugby Complaint, Grievance, and Dispute Resolution Policy at the link here or to the USA Rugby Director of Compliance at compliance@usa.rugby.

USA Rugby has zero tolerance for retaliatory conduct by any Affiliated Individual against any person who comes forward with a good faith complaint or issue. Retaliation for reporting in good faith an alleged violation of this Code of Conduct will itself constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct.

For more information about the definition of retaliation and USA Rugby’s zero tolerance approach to retaliation, please see the USA Rugby Whistleblower Policy.

USA Rugby takes its obligation to investigate potential violations of the Code seriously.

All properly filed complaints regarding the violation of the Code will be investigated and resolved in accordance with the USA Rugby Complaint, Grievance, and Dispute Resolution Policy as published and available on USA Rugby’s website.

In no event shall USA Rugby deny or threaten to deny an athlete, coach, official, or administrator the opportunity to participate in protected or amateur athletic competition without fair notice and an opportunity to a hearing in alignment with the requirements of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, the USOPC Bylaws and the USA Rugby Complaint Procedures.

Affiliated Individuals may contact The Director of Compliance at compliance@usa.rugby with questions or complaints. Athlete members also may contact the Team USA Athletes’ Commission Representative or any athlete board member.

Team USA athletes may contact the Athlete Ombuds for independent and confidential advice on a variety of sport related matters, including their rights, applicable rules, policies or processes, and questions related to resolving disputes and grievances. The Athlete Ombuds can also help Team USA athletes connect with legal counsel or mental health resources if needed. All other NGB athletes (i.e., athletes competing domestically at the masters or youth level, recreational athletes, foreign athletes), are welcome to visit the Athlete Ombuds website to review informational resources and should work directly with their NGB to understand additional resources and options available to them.

EMAIL: ombudsman@usathlete.org

WEBSITE: usathlete.org

Individuals who wish to report concerns related to this Code of Conduct as it relates to involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement may also submit a report using the USOPC Integrity Portal. The Integrity Portal allows individuals to submit concerns to the USOPC confidentially and/or anonymously. Reports may be made online or by telephone.

Website: usopc.ethicspoint.com

Hotline: 877-404-9935