As a club, we celebrate and applaud the rugby being played and all the people involved. We all have a responsibility to maintain respect towards all who participate and contribute to making our game great.

The club expects all members and families involved with the club to set a standard of behaviour we can all be proud of as a rugby community. By being a part of the club, you accept this expectation and are subject to being measured against it by the club and your peers.

We use the 'Respect Rugby' document from NSW Rugby which is designed as a best practice model and guideline for all.

We also apply the ‘Rugby Australia Code of Conduct’ to our club and members. It provides a set of standards for everyone involved in Rugby to ensure it is safe, fair and inclusive.

​Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Club Code of Conduct aims to create a positive and inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and enjoy the sport of rugby.

The code of conduct applies to all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators who are within our club and environment. It is applicable in all forms of interaction including via social media or other electronic means.

 We uphold the values of respect, fairness, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, inclusivity, and diversity.

 1. Respect and Sportsmanship:

• Treat all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators with respect and courtesy.

• Always display good sportsmanship, both on and off the field.

 2. Fair Play:

• Play by the rules of the game and adhere to the spirit of fair competition.

• Accept decisions made by referees and officials with grace and without dispute.

 3. Integrity:

• Conduct oneself with honesty and integrity in all interactions related to the club.

• Avoid actions that may bring the club into disrepute. Anger, aggressive behaviour, verbal and/or physical abuse including the use of foul language will not be tolerated.

 4. Teamwork:

• Support teammates and work together towards common goals.

• Encourage and uplift fellow players, coaches and spectators fostering a positive team environment.

 5. Responsibility:

• Take responsibility for one's actions, both on and off the field.

• Uphold the values and principles of the Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Club in all endeavours.

 6. Inclusivity and Diversity:

• Embrace diversity and inclusivity within the club, respecting individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

• Create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone involved in the club.

• Do not discriminate. Discrimination refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Discriminatory behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

  • Making derogatory remarks or jokes based on a person's race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

  • Excluding or marginalizing individuals based on their protected characteristics.

  • Treating individuals unfairly or denying them opportunities based on discriminatory biases.

  • Creating a hostile or unwelcoming environment for individuals due to their protected characteristics.

Consequences of Breaches of the Code of Conduct:

Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Club has zero tolerance for discrimination, discriminatory behaviour and any breaches of the code of conduct. Anger, aggressive behaviour, verbal and/or physical abuse including the use of foul language will not be tolerated.

Any individual found to have engaged in breaches of the code of conduct may face disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the club, as determined by the club's executive committee. 

Reporting of the Code of Conduct:

 Any instances of breaches of the code of conduct should be reported immediately to a member of the club's executive committee. All reports will be handled with confidentiality and sensitivity.