CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
Promote and comply with the Laws of the Game and Regulations
Match officials must:
(a) adhere to the Laws of The Game, the World Rugby Regulations, the Rules and Regulations of the WRU, the rules of any competition (on and off field), in which they participate in.
(b) comply with the WRU’s Anti-Doping Rules and all anti-doping regulations issued by World Rugby and WADA;
(c) comply with the WRU’s Safeguarding Policy.
(d) comply with the Anti-Corruption and Betting Regulations issued by World Rugby.
Any Match official found to have not complied with the provisions set out within each of the Laws and Regulations stipulated above, may also be subject to disciplinary proceedings and sanctions being imposed.
Promote High Standards of Behaviour
Match officials shall uphold the values and spirit of the Game and shall take all possible steps to prevent the Game from being brought into disrepute.
Match officials shall:
(a) speak to Players, spectators, other match officials and coaches/team managers with respect on and off the field;
(b) support match official colleagues at all times;
(c) set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the Game.
(d) respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains and/or coaches when appropriate;
Ethical and Professional Behaviour
Match officials shall:
(a) conduct themselves at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and shall not engage in any conduct or any activity (whether on or off the field) that may impair public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of a match, tour, tournament or series of matches or in the integrity and good character of any person;
(b) endeavour to apply the Laws of the Game fairly and to an agreed interpretation as specified by the WRU and to provide the style of play as determined by the WRU when appropriate.
(c) deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, Foul Play and other misconduct.
Match officials shall not:
(a) tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials;
(b) engage in public criticism of other match officials, referee advisers, players, coaches, team managers, officials and/or spectators.
Match officials must wear the agreed kit and comply with the terms of any sponsorship agreement(s) as determined by the WRU from time to time.
Match officials are expected to attend disciplinary hearings involving them whenever requested to do so. Where such attendance is not possible, the reason for non-attendance must be provided to the WRU Disciplinary Department in advance of the relevant hearing.
Social Media and Communications
Match officials shall not engage in public criticism (whether via social media or social networking sites or otherwise) of other match officials, Players, coaches, team managers, Club officials and/or spectators which might be defamatory, improper, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting, offensive or that brings or has the potential to bring the Game into disrepute.
Match officials shall comply with the Code of Conduct in respect of Social Media and Communications.
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