Teaching sportsmanship in rugby means building the game’s values into every training session and match, not just talking about them. World Rugby promotes five core values: integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. Coaches teach these most effectively by modeling them, setting clear standards for behavior toward referees, opponents and teammates, and consistently recognizing players who show them. Rugby’s traditions help: only the captain speaks to the referee, teams shake hands or form a tunnel to applaud opponents off the field, and players often socialize with the opposition after the game. When poor behavior happens, coaches should address it promptly and consistently. Sportsmanship is not an optional extra in rugby; it is part of what makes a physical, emotional game safe, fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Rulebook note: World Rugby’s Laws of the Game include provisions on foul play and misconduct, including dissent and disrespect toward match officials, and national unions often have additional codes of conduct for players, coaches and spectators. Check your union’s current codes and disciplinary regulations.
World Rugby’s core values
| Value | In practice |
|---|---|
| Integrity | Playing within the laws and being honest on and off the field |
| Passion | Commitment to the team and the game |
| Solidarity | Supporting teammates and the wider rugby community |
| Discipline | Controlled behavior on and off the pitch |
| Respect | For referees, opponents, teammates and supporters |
Why sportsmanship matters in rugby
Rugby is a contact sport played at high intensity, and emotions can run high. Without shared standards of conduct, the game could easily become dangerous or unpleasant. Sportsmanship helps players control their emotions, respect the laws that protect everyone’s safety, and accept decisions they disagree with. It also keeps referees in the game, many of whom are volunteers at community level. Clubs known for good sportsmanship tend to attract and retain players, families and volunteers, strengthening the whole rugby community.
How coaches can teach sportsmanship
- Model the behavior: coaches who stay calm, respect officials and praise opponents set the tone for players.
- Set clear expectations: explain team standards at the start of the season, including behavior toward referees, opponents and teammates.
- Link values to actions: show what respect or discipline looks like in specific situations, such as walking away from provocation or helping an opponent up.
- Recognize good behavior: praise players who show sportsmanship, and consider a regular team award for it.
- Address poor behavior consistently: talk privately with players, explain why their actions were unacceptable, and apply consequences fairly.
- Involve leaders: captains and senior players can reinforce standards among teammates.
- Engage parents and supporters: share the club’s expectations for sideline behavior.
Rugby traditions that build respect
Only the captain speaks to the referee: This keeps communication calm and orderly and discourages dissent.
Handshakes and the tunnel: After matches, teams often shake hands or form two lines to applaud each other off the field, acknowledging the effort of both sides.
Post-match socializing: Many clubs host the opposition after games, sharing food and conversation. This reinforces that rivalry ends at the final whistle.
Thanking officials: Players and coaches thank referees and assistant referees after the match, whatever the result.
Sportsmanship during matches
Sportsmanship shows most clearly under pressure. Players demonstrate it by accepting referee decisions without argument, avoiding cheap shots and taunting, checking on injured opponents, owning up to mistakes and celebrating tries without mocking the opposition. When a teammate loses their temper, others can step in to calm them down. Captains play a key role by setting a composed tone and communicating respectfully with the referee. Coaches should reinforce these behaviors at halftime and after the match, not only when the team wins.
Teaching sportsmanship to young players
Children learn values mostly by observing adults. Youth coaches should keep messages simple and concrete, such as shaking hands, saying well played and listening to the referee. Games and drills can include rewards for good behavior as well as good skills. Praise effort, teamwork and fair play, and avoid putting excessive emphasis on winning at young ages. Parents on the sidelines should support all players, including opponents, and avoid shouting at referees or young players.
Session ideas that build values
Sportsmanship can be built into training rather than taught only through talks. At the start of a session, coaches can highlight one value, such as respect, and point out moments when players show it. In small-sided games, a player can act as referee, which helps teammates understand how difficult officiating is and why decisions deserve respect. Coaches can award bonus points in games for positive behavior, such as helping an opponent up or encouraging a teammate after a mistake. Short team discussions after sessions, where players name a teammate who showed one of the values, reinforce the message and give quieter players recognition.
The role of captains and leaders
Captains and senior players have a strong influence on team culture. They set the tone in the changing room, on the field and in how the team speaks about opponents and referees. Coaches can involve leaders in setting team standards at the start of the season and give them responsibility for calming teammates in tense moments. When leaders consistently show respect and composure, younger players tend to follow. Rotating leadership roles, such as a match-day captain, can also help more players take ownership of team values.
Working with referees
Clubs can strengthen respect for officials by involving players in refereeing. Encouraging older youth and adult players to take a refereeing course gives them first-hand experience of the laws and the pressure of making decisions. Inviting referees to speak at training, or to explain common decisions, helps players understand the game better and see officials as partners.
Handling poor behavior
Every team occasionally faces poor behavior, from dissent and foul language to foul play. Address it promptly and privately where possible. Explain why the behavior conflicts with team values and how it affects teammates and the game. Apply consequences consistently, whether that means a conversation, reduced playing time or other team sanctions, and follow any club or union disciplinary processes. Consistency matters: standards must apply to star players as well as everyone else.
Sportsmanship off the field
Sportsmanship extends beyond match day. Players represent their club in training, at social events and online. Treating volunteers, groundstaff and club members with respect, helping with club tasks, and avoiding criticism of referees or opponents on social media all reflect rugby’s values. Clubs can encourage this by involving players in community events and recognizing contributions that go beyond performance on the pitch.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Coaches arguing with referees, which undermines their own message.
- Tolerating poor behavior from talented players.
- Only praising results rather than conduct.
- Ignoring sideline behavior from parents and supporters.
- Treating values as slogans without linking them to actions.
Frequently asked questions
Why is respect for referees so strong in rugby?
It is one of the game’s core values and a long-standing part of rugby culture, helping keep matches safe and fair.
What is the post-match tunnel in rugby?
Players form two lines and applaud the opposing team off the field after the match.
How should coaches handle poor behavior?
Address it promptly, explain why it conflicts with team values and apply consistent, fair consequences.
