FIXTURES
Fixtures for all Adults and Age Grade can be found in the fixture list in this handbook which you will receive upon payment of your subscription. Please note when and where your team’s fixtures are and check them each week. Remember the fixture list can change. Keep checking the website and if in doubt phone your coach or team manager.

TRAINING & PLAYING
At Ripon Rugby Club for home matches and training sessions unless notified otherwise.

ATTENDANCE
Players should make their availability known for matches as soon as possible and preferably a week before the next match. Let your coach or team manager know if you can’t attend. Late backword is unacceptable. It lets you down, your team mates down and causes immense stress and extra work for the team managers, coaches and team captains who have to find a replacement player. Rugby is a team game. You must work as a team both off and on the field.

Players should report an injury which may prevent them playing as soon as possible to their team manager, coach and team captain. Don’t play if you are injured. If In doubt check!

KIT
All your kit should be named. If your kit is unnamed then it cannot be returned to you if you lose it.
Please look after your kit. We get bagfuls of unnamed lost property every season. Kit is expensive to replace. Age Graders please remember that your parents get cross when it goes missing!
For Matches: You need clean boots with legal studs (aluminium with kite marks), team shirt, shorts and socks.
For training: You can wear anything suitable for training. Make sure that it is warm and comfortable.
Do not wear to matches or training any jewellery and do not bring valuables.

GUM SHIELDS
It is advisable for everyone to wear a gum shield but AGE GRADE CANNOT PLAY RUGBY WITHOUT A GUMSHIELD

CLUB MERCHANDISE
We have a great range of Ripon Rugby Club branded items for sale from the shop in Ripon Rugby club house which is open on Saturdays 2 hours before kick off and on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. and also through our online shop.

SPORTSMANSHIP AND ATTITUDE
Players must remember that they are representing Ripon Rugby Club at matches both home and away. You should show courtesy and good manners to the other team, its coaches and the referee at all times.

BAD BEHAVIOUR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Club members must not use electronic messaging systems (e.g. text) and social networking sites (e.g. Facebook) to bring members of Ripon Rugby club, Ripon Rugby club, its facilities or its activities into disrepute. Members will be disciplined for breach of this rule.

Ripon Rugby Club supports teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.

•Skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game. Work hard for yourself and your team and both with benefit.

•Loyalty and commitment to team mates is essential to team work.

•Good sportsmen and women win with dignity and lose with grace.

•Recognise good play by all players both on your team and your opponents team.

•Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.

•Treat all players as you would like to be treated.

•Control your emotions. Do not bully another player. Physical and verbal abuse of other players, coaches, match officials is unacceptable.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Ripon Rugby Club has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and performance enhancing stimulants. Age Grade members are not allowed to smoke or consume alcohol of any kind on Ripon Rugby Club premises or whilst representing Ripon Rugby Club at competitions or away matches.

**updated Aug 2024**