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CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Purpose

Mana Rugby is committed to creating safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive environments for all participants, particularly children and young people. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all people involved in Mana Rugby activities.

This Code of Conduct aligns with:

  • Mana Rugby Child Safeguarding & Child Safety Framework

  • Mana Rugby Child Safeguarding Policy

  • NSW Child Safe Standards

  • Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

  • Rugby Australia (RA) Member Protection and Child Safeguarding requirements

  • New Zealand Rugby (NZR) safeguarding, integrity, and member protection expectations

This Code applies to all Mana Rugby activities conducted in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. Mana Rugby supports and aligns to the Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby Codes of Conduct.  

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2. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to:

  • Board members and directors

  • Staff and administrators

  • Coaches and assistant coaches

  • Team managers

  • Medical and support staff

  • Volunteers and contractors

  • Any person acting in an official Mana Rugby role

Compliance with this Code is a condition of involvement with Mana Rugby.

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3. Our Behavioural Commitment

All persons associated with Mana Rugby commit to:

  • Acting in the best interests of children and young people at all times

  • Treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness

  • Providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments

  • Upholding the mana of all participants

  • Acting honestly, professionally, and responsibly

  • Complying with all safeguarding, safety, and governance requirements

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4. Expected Standards of Behaviour

All persons must:

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people

  • Use positive, respectful, and age-appropriate language

  • Promote fair play, teamwork, and respect

  • Follow Mana Rugby policies, procedures, and lawful instructions

  • Comply with safeguarding, supervision, and reporting requirements

  • Respect cultural identity, diversity, and inclusion

  • Model behaviour consistent with the values of Mana Rugby and the game of rugby

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5. Child Safeguarding & Professional Boundaries

To protect children and young people, the following standards apply:

You must:

  • Ensure interactions with children are open, observable, and appropriate

  • Avoid unnecessary one-on-one situations where practicable

  • Use group communication channels where possible

  • Seek approval before transporting a child alone

  • Follow accommodation and change-room supervision requirements

  • Immediately report safeguarding concerns or disclosures

You must NOT:

  • Engage in any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

  • Use physical punishment or humiliating practices

  • Engage in inappropriate physical contact

  • Develop personal, secret, or dependent relationships with children

  • Communicate privately with children via social media or messaging apps without approval

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6. Alcohol, Drugs & Fitness for Duty

Any person involved in Mana Rugby activities must not be intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or other substances while supervising, caring for, or interacting with children and young people.

All personnel must remain fit for duty at all times and capable of performing their role safely, professionally, and appropriately.

 

Where alcohol is consumed in approved social settings (for example, meals or adult-only functions), it must not occur while the individual is directly responsible for children, and must not compromise child safety, professional boundaries, judgement, or decision-making.

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7. Online & Digital Conduct

All online interactions must:

  • Be professional, respectful, and appropriate

  • Occur through approved platforms where possible

  • Avoid private or secretive communication with children

  • Not include offensive, sexualised, or discriminatory content

Photography and video of children must only be taken with appropriate consent and used for approved Mana Rugby purposes.

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8. Inclusion, Equity & Respect

Mana Rugby does not tolerate:

  • Bullying, harassment, or intimidation

  • Discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexuality, disability, or background

  • Vilification, exclusion, or victimisation

  • All participants have the right to feel safe, valued, and respected.

 

9. Health, Safety & Wellbeing

All persons must:

  • Take reasonable care for the health and safety of others

  • Follow safety instructions and procedures

  • Report hazards, injuries, incidents, and near misses

  • Not place children or others at unnecessary risk

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10. Reporting Concerns or Breaches

All concerns, disclosures, or breaches of this Code must be reported in accordance with the Mana Rugby Child Safeguarding Policy.

  • Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately

  • Individuals must not investigate concerns themselves

  • Mandatory reporting obligations must be followed in the relevant jurisdiction

Failure to report concerns may result in disciplinary action.

 

11. Breaches & Consequences

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Education, guidance, or corrective action

  • Suspension or removal from duties

  • Termination of engagement

  • Reporting to statutory authorities where required

  • Notification to Rugby Australia, New Zealand Rugby, or relevant State or Provincial Unions

 

12. Review & Acknowledgement

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident or legislative change.

All persons must:

  • Acknowledge this Code of Conduct

  • Agree to comply with its requirements

  • Understand that compliance is a condition of involvement with Mana Rugby

 

​​Mana Rugby is committed to creating environments where children and young people are safe, respected, and supported.
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