Respect Our Game Initiative taking place in Clubs this Weekend

The purpose of the weekend is to highlight our values of the game and to showcase all that is good in rugby through involvement in the club. It is an opportunity to showcase how rugby can positively contribute to our lives when carried out in a respectful and safe environment.  Initiatives, such as fair play awards at adult games, silent/positive sidelines at youth games and/or presentations to the parents and coaches on their influential role within the game will all be a part of the weekend.

One of the main reasons why adults drop out of sport is that they feel ‘they didn’t belong or didn’t feel welcomed’. Specifically, young players say, ‘it wasn’t fun anymore’. When people have a positive experience, they stay involved for longer and may look to give back to the club during their membership.

From The IRFU State of the Game Survey conducted in 2022, 55% of players, 43% of coaches and 47% of referees surveyed felt that poor sideline behaviour is a big threat to the game and made them reconsider their role in the game.

The IRFU have provided promotional material and resources to each club to be used as part of the messaging over the weekend.

Stephen Gore, IRFU Spirit of Rugby Projects Manager, said

“We are fortunate that there is a long tradition and culture of respect in rugby. We do not take for granted the importance of the role of match officials and volunteers in helping our sport to run smoothly and it is very important all these people are treated with the utmost respect. Weekends such as this help drive the Respect campaign and are essential in keeping our values thriving in our game and I am pleased we are working with all our clubs to deliver this important message.”

For more information on the Spirit of Rugby Respect Our Game campaign, contact Stephen Gore, IRFU Spirit Of Rugby Projects Manager