Ireland Stars Support Sideline Behaviour Initiative
Irish rugby stars have provided their support for the IRFU’s ‘Spirit of Rugby’ programme’s first promotional initiative by reminding those on the sidelines of children’s matches to remember that kids play for fun and to ‘let them play’.
The Spirit of Rugby programme, which was launched by the IRFU yesterday, is a series of practical educational programmes that embody and promote the core values of the game – Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Fun and Excellence.
Throughout September, Spirit Officers will now host workshops on the role of a Club Welfare Officer, where each club will receive a side-line sign to remind those attending matches that children are not pro players and are playing for fun, that coaches and referees are volunteers and that players are doing their best, and deserve their support and encouragement.
The promotional video supporting the programme features Ireland players and reminds those supporting and coaching children’s games to ‘let them play’ and to remember that ‘it is okay to make mistakes’.
The workshops get underway tonight, and continue throughout September at the following locations:
Kingspan Stadium – Tuesday, September 12
The Sportsground – Tuesday, September 19
University of Limerick – Wednesday, September 20
Navan RFC – Thursday, September 21
Highfield RFC – Tuesday, September 26
UCD – Thursday, September 28
For more information on the Spirit of Rugby programme in your area, please contact:
Luke Murphy (Connacht)
Stephen Gore (Leinster)
Emily O’Leary (Munster)
Kerry Spence (Ulster)