Respect Our Game
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.
The ‘Respect Our Game’ campaign aims to enhance the overall rugby experience and satisfaction of participants. Following its inception in 2023, it focuses on amplifying the value of Respect towards our players, officials and volunteers, a crucial element to ensuring a positive experience for all.
Working with our clubs and provinces to highlight this message, IRFU targets specific weekends during which clubs promote the importance of ‘Respect’ with signage, branded merchandising, social media posts, fair play awards and positive sideline activities. Provinces and clubs can run their own events at different times of the season to help reenforce this message.
Some activities that help to reinforce the message are listed below and guidance is available through your provincial Spirit of Rugby Officer.
• Know Your Role – Know Your Role
https://changingthegameproject.com/when-you-attend-a-youth-sports-event-know-your-role/
Understanding your role in sport and why it matters | SIRC | Blog
• Silent Sidelines or Positive Sidelines – IRFU Sidelines
