PLAYERS

1. Play with Respect & Sportsmanship

  • Show respect for your teammates, opponents, referees, and coaches.
  • Accept referee decisions without argument—remember, they are human, and this isn’t the World Cup.
  • Shake hands after each game and acknowledge good play from both teams.
  • Any abusive, violent, or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the festival and cost your club a place in future

2. Represent Your Community, Club & The Global Games with Pride

  • Be a positive ambassador for your club, team, and community.
  • Engage with your buddy team and participate in festival activities.
  • Celebrate victories with humility and accept losses with grace.

3. Prioritise Safety & Well-being

  • Play within the rules to ensure safety for yourself and others.
  • Mouthguards are mandatory—no exceptions.
  • Report any injuries to your coach or first-aider immediately.

4. Respect the Environment & Facilities

  • Leave No Trace – Keep festival venues clean by disposing of waste properly
  • Respect the Grounds – Treat fields, facilities, and changing rooms with care—leave them as you found them or better.
  • Lead by Example – Encourage teammates and supporters to respect the environment and take pride in being a tidy Kiwi

5. Enjoy the Festival & Have Fun

  • Global Games is about friendships, experiences, and enjoyment—not just winning.
  • Play hard, but remember to keep it fun for everyone.
  • Support Other Teams – Cheer on teams when you're not playing and enjoy the atmosphere of the festival.
  • Embrace the Experience – Take in everything the festival has to offer, from activities to cultural exchanges.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

1. Lead by Example

  • Be a role model for players, parents, and supporters.
  • Encourage sportsmanship, respect, and fair play at all times.
  • Work collaboratively with referees and festival staff—referees' decisions are final.

2. Prioritise Player Well-being & Development

  • Ensure all players get equal opportunities, all players involved must get half a game. 
  • Monitor players for signs of injury, exhaustion, or distress—player welfare comes first.
  • Support inclusion—make sure all players, regardless of skill, feel valued and included.

3. Maintain a Positive Sideline Culture

  • Take full responsibility for sideline behavior—if supporters are disruptive, address it immediately.
  • Negative behavior towards referees, opposition, or event staff will result in team penalties.
  • If the game becomes one-sided (30+ point lead), adjust tactics to keep it competitive and enjoyable for both teams.

4. Ensure Compliance & Safety

  • Follow all event H&S and code regulations—teams violating rules risk disqualification.
  • All teams must have a first-aid and medical supplies on hand.
  • Head injuries must be reported immediately to event staff.

5. Promote the Festival’s Spirit

  • Engage with your buddy team and encourage team bonding.
  • Foster an enjoyable and respectful festival atmosphere.
  • This is a celebration of youth rugby—keep the focus on fun, learning, and friendships.