Yakima Griffins Youth Rugby code of conduct

The Yakima Griffins Youth Rugby Club strives to instill valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, perseverance, physical conditioning, sportsmanship, community service, and rugby etiquette—lessons that players will carry with them as they venture out to make the world their own. We bring together students from all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, and embrace the diverse culture of our players while facilitating the building of bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Yakima Griffins Goals for All Players

  • HAVE FUN!

  • Teach the Game & Culture of Rugby.

  • Encourage success on and off the pitch (rugby teaches respect for the game, your opponent, and yourself).

  • Create lifelong bonds with teammates and coaches, not only within our club but also through all clubs we play against or with.

  • Introduce players to travel by going on tours, playing teams from all over the country, and occasionally other countries.

  • Encourage and promote higher-level opportunities for every player.

  • Help guide players to give back to their communities, whether through club-sponsored events or on their own.

  • College Opportunities: Playing rugby in high school increases opportunities for college scholarships. Every day, colleges are adding rugby as a varsity sport and providing incredible opportunities for scholarships, travel, and reaching educational goals.

Yakima Griffins Player Expectations

Players are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct, on and off the pitch, especially when wearing Yakima Griffins attire. You represent the entire club.

  • Adhere to school, community, and parent expectations. THIS MEANS NO MISSING HOMEWORK, GOOD GRADES, & LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS!

  • Respect referees at all times, on and off the pitch. Backtalk or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

  • Demonstrate courtesy, fairness, and respect to all athletes, clubs, and spectators.

  • Attend each and every practice, be on time, ready to go, and have all your gear. Missing practice hurts your team and could affect your position. Contact your team manager or coach in advance if you are unable to attend.

  • If transportation is needed, work this out in advance, whether for practice or match days. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

  • Players are expected to attend each after-match meal. At home matches (at Pat Ryan), players are expected to assist with field setup/tear down before the first match and after the last match/feed.

  • Abstain from the use, possession, or selling of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs/narcotics. REMEMBER YOU ARE AN ATHLETE AND REPRESENT YAKIMA GRIFFINS.

  • Refrain from using profanity, obscene language, or acts of vulgarity. Remember that we have younger players with us.

  • Actively participate in all fundraising activities (remember this is for YOUR benefit!).

  • HAVE FUN!

Yakima Griffins Parent Expectations

  • Bring your child to practice or match day at the scheduled arrival time.

  • Check emails often for schedule updates and important club information (unfortunately, schedules may change frequently due to various circumstances, so please be patient and plan for Saturdays as RUGBY DAYS).

  • REACH OUT if transportation is needed well in advance (if possible), whether for practice or match days. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. We can generally rally a ride when needed!

  • Get INVOLVED with the club! Join the board, sign up for snacks, help with fundraising events! It’s important that everyone does their part to help make every fundraiser successful, whether it’s a club event or an individual fundraiser.

  • Attend your player’s matches! Your support is priceless, not only to your own players but to all players on the team.

  • Please always respect the referees, coaches, players, and other families on or off the pitch. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated by the club.

  • If you have concerns, please discuss them with your player’s coach first and/or contact yakimagriffins@gmail.com.

Yakima Griffins Match Day, Travel, or team Sanctioned Event Dress Code

  • Match Day: Players are expected to arrive at the pitch on match day in Yakima Griffins attire provided in your kit.

    • Youth U-8 to U-14: Training shirts, match shorts, green socks, and league-approved boots/cleats, along with a mouthguard to put on before playing. Jerseys are distributed to players at the time of play.

    • JV, Varsity & Lady Griffins: Training shirts, match shorts, track suit (pants/jacket), green socks, and league-approved boots/cleats, along with a mouthguard to put on before playing. Jerseys are distributed to players at the time of play.

  • Team Sanctioned Events/Fundraisers or attending any event as a representative of Yakima Griffins:

    • Casual Attire: Training shirt or club polo, khaki pants or khaki shorts.

    • #1’s:

      • Varsity/JV: Dark blue blazer, white button-up shirt, blue tie, khaki pants or khaki shorts.

      • Lady Griffins: Polo shirts and khaki pants or khaki shorts.

  • Travel/Tours (out of state or country): Players are generally expected to travel in #1’s (part of rugby culture).