Our Values

Rugby is based on sound values and it is no coincidence that on top of the official World Rugby website it states: “Building Character Since 1886”. Rugby is a sport not only shaping the body but also the mind. As a rugby player, you are expected to act according to the rugby values - something which is very clear when you sit down and watch a rugby game.

The players applaud the other team after the game, they talk politely and respectfully to the referee, and they willingly apologise to a player from the other team if they have made a foul on the pitch. As the saying goes, rugby is: “Gentlemen playing a hooligan sport”.

Some of the values characterising rugby - and supported and upheld by ARK - are integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect. These values make the sport so special and pervades the culture around the sport in the various clubs.

Integrity implies that you are honest, show good sport spirit, and practice fair play both on and outside the pitch.

Passion is almost inevitable, as rugby players love their sport, and playing together generates lots of joy. For us it is important that feeling joy and having fun is part of the game for both junior and senior players as joy also spreads to our co-players on the team and, thus, creates a strong relation to the rest of the rugby family.

Solidarity is basic in rugby as we welcome new members and include all whatever gender, nationality, body type, or sexuality people may have. Rugby is absolutely a team sport which means that we fight for our team and not only for ourselves. We are proud of our team, depend on each other, and are aware that every player has his or her important position on the team. Solidarity also implies that friendships are made and last for life.

Likewise, discipline is important in rugby as we must ensure that our sport is characterised by controlled, physical exercise according to the rules . Here, disciplined taking part in training is also an absolute necessity to develop the playing level of both the individual player and the team as a whole.

Last but not least, respect is a fundamental value of our sport. We respect our fellow players and treat them respectfully. We respect the referees and the officials just as we accept their decisions. We respect the other teams. And lastly, we of course respect our coaches, the members of the board, and those running the club daily.

We deeply respect our sport, its values and traditions, and we try our best to be good ambassadors for the sport.

Wherever you are as a current, future, or former rugby player, you will soon find out that you belong to a great, global community.

If you find the local rugby club wherever you are, you will also find a community to welcome you as well as a rugby family in which you can stay for both a long or a short time whether you are in the Netherlands or New Zealand. We rugby people help each other and we are not limited by national borders or cultural differences as we all share the same values.

Over the years, ARK has been enriched by rugby players from all over the world. These players have contributed greatly to making our club what it is today!