History of The Atomic Sisters
The Albuquerque Atomic Sisters Rugby Football Club is a local women’s rugby team and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, organized and operated to support and develop amateur athletes for national sports competitions. Rugby is a fast-growing team sport, with a long-standing tradition of helping young men and women develop teamwork skills, leadership skills, and physical fitness. This fast-paced sport is rich in history and community involvement.
Founded in 1993, the Atomic Sisters are one of the oldest teams in the Southwest Rugby Football Union consisting of more than 12 adult rugby teams and two dozen youth rugby teams throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. The Atomic Sisters have represented New Mexico for nearly 30 years and have attended the National Club Championship tournament several times in the last decade. With over 25 active playing members, the sisters play a minimum of 15 games and tournaments every year, most of which are hosted in nearby states. The Atomic Sisters qualified for the southwest DII conference championships in the spring of 2022 and are anticipating participation in the Sweet Sixteen National Championship in 2023 for 15s. The Atomic Sisters also competed in the National Championships for Summer 7s for the first time in 2022.
Summer Practice Schedule
WEDNESDAY – Community Touch
5:30 – 7:30pm
THURSDAY – Sisters Practice
6:00 – 8:00pm
Join us September 21st at 10am for our Try Rugby Day!
Learn the basics of the sport and meet the team!
Our Code of Conduct
3.1 The safety of all Atomic Sisters teammates and opponents will be the priority for the team. All players shall be aware of and comply with safety guidelines (as outlined with USA Rugby’s Safety Guidelines) on the pitch and refrain from intentionally dangerous play.
3.2 All players shall represent quality sportsmanship on and off the pitch, including modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. Players shall be respectful to opposing teams and their players, coaches, staff, medical staff, etc. Players shall also be respectful to their own players, coaches, medical staff, etc. Unsportsmanlike conduct can include (but is not limited to) the following:
- Racism and discrimination
- Aggressive comments and behaviors that create a negative/hostile environment
- Retaliation towards Resolution Committee for upholding code of conduct
- Inter-team relationships creating a hostile environment that negatively affects the team
- Any negative or vindictive behaviors
full practice. Attendance will be determined to have a starting position or a longer playing time.
3.12 All players are required to register with USA Rugby (CIPP) and pay membership dues.
3.13 Players will pay dues or have a set payment plan to the team at the beginning of the season before the first match. Team dues will be used to off-set the cost of team equipment, referee fees, field rental, uniforms, travel, socials, etc.
3.14 Jerseys will be assigned to each player before the match. If not returned after the match, there will be a $100 fee to replace it.
3.15 All players must be CIPPed by January 1st for the spring season. Players will be unable to participate in contact until valid proof of CIPP. During the social season in the fall, CIPP is not mandatory but highly encouraged.
3.16 Team will pay for coaches’ rooms when traveling.
3.17 All players are required to pay dues and pay for any traveling expenses. ***
3.17.a During social season the team will pay for half of the ***
3.18 All guest players wanting to play with our team for a game/tournament there will be a mandatory $20 fee. If traveling with the team, they will be charged equally.
3.19 Players will not be permitted to play in matches until they have registered with USA Rugby and paid team dues. Players who cannot immediately pay dues shall reach out to the treasurer to discuss payment plan options.
3.20 The Atomic Sisters strive to be active members of the community and will on occasion hold community service events. Any players who have ideas about opportunities are welcome to bring their thoughts to the officer board. All players are strongly encouraged to participate.
3.21 The Atomic Sisters will attempt to hold team bonding events throughout the season to strengthen the bonds between players on and off the pitch. Players are strongly encouraged to participate.
3.22 All Players should attempt to engage in active recruiting, as the strength of this team relies on numbers.
3.23 Fundraising events All players are strongly encouraged to participate.
The term coach shall include all permanent coaches, assistant coaches, and guest coaches who offer their time and expertise to the Atomic Sisters Rugby Club. Affiliated partners include members from sister/brother teams, medical staff, event officials, and anyone else who works with the Atomic Sisters in a professional/official capacity.
4.1 The safety and welfare of players will be the priority for all coaches and partners. Coaches shall comply with Safety Guidelines (as outlined by USA Rugby) to minimize foul and dangerous play.
4.2 All coaches and partners shall treat everyone with respect regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, and skill level/experience. Any form of discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.
4.3 coaches must respect attendance guideline in play conduct section and not hold against players.
4.4 Required to attend 2 practices for head coach and 1 practice for assistant coach
4.5 Coaches are expected to provide players with feedback to support their individual development, and betterment of the team as a whole.
4.6 Coaches must maintain all required coaching accreditations, education, and trainings associated with the rules and regulations of the game, including registration with USA Rugby. Head coach must have level 1 coaching certification, assistant coach must have level 0 coaching certification.
4.7 Coaches should be aware of team dynamics and hold players accountable to the values of the club by taking an active role in maintaining a positive team culture. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Being aware of the Player Code of Conduct
-
Encouraging an inclusive environment free of discrimination
-
Discouraging foul/unsafe play and unsportsmanlike conduct
-
Maintaining appropriate relationships with players
4.8 All coaches and partners shall represent quality sportsmanship on and off the pitch, including modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. Coaches and partners shall be respectful to opposing teams and their players, coaches, staff, etc. Coaches and partners shall also be respectful to their own players. Unsportsmanlike conduct can include (but is not limited to) the following :
- Racism and discrimination
- Aggressive comments and behaviors that create a negative/hostile environment
- Retaliation towards Resolution Committee for upholding code of conduct
- Inter-team relationships creating a hostile environment that negatively affects the team
- Any negative or vindictive behaviors
4.9 Any guest players are not permitted to start over any of the Sisters
4.10 Safety is a priority. If a player is injured, coaches will need to respect the player’s injuries and…?***
4.11 Assistant coaches will need to step aside when a new player joins to help catch them up with any necessary skills and/or drills.
4.12 If a coach or partner becomes aware of any actions that violate the above guidelines or is harmful to others, the member is entitled to file a complaint. All formal complaints will be addressed by the Resolution Committee as outlined under “Reporting, Resolution, and Disciplinary Action”.
The Board of Officers shall serve as the Resolution Committee unless it is decided that a party or parties possess unfair bias or are unfit to make disciplinary determinations. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Resolution Committee shall treat all complaints seriously, promptly, fairly, neutral, and as confidential as possible. Records of all formal complaints shall be maintained by the Resolution Officer/Board for up to 3 years.
5.1 Players, Coaches, etc. are encouraged to attempt mediation with any individuals or parties in question prior to escalation. If an individual does not feel comfortable addressing the situation on their own, they can request informal mediation or file a formal complaint.
5.2 Informal mediation shall be requested by approaching the Member at Large. Mediation shall be scheduled within 2 weeks upon notification. If a party believes that the Member at Large is biased or the resolution officer is involved in the complaint, they may choose a member from the Board of Officers to mediate their conflict.
5.3 If informal mediation is unsuccessful, or the allegations are severe enough a formal complaint shall be filed through the Resolution Officer. A formal complaint form shall be filled out and submitted in a timely fashion. If a party believes that the Member at Large is biased or the resolution officer is involved in the complaint, they may approach an alternative officer.
5.4 Any member who witnesses a violation of the Code of Conduct guidelines, or is victim to such actions, is encouraged to report information to the Member at Large. It is strongly encouraged that all members address complaints within one month of an occurring event unless exigent circumstances prevent their ability to do so. This discourages further escalation and ensures a more fair and accurate hearing for all parties.
5.6 The Resolution Committee seeks to handle all complaints with as little formality and most expedition as is permitted with each complaint.
5.7 The Resolution Committee will determine if any individuals not directly involved in the complaint shall be allowed to attend any proceedings.
5.8 The Resolution Committee must utilize all evidence provided to provide a fair hearing for all parties.
5.9 The Resolution Committee will take the following into account for all determinations :
- Intentionality of actions
- Foreseeability of consequences at time of offense
- Safety risks
- Effect on the image of the Atomic Sisters
- Any other circumstances which directly relate to the alleged breach of conduct
5.10 The committee can impose such sanctions as deems fit depending on the level of infraction, including but not limited to :
- A warning for future conduct
- A fine or other compensation orders (community service)
- Suspension from matches or team in general for a designated period of time
- Expulsion from the team
- Any combination of the above, or other appropriate sanctions deemed by the board
5.11 Any party who wishes to appeal the decision of the committee must do so immediately after receiving notice of the Resolution Committee’s decision.