Codes of Behaviour
Athletes
- Participate for the ‘fun of it’, and not just to please parents and coaches
- Compete by the rules
- Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your age group marshal or parent approach the official or a committee member during a break or after competition
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking another athlete is not permitted, or acceptable in any sport
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good efforts, whether they be by another athlete, another age group, or another team
- Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another athlete
- Co-operate with your coach, age marshal, and other athletes. Without them there would be no competition
- Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender
Coaches
- Be reasonable in your demands of young athletes’ time, energy and enthusiasm
- Teach your athletes that rules of the sport are mutual agreements which no-one should evade or break
- Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athlete
- Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of practice times and competition
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children
- Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender
Parents
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested
- Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning
- Teach children that an honest effort and the achievement of a ‘personal best’ is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment
- Encourage children to always participate by the rules
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event
- Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours
- Remember children learn best from example. Applaud good efforts by all athletes
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember most officials volunteer their time and effort for your child’s involvement
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support
Spectators
- Remember children take part in athletics for fun. They are not competing for the entertainment for spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals
- Applaud good performances and efforts from all athletes.
- Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of their placing
- Alcohol must not be consumed by spectators while competition is underway
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