Codes of Conduct for Junior Sport

Coaches

Remember that young people participate for pleasure – winning is only part of the fun.
Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport -help your players to understand that playing by the rules is their responsibility.
Relate to officials in a courteous and polite way.
Implement relevant sport safety policies and practices.
Implement policy and practices (and lead by example) – in relation to responsible use of alcohol and in relation to recreational and performance enhancing drugs.
Listen to your players – ensure that the time they spend with you is a positive experience.
Encourage young people to participate in administration, coaching and officiating – as well as playing.
Promote a culturally tolerant environment.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants – regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Keep up to date with coaching practices and qualifications –ensure you understand the principles of physical growth and development.
Give young people the chance to try out different playing positions and different sports.
Ensure you are aware of your club’s child safe policy – ensure you are aware of your mandated responsibility to report suspicion of child abuse and neglect. Complete the online training on playbytherules.net.au.
Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate –is it necessary for the player’s skill development?
Avoid developing any ‘special’ relationships with children – ensure that you show no favouritism such as the offering of gifts or special treatment. This includes intimate relationships and personal online social networking with team members.

Players

Play by the rules.
Never argue with an official. – if you need clarification, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition).
Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit — so will you.
Be a good sport – applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
Show respect to and acknowledge opponents and officials -(e.g. shake hands before and after the game and say things like ‘good luck’, ‘thanks for the game’, ‘thanks ref’, ‘three cheers for …’).
Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents – without them there would be no competition.
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit – not just to please parents and coaches.
Play fair — no verbal abuse of officials, sledging other players (including vilification) or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants – regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Do not expect or accept “special” favours from a coach or person involved in team or club management.
Speak to an adult you trust if you have an issue, feel unsafe or are concerned about someone else.

Parents and Spectators

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment – not yours.
Encourage children to play according to the rules – settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at a child – for making a mistake or not winning.
Respect officials’ decisions – encourage children to do likewise.
Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators- remember they are usually volunteers.
Applaud good performance and efforts – from all individuals and teams.
Congratulate all participants– regardless of the game’s outcome.
Condemn the use of violence, verbal abuse or vilification in any form – regardless of whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
Support all policies and practices (lead by example). – This includes responsible alcohol and drug use and support of child safe strategies.
Support involvement in modified rules games and other junior development programs.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person -regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Ensure you are aware and follow the correct processes to follow if you have an issue or complaint – do not perpetuate issues with gossip or general criticism.