Code of Conduct – Caloundra Little Athletics

CALOUNDRA LITTLE ATHLETICS
CODE OF CONDUCT

A child's basic training in good sportsmanship comes from home!
If children are interested, encourage them to participate. However, if your child is not willing, do not force them.
Focus upon your child's efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists your child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each competition is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage your child to alway participate according to the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
Remember that children learn best by example and applaud good performances by all athletes.
If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather question the official's judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child's involvement.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

It isn't whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.
Compete and train for the "fun of it" not just to please your parents or coach
Play by the rules.
Never argue with the official's decision. Let your Centre Manager or Coach ask any necessary questions.
Control your temper - no "mouthing off", breaking equipment, throwing implements or other equipment.
Work equally for yourself and your team in relay and team events, your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.
Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any athlete.
Remember that the goal of training and competition is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a show off or brag about your own performance.
Co-operate with your coach, club mates and opponents for without them you don't have a competition.
Caloundra Little Athletics has a "Hands Off" policy - Children and Parents are not permitted to have physical contact with another athlete or parent.

The best coaches are more interested in their athlete's well-being than whether they win or lose.
Be reasonable in your demands on the young athletes' time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.
Teach your athletes that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
When coaching, group athletes according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible. Avoid over-attention to the talented athletes. The "just-average" athletes need and deserve equal time.
Remember that children compete 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 in a competition,.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.
The scheduling and length of coaching practice times and competition should take into consideration the maturing level of the children.
Develop each athletes respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of the officials and opposing athletes.
Follow the advice of a sports medicine physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to compete or practice again.
Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved, and set a good example.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

Be impartial! Also, be consistent, objective and courteous.
Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else. Be alert to minimise dangerous physical play, fair or foul, especially competition days.
Accept responsibility for all actions taken.
Avoid any form of verbal contact with coaches, team officials, parents and spectators during competition.
Avoid any situation, which may lead to a conflict of interest, both on and off the field.
Condemn all and every instance of unsportsmanship, foul or unfair play.
Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards athletes, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.
Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes.
Officiate to the age and/or experience of the athletes.

Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by athletes, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
Respect the official's decisions. Don't complain or argue about actions or decisions during or after an event.
Do not engage in unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour.
Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to respect opposing athletes and officials.
Never ridicule or scorn an athlete for making a mistake, respect their efforts.
Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final placing of an event.
Participate in positive cheering that encourages the athletes in the Centre you are supporting. Don't engage in any cheering that taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.
Remember that children participate in Little Athletics for their own enjoyment, not yours!
At all times follow the directions of the competition manager and/or other competition day officials.
Never arrive at a Little Athletics competition under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Never bring alcohol or drugs to a Little Athletics competition or training.