Codes of Behaviour

Codes Of Behaviour

LAANSW Parents' Code of Behaviour Sport has a very special place in Australian society. We are proud of our sporting tradition. We look up to our champions and we remember and respect the sporting heroes of yesteryear - a great many of whom are revered for their deeds on the athletics field. Winning, of course, is a vital part of that tradition - but not as important as the spirit of Australian sport. And that spirit stems from our commitment to fair play.; The Australian Sports Commission has developed Codes of Behaviour for use in sporting programs for children.; Little Athletics is a community activity, which utilises athletics to help foster the development of Australia's children, and as such, totally endorses these Codes for all its participants.; PARENTS; A child's basic training in good sportsmanship comes from the home!; 1. If children are interested, encourage them to participate. However, if your child is not willing, do not force him or her.; 2. 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 that emphasis on winning.; 3. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each competition is accepted without undue disappointment.; 4. Encourage your child to always participate according to the rules.; 5. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.; 6. Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment not yours.; 7. Remember that children learn best by example, applaud good performances by all athletes.; 8. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official's judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child's involvement.; 9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities. 10. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.; COACHES; The best coaches are more interested in their athlete's well being than whether they win or lose!; 1. Be reasonable in your demands on the young athletes' time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.; 2. Teach your athletes that rules of the sport are mutual which no one should evade or break.; 3. When coaching, group athletes according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.; 4. Avoid over-attention to the talented athletes. The 'just-average' athletes need and deserve equal time.; 5. 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.; 6. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.; 7. The scheduling and length of coaching practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.; 8. Develop each athlete's respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing athletes.; 9. Follow the advice of a sports medicine physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to compete or practice again.; 10. Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.; 11. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.; ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS AND SPECTATORS; In Little Athletics virtually all these are parents temporarily occupying another role. Don't adopt a different code because your role has changed