Code Of Conduct

  • Sport has a very special place in Australian society.  We are proud of our sporting tradition.  We look up to our champions and 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 in which the majority of those Australian heroes have played their sport.  That spirit stems from our commitment to fair play.
  • The Australian Sports Commission has developed Codes of Behaviour for use in sporting programmes for children.  As a community activity utilising sport to foster the development of Australia’s Children, Little Athletics 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 the emphasis on winning.
  3. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each competition is accepted with 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
  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 athletes’ 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 agreements, 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 the motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing in a competition.
  6. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet QSAC safety standards and are appropriate for 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 of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

ATHLETES

It isn’t whether you win or lose, but, how you play the game!

  1. Compete and train for the “fun of it”, not just to please your parents or coach.
  2. Play by the rules.
  3. Never argue with the official’s decision. Let your Centre Manager or Coach ask any necessary questions.
  4. Control your temper – no “mouthing off'”, breaking equipment, throwing implements or other equipment.
  5. Work equally for yourself and your team in relay, and team events, your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
  6. Be a good sport. Cheer all good performances, whether your club mates or your opponents.
  7. Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any athlete.
  8. Remember that the goal of training or competition is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a show-off or brag about your own performances.
  9. Co-operate with your coach, club mates and opponents.  For without them you don’t have a competition.

ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS & SPECTATORS

In Little Athletics, virtually all these roles are filled by parents temporarily performing an additional function.

Don’t adopt a different code of conduct just because your role has changed. 

Breaching the Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct above is to be followed by all athletes, parents and coaches.  The procedure for any breaches of this code will be dealt with in the following manner.  In the first instance, the athlete will be spoken to by the Centre Manager and in the second instance; the Centre Manager will speak to the athlete along with the athlete’s parents and decide what action is to be taken.