CODES OF CONDUCT
Athletes
- Participate in Little Athletics for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
- Compete according to the rules.
- Any approach to an official should be in a courteous manner. Never argue with an Official.
- Control your temper. Vernal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking another athlete is neither acceptable nor permitted in our sport.
- Be a good sport. Acknowledge all good results, whether they be by you Centre/Club, or the other Centre/Club.
- Any form of cheating is unacceptable.
- Work equally hard for yourself and/or your Centre/Club as both will benefit.
- Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another athlete.
- Cooperate with your coach, clubmates and other athletes. Without them there would be no competition.
- Bad language is not to be used at any time. Substance abuse of any king is unacceptable.
Parents
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force him or her.
- Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Focus upon the child’s efforts 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 an honest effort is as important as victory, so the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Encourage athletes always to participate according to the rules.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
- Turn defeat into victory by encouraging your child to work towards skill improvement, good sportsmanship and attaining personal best performances.
- Recognise the value and importance of coaches and officials of who the vast majority are volunteers.
- If you disagree with official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
Officials
- Officiate according to the rules and where subjective judgement is necessary decide on the basis of what is fair to all athletes.
- Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling out infractions.
- Commend honest effort not just performance excellence.
- Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
- Use common sense to ensure the Spirit of the Sport is not lost by over officiating.
- Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.
- Encourage the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
- Cooperate with other official to discourage improper conduct by spectators.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and rule changes.
- Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour. Actions speak louder than words.
- Bad language is not to be used at any time. Substance abuse of any kind is unacceptable.
Coaches
- Be reasonable in your demands on athletes’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of training times and selection of events.
- Teach athletes the rules of the sport are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
- Group athletes according to age and physical maturity whenever possible.
- Avoid over coaching the better performing athletes, all athletes deserve and need equal time.
- Remember children participate for fun and enjoyment and winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at children for making mistakes or losing an event.
- Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.
- Develop athletes to have a respect for the ability of other athletes as well as for the judgement of officials and coaches.
- Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to recommence training or competition.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, other coaches or officials, smoking or being intoxicated at Little Athletics.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
- Remember the athletes need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved for effort and skill. Set a good example, not only with your behaviour, but also with dress and equipment.
Spectators
- Keep to designated spectator areas and do not encroach on the arena or other competition sites.
- Remember children participate in Little Athletics for fun. They are not participating for the entertainment of spectators.
- Applaud good performances and efforts of each athlete. Congratulate all participants upon their performances regardless of the outcome.
- Respect the officials ‘decision. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach athletes to do likewise.
- Never ridicule or scold an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
- Condemn the use of violence and verbal abuse in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or athletes.
- Show respect for each athlete. Without them there would be no events.
- Encourage athletes to follow the rules and the officials’’ decisions.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.
- Bad language is not to be used at any time. Substance abuse of any kind is unacceptable.
Non-Smoking Policy
Little Athletics understands the harmful effects of smoking on health, fitness and performance in sport, and as a result has adopted the following Policy:
Athletes/Participants are reminded that smoking adversely affects performances and are prohibited from smoking at all whilst engaged in Little Athletics activities.
Premises and competition areas should be declared smoke free zones – smoking permitted only where a special smoking area is designated.
Coaches & Officials are reminded of their responsibilities as role models particularly with juniors, and are asked to refrain from smoking whilst associated with our sport.
Spectators are reminded smoking is inappropriate behaviour in a sporting environment and are asked to respect our Smoking Policy.
Guidelines for the recommended minimum penalties for breach of the codes, as well as procedures for their implementation are available in the Dale By-Laws.
.