Members > Codes of Behaviour

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:
Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force him or her.
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 that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours.
If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgment 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 at Little Athletics activities.
Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/or coach. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.
Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.
Avoid use of bad language.
LITTLE ATHLETES’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:
Play by the rules.
Never argue with an official. If you disagree, ask your Team Manager to deal with the matter.
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in our sport.
Work equally hard for yourself and/or your Centre/Club. Your Centre/Club’s performance will benefit.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good results whether they be by your Centre/Club, opponent or the other Centre/Club.
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 participants. Without them there would be no competition.
Participate in Little Athletics for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
Avoid use of bad language.
OFFICIALS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:
Complement all participants on their efforts.
Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
Ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost by using common sense and not over-emphasising errors.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.
Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour. Actions speak louder than words.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
Avoid use of bad language.