Behavioural guidelines

(Adapted from the Australian Sports Commissions’ Junior Sport Codes of Behaviour)

Australians are justifiably proud of the place sport has in their daily lives. But what is equally important to us all is the way the “game” is played and the manner in which our sportsmen and sportswomen conduct themselves. 

Unfortunately, some people (both participants and spectators) fail to live up to the traditional values of sport. Young people involved in sport have a right to participate in a safe and supportive environment. Overzealous parents and adults, and ill‐tempered, disrespectful athletes, sometimes need to be reminded of appropriate standards of behaviour for Little Athletics. 

Little Athletics is a community activity, which utilises athletics to help foster the development of Australia’s children, and as such, endorses and applies the SALAA Codes of Conduct which can be found at www.salaa.org.au. The privilege of membership with SALAA may be withdrawn where it is determined that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the mission of SALAA and in clear breach of the Codes of Conduct. 

The principles of natural justice will be observed when making decisions on breaches of the behavioural guidelines and SALAA Codes of Conduct and in deciding any penalties for such breaches. 

Any penalties that are imposed are to be appropriate to the seriousness of the breach. 

Penalties for breaches of the behavioural guidelines or the SALAA Codes of Conduct shall be determined by the GGLAC committee and could include banning families from future participation in the sport. 

The following Behavioural Guidelines aim to give everyone a guide to what is expected of them if they are part of Little Athletics, be it participating, volunteering or standing on the sideline cheering for their child, relative or friend. The guidelines set down what is an acceptable standard of behaviour and reflect the principles upon which Little Athletics is based. 

Acceptance of, and compliance with these guidelines will ensure that Little Athletes will develop good sporting behaviours and be an enjoyable sporting experience, encouraging children to remain involved in sport and be active throughout their lives. 

We ask that everyone take the time to read the behaviour guidelines and make a personal commitment to always behave in accordance 

Athletes 

  • Play by the rules 
  • Show respect to coaches and officials. Any approach to an official should be in a courteous manner. Never argue with and official 
  • Control your temper – verbal abuse or abuse of equipment is not acceptable 
  • Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, verbally abuse, sledge, deliberately distract, provoke, bully or take unfair advantage of another athlete.  
  • Do not use bad language or obscene gestures at any time 
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion 
  • Be a good sport. Applaud all good results whether they be by your Centre/Club, opponent or the other Centre/Club. 
  • Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other participants. Without them there would be no competition. 
  • Participate in Athletics for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches. 

Adults (Parents/volunteers/chaperones/officials) 

  • Parents are to remain onsite at all times during competition and training sessions  
  • Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours. 
  • Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force him or her. 
  • Never ridicule or yell at an athlete for making a mistake or not winning an event 
  • 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. 
  • Encourage children to always participate according to the rules. 
  • Applaud good performance and efforts, and congratulate all participants regardless of the event’s outcome. 
  • Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment. 
  • 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 Childs involvement. 
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics activities. 
  • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches, officials or spectators, not being intoxicated or using bad language and smoking only in designated areas 
  • Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate to the situation and/or necessary for the athlete’s skill development 
  • Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/ or coach. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for children and deserve your support. 
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion 
  • Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infringements. 
  • 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. 

Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Committee. 

Policy developed: Jul 2015 

Reviewed without change: Jul 2016, Jul 2017, Oct 2018, Oct 2019, Oct 2020, Oct 2021 

Date for next review: Oct 2022