Conduct principles for parents, volunteers, officials, spectators and players

Policy No: 001 Policy Owner:   Ron Van Der Sluys,  President – NBJFC

Objective:

This Code of Conduct provides guidance to all Coaches, Parents, Volunteers, Officials, Spectators and Players of what is expected of them as part of the North Beach Junior Football Club (“NBJFC”).

This Code assists all of us to behave ethically and professionally.

Players

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official.  If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
• Control your temper.  Verbal abuse of Coaches, Parents, Volunteers, Officials, Spectators and Players, and sledging other Players, including opponents, deliberately distracting or provoking Coaches, Parents, Volunteers, Officials, Spectators and Players, including opponents, are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport and will not be tolerated at NBJFC.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team.  Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
• Be a good sport.  Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated.  Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate with your coach, team-mates and opponents.  Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents

• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Encourage children always to play according to the rule and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by example.  Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials’ decision and teach children to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Officials

• Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
• Compliment and encourage all participants.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
• Encourage and promote rule changes that will make participation more enjoyable.
• Be a good sport yourself.  Actions speak louder than words.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people.
• Remember, you set an example.  Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
• Give all young people a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Administrators

• Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to the activity.
• Give all young people equal opportunities to participate.
• Create pathways for young people to participate in sport not just as a player but as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.
• Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players.
• Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit.  Do not overemphasise awards.
• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
• Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play and not winning at all costs.
• Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it.
• Remember, you set an example.  Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Review

This policy shall be reviewed six months after its introduction and then on annual basis thereafter. This will ensure that the policy remains current and practical. This policy is effective from the date of signature.

Coaches, Parents, Volunteers, Officials, Spectators and Players are expected to set appropriate examples and act as role models for members of NBJFC.  Anyone wishing to discuss any aspect of this policy is invited to contact any members of the NBJFC Committee.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Ron Van Der Sluys

President – NBJFC               Date: 3rd February 2022