CODES OF CONDUCT
Eastern Football League by-laws February 2008
COACHES:
- Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Avoid over-playing the talented players, the “just average” players need and deserve equal time.
- Remember that players participate for fun and enjoyment.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
- Take into consideration the maturity level of the players, when scheduling and determining the length of practice times and competition.
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
- Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
- Keep yourself informed of the sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
- Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well basic skills.
- Ensure that skill learning and appropriate sports behaviour have priority over highly structured competitions for young players.
- Help players understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair play.
“A child’s self-esteem is delicate and easily damaged, particularly by parents attempting to act out their own lives through the youngsters on the sports field. Participation in sports events must be something for children to enjoy. They should not be saddled with win-at-all costs attitudes at any early age.”
Daily Telegraph editorial.
ADMINISTRATORS/OFFICIALS:
- Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in sports are made available to all players, regardless of ability, size, shape, sex (for females under 14), age, disability or ethnic origin.
- Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating players.
- Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and skill technique.
- Remember that players participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.
- Provide clinics aimed at improving the standards of coaching and officiating, with an emphasis on appropriate behaviour and skill technique.
- Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.
- Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of players and their needs.
- Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
- 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.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
PARENTS/SPECTATORS
- Encourage players to participate, if they are interested.
- Encourage players to always participate according to the rules.
- Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or losing the game.
- Remember that players learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all teams.
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches.
- Remember that children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment to spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
- Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
- Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
PLAYERS:
- Play by the rules.
- Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.
- Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
- Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
- Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
- Avoid using derogatory language.
Note: Codes of Conduct are part of the National Football Policy provided by the Australian Football League.