CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

Parents, coaches and officials by example of behaviour have an enormous influence on our children. All participants in Little Athletics should form an accepted pattern of behavior. If Little Athletics is to be enjoyed by all in the spirit of ‘Family, Fun and Fitness’, then the co-operation of all parents, coaches and officials is of primary importance. The Codes of Behavior set out below are published by LAVic.

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 a 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 (see the ‘Complaints’ section below) rather than questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public. Remember, all officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement. At Croydon we encourage our more senior athletes to assist with officiating at events. Please give them your positive support in this development role.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for all the children and deserve your support.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes or officials, not smoking or being intoxicated within the sporting complex.
• Avoid use of bad language.

OFFICIALS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In keeping with “Fun, Family and Fitness”….

• Ensure that the ‘spirit of the game’ for children is not lost by using common sense and not over-emphasising errors. In field events try and ensure all athletes get at least one recordable try in.
• Compliment 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 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.

SPECTATORS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

• Remember that children participate in Little Athletics activities for fun. They are not participating for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from each athlete. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the event outcome.
• Respect the officials’ decisions. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach the children to do likewise.
•  Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition. Positive
• comments are motivational.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, officials or athletes.
• Show respect for each participant. Without them there would be no events.
• Encourage athletes to follow the rules and the official’s decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes or officials, not smoking or being intoxicated within the sporting complex.
• Avoid use of bad language.