Sport Expectations and Procedures for Students, Staff, Parents and Spectators

Introduction 

Everyone at LIVING SCHOOL (School) is expected to participate in school sport with the highest standard of sportsmanship, respect and courtesy.

The purpose of the School’s Sport Code of Conduct is to make you aware of:

• the expectations of students, staff, parents and spectators regarding behaviour in school sport;

• the procedures in place to address complaints or breaches of the Code of Conduct; and

• the shared responsibility we all have in upholding the spirit of fair play.

Who does this Code apply to?

This Code applies to:

• all students participating in school sport, whether at home or away games;
• all staff and coaches involved in school sporting activities;
• all parents, carers and spectators attending sporting events; and
• any visitors or volunteers representing the School at sport.

This Code applies to behaviour

• during any school sporting event, on or off school grounds;

• while travelling to and from sporting venues;

• at all interschool sporting competitions and events; and

• in any interaction with officials, referees, umpires, opponents or other schools.

2.1 Sport Expectations and Procedures

• Enjoyment for children and sportsmanship must be emphasised at all times.

• Basic skills and rules of all games should be imparted to all participants; referees and umpires will wisely enforce all official rules.

• Children should be encouraged to play hard and strive to win fairly by giving their best as a team member. Team spirit and school loyalty must be given priority over selfish play.

• The role of the Host School is to be clearly defined (e.g., provision of umpires, sportsmanship, barracking, courtesy).

• The Host School (staff, children and parents) should welcome visitors to the school and recognise meritorious achievements by any individual or team.

• Foul or rough play is inexcusable. Players must never play with disregard for their opponent’s safety or wellbeing.

• It is unacceptable to show elation at an infringement by the other side. Applause should only follow a successful play or fair achievement.

• Coaching during games should not interfere with the control by referees or umpires, nor should it be offensive to opponents.

• Spectators, whether staff, students, ex-students or parents, must not publicly criticise referees’ or umpires’ decisions.

• Applaud opponents’ good play; excessive jubilation at our team’s success or contempt for the other side is unsporting.

• All grounds must be kept clean and tidy. Litter must be placed in receptacles provided.

• Courtesy must be extended to canteen volunteers at our own and other schools.

• The use of other schools’ facilities must always be with permission from staff.

2.2 Codes of Behaviour for School Sport

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

• Teach basic skills and encourage children to play hard and win fairly.

• Emphasise that rules are mutual agreements, not to be evaded or broken.

• Encourage participation for fun and enjoyment; winning is only part of their motivation.

• Never ridicule or yell at children for mistakes or losing.

• Do not interfere with referees or umpires or act offensively toward opponents.

• Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and age-appropriate.

• Develop team respect for opponents, officials and other coaches.

• Stay informed on coaching principles and child development.

Players’ Code of Conduct

• Play by the rules and never argue with officials.

• Control your temper; verbal abuse or provocation is not permitted.

• Work equally hard for yourself and your team.

• Be a good sport; applaud all good plays, whether by your team or the opponent.

• Treat all players as you wish to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of another player.

• Co-operate with coaches, teammates and opponents.

• Do not highlight isolated incidents of poor behaviour as the focus of the event.

• A one-week suspension is recommended for any player sent off during a game.

Spectators’ Code of Conduct

• Remember: children play sport for fun, not solely for the entertainment of spectators.

• Applaud effort and good performance by both teams.

• Respect the officials’ decisions.

• Never ridicule or scold a child for mistakes; give positive, motivational feedback.

• Condemn violence in any form, whether by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

• Show respect for opponents and encourage players to follow the rules.

• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour; avoid foul language or harassment.

• Comments must not interfere with the running of the game.

2.3 Praise

• Praise is encouraged at all levels and should acknowledge effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

2.4 Complaints

• Complaints regarding the conduct of games must not be made during or immediately after the game.

• Concerns should be referred to the Conductor (Head of School/Principal).

• All actions will be taken at their discretion.

• Under no circumstances should parents contact other schools directly.

Review: January 2027