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 of 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 (i.e. responsibilities re provision of umpires, sportsmanship, barracking, courtesy etc.).
• The host School (i.e. staff, children and parents) should welcome visitors to the school.  Due recognition by all players be given to a meritorious achievement by any individual or team.  Foul or rough play is inexcusable – there is no justification in thinking that one’s opponent is guilty of it or likely to be guilty of it.  There is a great difference between hard play and rough play – a player should never play with disregard for their opponent’s safety of life or limb.
• It is unacceptable to show elation at an infringement of a rule by the other side.  If a penalty is awarded applause should be reserved for the successful kicking of a goal.
• Coaching during games should not interfere with the control by the referee or umpire, nor should it be offensive to opponents. Spectators, whether staff or students at the school, ex-students or parents, should not publicly criticise referees’ or umpires’ decisions.
• Applause should be bestowed on opponents’ good play – excessive jubilation at our own team’s success and mean contempt for the other side are unsporting.
• All grounds, our own and those of other Schools, must be kept clean – litter must be placed in the receptacles provided.
• Courtesy to those serving in canteens at other schools as well as our own staff serving is essential.
• The use of other Schools’ facilities must not be taken for granted or without reference to a member of staff.

Complaints

Complaints concerning the conduct of the games should not be made during or after the game but should be referred to the relevant Director of School, and any action will be left to their discretion.

The school exercises great care in keeping the direction of games in the hands of members of staff imbued with the true spirit of amateurism.

Codes of Behaviour for School Sport

The role of the host school/convenor is to be clearly defined (i.e. responsibilities re provision of umpires, referees, sportsmanship, barracking, courtesy etc.) Host School (i.e. staff, children and parents) should welcome visitors to the school grounds.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

Basic skills should be taught to all team members. Children should be encouraged to play hard and win fairly.

• Teach your players that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
• Children should participate for fun and enjoyment and winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
• Coaching during games should not interfere with the control by the referee or umpire, nor should it be offensive to opponents.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
• Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

Players’ Code of Conduct

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not permitted in any sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team will benefit, so will you.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays, whether they are 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, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Place in proper perspective the isolated incidents of unsporting behaviour rather than make such incidents the ‘highlight’ of the event.
• If a player is sent off during the game, a one-week suspension is recommended.

Spectators’ Code of Conduct

• Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the officials’ decision.
• 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, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
• Comments should not interfere with the running of the game.

Praise

Praise is encouraged at all levels. 

Complaints

Complaints concerning the conduct of games;

• should not be made during or after the game. 
• should be referred to the Conductor (school principal) and any action should be left to their discretion.
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should parents contact schools directly.