NUSC – Codes of Conduct

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 game.
  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
  • Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, 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.
  • Respects 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.
  • 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 rules and settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or for losing.
  • Remember that children learn by best example.
  • Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
  • Respect officials’ decisions 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.

Coaches

  • Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
  • Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not coming first.
  • Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
  • Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same.
  • Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
  • Avoid overplaying the talented players; the just average need and deserve equal time.
  • Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
  • Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes
  • opponents, coaches, officials, administrators,the media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.
  • Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
  • Obtain appropriate qualification and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
  • Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Adminstrators

  • 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 also as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
  • Ensure that rules, equipment, length of training and 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 over emphasise 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 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.

Officials

  • 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.
  • 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.

Spectators

  • Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
  • Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
  • Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
  • Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
  • Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is 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.
  • Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.