Mildura Little Athletics Codes of Conduct

The Mildura & District Little Athletics Centre has adopted and adheres to the Aussie Sports Code of Conduct. Within this there is a clearly defined code of behaviour for Administrators, Officials, Coaches, Parents and Athletes. Copies will be issued with your registration form, and all persons involved are bound by these codes, which help develop and maintain the highest levels of fair play, sportsmanship and enjoyment in the sport of their choice by our children and all who support them. In the event of inappropriate behaviour occurring that is reported and deemed to contravene the MDLAC Codes of Conduct, the Committee Executive will decide the most appropriate follow up in accordance with the constitution of MDLAC.

Athletes Code of BehaviourPlay by the rules.Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your parent helper approach the official during a break or after competition.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.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 parent helper and other competitors. Without them there would be no competition.Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents.Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coaches’ Code of BehaviourAllow all abilities to participate.Participation is everything to a young athlete.Participation is total, winning is a bonus.Avoid over-coaching the better performing athletes, the ‘just average’ athletes need and deserve equal time.Be reasonable in your demands on young athlete’s time, energy and enthusiasm.Teach athletes the rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.Whenever possible, group athletes to give a reasonable chance of success.Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing an event.Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of training times and competition.Develop respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and coaches.Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to recommence training or competition.Make personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, other coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.Do not use bad language.

Officials Code of Behaviour 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 the ‘spirit of the game’ for children is not lost by using common sense and not over-emphasising errors.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 personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.Do not use bad language.

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 and performance 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 victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning and losing.Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all participants.Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.Recognise the value and importance of volunteer help. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural ability.

Spectators’ Code of Behaviour Remember that children participate in Little Athletics 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’ decision. 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 scald 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 athletes.Show respect for each participant. Without them there would be no events.Encourage athletes to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.Do not use bad language.