Referee Abuse

• It is against the spirit of the game and club policy for Coaches, Managers, Players or Parents to engage in loud vocal criticism of referees; this applies to away games as well as home games.
• In the lower age competitive grades the young referees involved are learning and should be encouraged.
• It should be remembered that a decision is required to be made by the referee every time a player touches the ball and not every decision will be right for all of the people all of the time.
• If you have a problem with a referee’s performance then a written report to the club will be given consideration. Please don’t challenge a referee’s decision but if you have a question about the rules ask in a calm and appropriate manner after the game.
• There is a shortage of referees in our area and it is the experience of some football associations in Australia that referees cannot be found for a large percentage of games and as such clubs have to find volunteers to be referees. This is a very undesirable situation so respect and appreciation should be given to referees no matter what, in order to be part of the solution – not the problem.

Players Code of Behaviour

• 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 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 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, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents Code of Behaviour

• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• 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 to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by 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 Code of Behaviour

• Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning are 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 your players to do the same.
• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Obtain appropriate qualifications 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.

Administrators Code of Behaviour

• 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 as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training 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 overemphasise 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 the media, and encourage them to follow it.
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy.
• 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 Code of Behaviour

• Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
• 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.
• Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable.
• 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 Code of Behaviour

• 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.