Codes of Behaviour

ATHLETES

  • Participate in Little Athletics for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
  • Compete according to the rules.
  • Any approach to an official should be in a courteous manner. Never argue with an official.
  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking another athlete is not acceptable or permitted in our sport.
  • Be a good sport. Acknowledge all good results, whether they are by you or any other athlete.
  • Any form of cheating is unacceptable.
  • Work equally hard for yourself and your centre.
  • Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another athlete.
  • Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other athletes.
  • Bad language is not to be used at any time. Substance abuse of any kind is unacceptable.

 

PARENTS

  • Encourage children to participate. However, if a child is not willing, do not force him or her.
  • Remember, children should be involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours.
  • Focus upon the child’s efforts 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 an honest effort is as important as victory, so the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
  • Encourage athletes always to participate according to the rules. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
  • Encourage athletes always to participate according to the rules
  • Turn defeat to victory by encouraging your child to work towards skill improvement, good sportsmanship and attaining personal best performances.
  • Recognise the value and importance of coaches and officials who volunteer their time to the centre. 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, officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
  • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.

 

SPECTATORS

  • Keep to designated spectator areas and do not encroach on the arena or other competition sites.
  • Remember children participate in Little Athletics for fun. They are not participating for the entertainment of spectators. They are not small adults.
  • Applaud good performances and efforts from each athlete. Congratulate all participants upon their performances regardless of the event outcome.
  • Respect the officials’ decisions. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach the athletes to do likewise.
  • Never ridicule or scold an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
  • Condemn the use of violence and verbal abuse in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or athletes.
  • Show respect for each athlete. 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.
  • Bad language is not to be used at any time. Substance abuse of any kind is unacceptable.