Code of Conduct
Hawkesbury Junior Australian Football Club
AFL Greater Western Sydney Juniors
Today’s parents have an important role in the delivery and support of sporting activities for their own and other children. With it comes a clear responsibility to act in a constructive and encouraging manner at all times.
Play by the rules and within the ‘spirit of the game.
Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents, coaches and teachers.
Shake hands with your opponent after the game.
Control your temper.
Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and throwing equipment is neither acceptable nor permitted in any sport.
Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
Be a good sport.
Admire all good passages of play whether they be by your team 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 the umpires, your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
Parents, Caregivers and Spectator
Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.
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 their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. Remember children learn best by example.
Applaud good play by all teams.
Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
Respect official’s decisions and teach children to do likewise.
Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them your child could not participate. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember that most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
Consumption of alcohol is inappropriate at all junior games.
When umpires receive a small amount for out-of-pocket expenses, don’t adopt a ‘you are paid not to make mistakes’ attitude, we all do.
Administration & Officials
Ensure that equal opportunity for participation in sports is made available to all children, regardless of ability, size, shape, sex, age, disability or ethnic origin.
Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating children.
Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and skill technique.
Remember that children participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards. Provide clinics aimed at improving the standards of coaching and officiating, with an emphasis on appropriate behaviour and skill technique.
Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibility regarding fair play.
Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participants for fun and enjoyment.
Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.