Conduct

These codes will ensure that young people develop good sporting behaviour and have an enjoyable experience of sport, which will encourage them to remain involved in any capacity throughout their lives.

• Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or shout at children for making mistakes or losing a game.
• Be reasonable in your demands on young players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Teach your players that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no-one should evade or break.
• Whenever possible, group players to give reasonable chance of success.
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. The "just average" players need and deserve equal time.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
• Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of practice times and games.
• Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to commence training or competition.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
• Avoid use of any derogatory language.

• Play for the love of the game and for the "fun of it" and not just to please parents or coaches.
• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach during the break or after the game.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking and opponent are not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will you.
• Be a good sport and applaud all good plays whether they are your team, opponent 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 your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Avoid use of any derogatory language.

• Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather that 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 honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage children to always participate according to the rules of the game.
• Never ridicule or shout at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Remember children are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours. If a child is reluctant to play, encourage but do not force them.
• Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all teams.
• If you disagree with an official/coach, raise the issue through the appropriate chambers rather than questioning the officials/coaches judgement and honesty in public. Remember that most officials/coaches give their time and effort for your child's enjoyment.
• Support all efforts to remove negative verbal and unfair physical contact from sporting activities.

• Applaud good performance and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the games outcome.
• Remember that children play organised sport for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Respect the officials' decisions. 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 scold a child for making a mistake during a game. Positive comments are motivational.
• Show respect for your teams opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to play by the rules and the officials decisions.