Code of Conduct

Little Athletics Victoria expects all members to comply with the Codes of Conduct as per  https://lavic.com.au/wp-conten...

1. Appropriate action may be taken in the case of any breaches of the Code of Conduct.

2. Little Athletics Victoria will ensure that all athletes, coaches, spectators, parents, officials and administrators are not prone to sexual abuse, neglect, physical abuse or emotional abuse.

3. They will ensure that all persons are included, protected and not discriminated against in any manner.

4. Little Athletics Victoria is registered as an Incorporated Association as protection for its Centres, Committees and its Members

Little Athletes Code of Conduct

➢ Play by the rules

➢ Never argue with an official, if you disagree, ask your Team Manager or Age Manager to deal with the matter.

➢ Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials, coaches, parents or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in our sport.

➢ Work equally hard for yourself and/or your Centre/Club. Your Centre/Club’s performance will benefit.

➢ Be a good sport. Applaud all good results whether they are by your Centre/Club, opponent or the other Centre/Club.

➢ 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 officials, coaches, club mates and other participants. Without them there would be no competition.

➢ Participate in Little Athletics for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.

➢ Avoid use of bad language

Coaches Code of Conduct

➢ 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.

➢ Avoid over-coaching the better performing athletes, the “just average” athletes need and deserve equal time.

➢ Ensure any physical contact with athletes is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the athlete’s skills development.

➢ Avoid situations with your athletes that could be construed as compromising.

➢ Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their enjoyment. 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.

➢ Coaches should never solicit, whether overtly or covertly, or by actively recruiting athletes who are already being coached to join their squad.

➢ 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 a 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.

➢ Not publicly criticise or disagree with the work of other coaches.

➢ Hold a current Working with Children Check.

➢ Avoid use of bad language

Officials Code of Conduct

➢ 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 a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating
principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
➢ Hold a current Working with Children Check.
➢ Avoid use of bad language.

Parents Code of Conduct

➢ 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 rather than the overall outcome of the event.
➢ This assists the children in setting realistic goals related to his/her own ability by
reducing the emphasis on winning.
➢ Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of
each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
➢ Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
➢ Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
➢ Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours.
➢ 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 all verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics
activities.
➢ Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/or coach.
They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the
children and deserve your support.
➢ Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, parents,
coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.
➢ Avoid use of bad language.