CODE OF CONDUCT

As Australians, we relish a sporting contest and we respect winners.  The struggle for victory is an essential element of sport.  But even more important than winning is the spirit of sporting competition.  Children and adults enjoy participating in sport – they enjoy learning new skills and putting them to the test.  Winning is important but it is not the only reason for competing.

Our challenge is to encourage Australians to be good sports and to ensure that everyone gets a fair go and has fun.  We believe in equity for all our members and we respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone. Here is our code of conduct.

MEMBERS’ CODE

  • Enjoy yourself and have fun.

  • Respect the dignity and worth of all members regardless of their ability or cultural origin.

  • Treat all members as you would like to be treated.

  • Show respect for and co-operate with your teachers and other officials. Without them there would be no competition.

  • Be humble when you win and graceful when you lose. Don’t seek excuses or blame the judges or your teacher when you lose but aim for self-improvement.

  • Do not criticise other members or competitors.

  • Be a good sport.  Applaud other competitors whether they are from your club or another.

  • Work equally hard for yourself and your team.  The team will benefit and so will you.

  • Be loyal to your club and support it.

PARENTS’ CODE

  • Encourage children to participate, don’t force them. Remember that children participate for their own enjoyment, not yours.

  • Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than on winning or losing.

  • Respect the dignity and worth of all members regardless of their ability, appearance or cultural origin.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or for losing.

  • Remember that children learn best by following your example.  Applaud all competitors, not just those from your club.

  • Show appreciation for teachers, officials and judges. Without them your child could not participate.

  • Respect the judges’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.

  • Address conflict openly, honestly and respectfully.

  • Consider volunteering your time to assist with the work of running of your club.

SPECTATORS’ CODE

  • Respect the dignity and worth of all competitors and applaud everyone.

  • Ensure a fair and proper competition environment for all competitors by abiding by the following:

    • remain still and quiet when the music is playing

    • ensure that your children remain still and quiet

    • turn all mobile phones or other electronic devices to silent

    • keep belongings clear of the competition floor

    • do not let children sit around the edge of the competition floor

    • do not ever walk across the competition floor

    • do not use flash photography

  • Respect the rights of competitors by only videoing or photographing your own child.

  • Show appreciation and respect for judges and officials and follow their directions. Without them there would be no competition.

  • Do not sit in teachers’ reserved seating or stand behind this reserved seating area.

  • Obey the rules of the venue and treat the venue with care.  This includes clearing your own rubbish and not spraying cosmetics inside the venue.

  • Be helpful and advise an official if there are problems or if help is needed for any reason.