Codes of behaviour underpin the values of Little Athletics. We encourage athletes, officials, parents and spectators to read and understand the codes, and apply them on competition days.

Visiting Participants, Coaches, Officials and Spectators are also asked to respect our Codes of Behaviour. Spectators are reminded that smoking is inappropriate behaviour in a sporting environment and asked to respect our sport’s Code of Behaviour.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR - OFFICIALS 

1. Compliment all participants on their efforts.

2. Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.

3. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for opponents.

4. Ensure that using common sense and not over-emphasising errors helps to maintain the ‘spirit of the game’ for children.

5. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.

6. Publicly encourage rule changes, which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.

7. Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour. Actions speak louder than words.

8. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and principles of growth and development of children.

9. Do not use offensive or inappropriate language.

CODE OF BEHAVIOURS - PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

1. Encourage children to participate if they’re interested. However, if a child is not willing, do not force him or her.

2. 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.

3. Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.

4. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.

5. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during competition. Positive comments are motivational.

6. 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.

7. Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or athletes.

8. Show respect for each participant. Without them there would be no events.

9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics activities.

10. Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/or coach. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.

11. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking within the centre or being intoxicated.

12. Do not use offensive or inappropriate language.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR - ATHLETES

1. Play by the rules.

2. Never argue with an official. If you disagree with a ruling, ask your Team Manager to deal with the matter.

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

4. Work equally hard for yourself and your Club and your centre.

5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good results whether they be achieved by someone at your club, a different club or a different centre.

6. Treat all athletes, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another athlete. 

7. Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other participants. Without them there would be no competition.

8. Participate in Little Athletics for the ‘fun of it’, and not just to please parents and coaches.

9. Do not use offensive or inappropriate language.

What do to if the Code if broken

If you believe that the Code of Behaviour has been broken, we encourage this to be raised with your Club Team Manager or President at the first instance, who will then raise with either another team Team Manager or the CLAC Committee. 

If appropriate a complaint can also be formally submitted to the CLAC Committee via coburglac@gmail.com. We take all complaints seriously and act discretely.