Rules and codes of behaviour

Rules

Corroboree conducts its meetings under the rules of competition of Little Athletics Australia, together with the following Centre rules:

• A Corroboree t-shirt is required at weekly meetings. Competition uniform is optional but can also be worn if desired. The athletes age group patch and participation number must be attached to your child’s t-shirt.
• Corroboree promotes a smoke, alcohol, and drug free environment. Parents and spectators are therefore requested to refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol during meets.
• The ACT Government Sports Grounds Service Charted states “Dogs are not permitted at any time at unenclosed grounds when sport is being conducted under a formal booking this includes training and match play.” Dogs are not permitted at Corroboree events and training.

Codes of behaviour

Running a successful and enjoyable Little Athletics Centre requires the co-operation of all those involved: athletes, coaches, officials, parents and spectators. This co-operation cannot exist without everyone observing appropriate behaviour. For this reason, the Committee has developed ‘Codes of Behaviour’ which are set out below. All athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators are bound by these codes as a condition of registration. Breaches of these codes may lead to disqualification and exclusion from the meet. The Corroboree constitution allows the Committee to take formal disciplinary action against anyone who violates any of the behaviour codes.

Code for athletes

• Participate in athletics for the “fun of it” and not to please parents and coaches.
• Do your best. Your performance is the one you need to better.
• Play by the rules of sport: “To break them is to cheat yourself as well as others.”
• Work equally hard for yourself and your club.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all results.
• Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of another athlete, official, parent or volunteer.
• Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other participants – without them there would be no competition.
• Refrain from the use of bad language.
• Be Sun-smart: slip on a t-shirt, slap on a hat and slop on sunscreen.
• Follow directions from Committee members, starters, officials, and Age Group Coordinators.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, ask your age or team manager to deal with the matter.
• Accept reasonable verbal direction and correction from Committee members, starters, and Age Group Coordinators.
• Control your temper. Oral abuse of officials or other athletes, and deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent, are not acceptable or permitted in our sport and may result in disqualification, exclusion from the meet and/or formal disciplinary action.

Code for parents and spectators

• Encourage children always to participate according to the Club’s rules.
• Support Committee members and Age Group Coordinators in managing athlete behaviour.
• Never ridicule or shout at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
• Remember children are involved for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Remember that officials and coaches are volunteers, who deserve your support. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels.
• Support efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from Athletics activities.
• You must remain at the ground while your child is participating, competing, or training. If a Little Athlete does not have a parent/carer at the ground, they will not be able to participate in events.
• Help your child’s Club as much as you are able; without your help the events cannot be run.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing others, smoking, or being intoxicated.
• Avoid use of bad language.

Code for officials

• Compliment participants on their efforts.
• Be consistent, objective, and courteous in calling all infractions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all competitors. Ensure any disruptive, offensive, or dangerous behaviour is called out and reported to the Committee. 21
• Ensure the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost. Use common sense and do not over-emphasise errors.
• Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.
• Enhance fun and enjoyment in conducting events.
• Ensure your behaviour is consistent with the principles of being a good sport. Actions speak louder than words.
• Keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
• Avoid use of bad language.

Code for coaches

• Foster in all children performance to the best of their ability by imparting to them skills and encouraging them.
• Be reasonable in your demands on young athletes’ time, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Develop respect for the rules of sport: “To break them is to cheat yourself as well as others.”
• Wherever possible children should be matched against others of about the same competence.
• Provide equal coaching to all athletes.
• Remember that children participate for fun, enjoyment, and skill development and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or shout at the children for making mistakes or losing an event.
• Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.
• Take into consideration the age and physical maturity of the children when scheduling and determining the length of training times and competition.
• Develop respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and coaches.
• Follow the advice of medical professionals when determining whether 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 others, smoking, or being intoxicated. Refrain from the use of bad language.