Caulfield Little Athletics Centre and Little Athletics Victoria have Codes of Conduct which all members are expected to comply with. The Centre will endeavour to ensure all athletes, coaches, spectators, parents, officials and administrators are aware and understand the expected behaviour by everyone involved in the Centre. The Centre will take appropriate action where these codes are breached.
Outlined below is a basic overview of the expectations of all involved.
Little Athletes’ Code of Behaviour
- Play by the rules.
- Never argue with an official.
- Always control your temper. Abuse of officials, parents or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted.
- Work equally hard for yourself and your centre.
- Always be a good sport and treat all athletes as you like to be treated.
- Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other participants.
- Participate in Little Athletics for the fun.
Parents’ Code of Behaviour
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested. If a child is not willing – do not force him/her.
- Focus on the child’s efforts rather than the overall outcome of the event.
- Teach children an honest effort is as important as a victory.
- 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 have a disagreement with an official, raise the issue through appropriate channels.
- Support all efforts to remove any verbal or physical abuse at Little Athletics.
- Recognise the value of being a volunteer or coach.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials.
- The premises, track grounds and playing areas are “SMOKE FREE” zones.
Spectators’ Code of Behaviour
- Remember children participate in Little Athletics for fun.
- Applaud good performances and efforts from each athlete.
- Congratulate all athletes upon their performance regardless of outcome.
- Respect all official decisions.
- Never ridicule a child for making a mistake during competition.
- Always aim to give children positive motivational comments.
- Show respect for each and every participant. Without them there would be no events.
Coaches’ Code of Behaviour
- Be reasonable in your demands of young athletes time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Teach athletes that the rules are mutual agreements which should never be broken.
- Whenever possible, group athletes to give a reasonable chance of success.
- Avoid focussing on high achieving athletes, all athletes deserve equal time.
- Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and winning is a bonus.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
- Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling the length of training sessions and competitions.
- Develop respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and coaches.
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of child growth and development.
- Demonstrate appropriate behaviour at all times.
Little Athletics Code of Conduct
Click here to read the Little Athletics Code of Conduct.