Behaviour Codes

Parent’s and Guardian's Code of Behaviour:

  • Encourage children to participate if they are interested.  However, if a child is not willing, do not force him or her
  • Focus on the child’s efforts rather than the overall outcome of the event.  This assists children in setting realistic goals related to their own ability by reducing the emphasis on winning
  • Teach children that effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment
  • Encourage children to participate according to the rules
  • Never ridicule of 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 verbal and/or physical abuse at Little Athletics activities
  • Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/or coach.  They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for all the children and deserve your support
  • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, not smoking on the arena, or being intoxicated
  • Avoid use of bad language

Little Athlete’s Code of Behaviour:

  • Play by the rules
  • Never argue with an official.  If you disagree, ask your Team Manager to deal with the matter (particularly relevant for Region and State competitors)
  • Control your temper.  Verbal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in our support
  • Work equally hard for yourself and / or your Centre.  Your Centre performance will benefit
  • Be a good sport.  Applaud all good results whether they are by your Centre or an opponent from another Centre
  • 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 your coach, 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