Code of Conduct

Values

Respect – I respect sport, the efforts of my competitors, my team mates and officials.

Attitude – My positive attitude is essential in overcoming obstacles to help me improve and give of my best. My positive attitude is a key ingredient to success and leadership.

Express -  If I have an opinion I will express my view with thought and consideration for others. In showing my emotions I do so with individuality and good humour.

Easts Water Polo Club

Club Policies

To assist with achieving the best outcome for Easts Water Polo Club over the competition season the following policies have been endorsed by the Committee:

• Training is required for best performance. Players are expected to attend organised training sessions on a regular basis.

• Players are encouraged to enhance their performance by individual training programs and skill development activities.

• Club representation (e.g. Country Club, Finals Series) will be determined by the commitment and performance in training and competition games of individual players.

• Notification to Coach or Manager of unavailability for training or playing is essential for effective management of the Club.  Unavailability for training must be made by phone or SMS, at least 24 hours prior and for game days must be by the training session prior to the game.

• Selection of teams will need to be finalised at the preceding training session to allow for the rotation of players, filling of vacancies and the notification of other Clubs of any variations to advertised games.

• Players are required to be present for competition games at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time.

• Players will be notified of requirements during the season, such as set-up and pack-up of pool, officiating, fundraising etc, as determined by the Committee.

Administrators Code of Behaviour

Includes Committee member, employee, contractor, and appointed officers of Australia Water Polo Inc, Member Associations and Affiliated Clubs:

• Involve young people in planning, leadership, and evaluation and decision making related to the activity.
• Give all young people equal opportunities to participate.
• Create pathways for young people to participate in sport not just as a player but as a coach, referee, administrator etc.

• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.
• Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players.
• Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not over emphasise awards.

• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
• Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
• Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it.
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy.
• Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. .

Referees/Officials Code of Behaviour

Includes: Referees, table officials, and appointed officers of Australia Water Polo Inc, Member Associations and Affiliated Clubs:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability
• Be professional in your appearance and manner and accept responsibility for all actions taken. Display high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation. Display control, respect dignity and professionalism to all involved with water polo (including athletes, coaches, officials, administrator parents and spectators) and encourage other referees/officials to demonstrate these qualities.
• Be courteous, respectable and open to discussion and interaction. Make a commitment to providing quality service to officiating your state and AWPI by seeking continual improvement of your officiating knowledge and skill through study, performance appraisal and regular updating of competencies. Maintain and improve your Australian or SSO Panel Rating.
• Operate within the rules and spirit of water polo. Abide by and respect the regulations governing water polo and sport generally and the organizations and individuals administering those regulations.
• Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes, officials, parents and coaches. This includes verbal and physical abuse.
• Refrain from any form of sexual harassment. This includes explicit, implicit, verbal and non-verbal sexual harassment.
• Provide a Drug Free Environment – Do not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulates, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under my officiating and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of Australia Water Polo Inc or Anti Doping Policy adopted by Australia Water Polo Inc. Officials should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with ASDA
• Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet rule requirements and safety standards.
• Be impartial. Be a positive role model for refereeing and officiating. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Encourage inclusivity and access to all areas of officiating. Be a positive role model for refereeing.

Players Code of Behaviour

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official after the competition.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.

• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will you.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. .

Coaches Code of Behaviour

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being. Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
• Ensure the athlete’s time spent with you is a positive one. All athletes are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
• Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each individual athlete. Help each athlete reach their full potential.
• Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport - this includes opponents, coach’s officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
• Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes. Maintain or improve your current NCAS accreditation. Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education. Provide a training program which is planned and sequential. Maintain appropriate records.
• Operate within the rules of your sport. The guidelines of National and International bodies governing your sport should be followed. Please contact AWPI for a rule book and any relevant policies. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with ASDA.
• Provide a Drug Free Environment - Do not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulates, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under my coaching and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of Australia Water Polo Inc or Anti Doping Policy adopted by Australian Water Polo Inc. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with ASDA
• Any physical contact with athletes should be:* appropriate to the situation. * Necessary for the athletes skill development. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your athletes. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards your athletes from other sources whilst they are in your care.
• Refrain from any form of harassment. This includes sexual harassment, racial vilification and harassment on the grounds of disability. You should not only refrain from initiating a relationship with an athlete but should also discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate a sexual relationship with you, explaining the ethical basis of your refusal.
• Provide a safe environment for training and competition. Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards. Equipment, rules, training and the environment need to be appropriate for the age of the athletes.
• Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Provide a modified training program where appropriate. Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required. Maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.
• Be a positive role model for your sport and athletes. 
• Refrain form inappropriate behaviour towards officials and parents.

Spectators Code of Behaviour

•  Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
• Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams.
• Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.

• Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
• Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.

• Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents/Guardian Code of Behaviour

 As a parent/guardian of a player/participant in any activity held by or under the auspices of AWPI, a Member Association or an Affiliated Club, you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any such activity or event:

• Remember that your child participates in sport for their own enjoyment, not yours.
• Never ridicule or yell at your child and other children for making a mistake or losing a competition.

• Show appreciation for good performance and skilful plays by all players (including opposing players).
• Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
• Do not physically or verbally abuse anyone associated with the sport (player, coach, umpire etc).

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.