Code of Conduct

LANSW Code of Conduct:

Australians are justifiably proud of the place sport has in their daily lives. But what is equally important to us all is the way the “game” is played and the manner in which our sportsmen and sportswomen conduct themselves.   Unfortunately, some people (both participants and spectators) fail to live up to the traditional values of sport.  Young people involved in sport have a right to participate in a safe and supportive environment. Over‐ zealous parents and adults, and ill‐tempered, disrespectful athletes, sometimes need to be reminded of appropriate standards of behaviour for Little Athletics. Little Athletics is a community activity, which utilises athletics to help foster the development of Australia’s children, and as such, endorses and applies the following Codes of Conduct.   The privilege of membership with the Little Athletics NSW (LANSW) may be withdrawn where it is determined that a person’s conduct is   inconsistent with the mission of the LANSW and in clear breach of the Codes of Conduct.

Athletes

1. Show respect to coaches and officials. Any approach to an official should be in a courteous manner. Never argue with an official.
2. Control your temper ‐ no “mouthing off”, throwing equipment etc.
3. Never verbally abuse or sledge other athletes, deliberately distract or provoke another athlete.
4. Do not bully or harm another athlete.
5. Do not use bad language or obscene gestures at any time.
6. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
7. Do not bring the sport of Little Athletics into disrepute.

Adults

1. Never ridicule or yell at an athlete for making a mistake during a competition.
2. Respect the officials’ decisions. If there is a disagreement, always follow the appropriate procedure/ s in order to question the decision.
3. Never use violence, threats or abuse in any form.
4. Keep to designated spectator areas and do not encroach on the arena or other competition sites if you are not officiating.
5. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches, officials or spectators, smoking outside designated areas, being intoxicated or using bad language.
6. Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate to the situation and/or necessary for the athlete’s skill development.
7. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
8. Do not bring the sport of Little Athletics into disrepute.

PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

The principles of natural justice will be observed when making decisions on breaches of the Codes of Conduct and in deciding any penalties for such breaches.

Any penalties that are imposed are to be appropriate to the seriousness of the breach.

Penalties for breaches of the Codes of Conduct that occur at events conducted by the LANSW that are confined to the day of competition shall be determined by the Carnival Manager.

Penalties that go beyond the day of competition shall be determined by the Board of Management and could include banning families from future participation in the sport.