a) Adhere to and maintain the principles of “Think. Act. Play.” and “Play by the Rules” programs endorsed by WPQ.
b) Play by the rules and the laws of the game at the direction of your coach and referees.
c) Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your coach or manager organise a time to discuss with the official for clarification after the game.
d) Control your temper. Verbal abuse or disrespect of officials and sledging or deliberately distracting or provoking opponents are not acceptable.
e) Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will your own performance.
f) Be a good sport. Acknowledge good play when possible.
g) Treat all participants as you would like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
h) Participate for your enjoyment and benefit not just to please coaches or family members.
i) Do not use foul language, sledge, or harass any persons.
j) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background, or religion.
k) Do not take or use non-prescription drugs or stimulants prohibited by WPQ or Water Polo Australia Limited (WPA).
l) Accept and be available for random or selective drug testing in accordance with WPQ, WPA and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) policy and regulations.
m) Refrain from inappropriate behaviour towards participants. This includes inappropriate communication, actions, or gestures towards others including touching or grabbing. Refer “Harassment- Free Sport guidelines” available from Sport Australia.
n) Do not knowingly, recklessly, or carelessly do, write, or say anything or omit to do anything which in the sole opinion of WPQ is likely to bring WPQ or the sport of water polo into disrepute or cause damage to WPQ or its officers or employees or any Official.
o) Whilst participating in any WPQ sanctioned training programs, events, or activities:
I. Be prompt when schedules are set
II. Follow instructions from team coaches, managers and/or chaperones
III. Ensure that team coaches, managers and/or other officials are aware of your
whereabouts at all times
IV. Always obtain permission to leave a designated team area for any reason
V. Attend all team training sessions, games and meetings unless excused by the team coach and/or other officials. This includes attending any games or finals involving other WPQ teams, team meetings and any official functions
VI. Wear the official WPQ State Team uniform when travelling, at training, at competition
venues and at official functions or when directed by an official
VII. Notify the team coach and/or manager of any injury or illness
VIII. Do not smoke, take non-prescription drugs, or consume alcoholic beverages
IX. Act responsibly, politely, and respectfully
a) Adhere to and encourage all athletes and other team personnel to maintain the principles of “Think. Act. Play.” and “Play by the Rules” programs endorsed by WPQ.
b) At all times be a positive role model for your sport and athletes under your care. This includes refraining from any form of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour towards any persons.
c) Provide a safe environment for the conduct of any activity under your direction. Be aware of your responsibilities under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and report any matters as required under the mandatory reporting requirements of the Act.
d) Operate within the rules of the sport. The guidelines of the National and International bodies governing the sport should be followed. Contact WPQ for a rule book and any relevant policies.
e) Treat the team or squad under your care with respect. Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each athlete, help each athlete reach their potential.
f) Provide a safe environment for training and competition. Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and equipment, rules, training, and the environment are appropriate to the age of the athletes.
g) Provide a planned and sequential training program. Maintain appropriate records where necessary or required.
h) Provide a quality service to your athletes. Maintain or improve your current accreditation. Seek continual improvement through skill development, assessment, and ongoing coach education.
i) Be fair, considerate, and honest. Ensure that the athlete’s time spent at your direction is positive. All athletes are deserving of attention and opportunities within the team unit.
j) Encourage teamwork, spirit and harmony amongst all players and place emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship at all times.
k) Have a professional manner and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation, and presentation should display the highest of standards.
l) Display control, respect, dignity, and professionalism to all persons – including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents, family members of athletes, spectators, and the media.
m) Any physical contact with athletes should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for skill development.
n) Refrain from any form of personal abuse (physical or verbal) to any person. Be alert to any forms of abuse from indirect sources to any person whilst under your care.
o) Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Encourage medical advice to be sought when required. Provide a modified training program where appropriate.
p) 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 your care or direction. Abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of WPA as endorsed by WPQ. Coaches should assist educate athletes on drugs in sport issues as per ASADA guidelines.
q) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their age, gender, ability, ethnic origin, cultural background, or religion.
r) Refrain from inappropriate behaviour towards athlete, spectators, family members of athletes and any other persons involved or connected with the game. Refer “Harassment- Free Sport guidelines” available from Sport Australia.
s) Do not knowingly, recklessly, or carelessly do, write, or say anything or omit to do anything which in the sole opinion of WPQ is likely to bring WPQ or the sport of water polo into disrepute or cause damage to WPQ or its officers or employees or any Official.
