Terms of registration

WPWAI Code of Conduct

Water Polo Australia (WPA) and Water Polo Western Australia (WPWAI) are committed to the requirements for the protection of the health, safety and wellbeing of all our members. To achieve that, we have a Member Protection Policy, the goal of which is to provide a safe and comfortable environment so that all members can compete and enjoy our great sport in a harassment free environment.

WPA’s Member Protection Policy is freely available via both the WPWA and WPA websites, or on request from WPWA offices. We require all WPWA members to abide by its guidelines and processes. WPWA Website is: http://www.waterpolowa.asn.au

A key element of the Member Protection Policy is the Codes of Conduct that apply to all of us, in the varying roles we take.

It is the expectation of WPWA that all persons associated with our sport abide by the Codes of Conduct detailed below. Serious non-compliance with these guidelines will be referred to WPWA for formal investigation and resolution under the Member Protection Policy processes.

Player / Athlete Code of Conduct

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 behaviors 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, teammates 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

Parent / Guardian Code of Conduct

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours
Encourage children to participate, do not force them
Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing
Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition
Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion

Coach Code of Conduct

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
Provide a drug free environment
Not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate the use of drugs, stimulants, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under your coaching and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of Water Polo Australia or Anti-Doping Policy adopted by Water Polo Australia’s Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with ASADA
Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes
Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards.
Display control, respect, dignity and professional to all involved in the sport – this includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators.
Encourage your athletes to demonstrate the same qualities
Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions 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
Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes
The guidelines of National and international bodies governing your sport should be followed.
Please contact WPA for a rule book and any relevant policies
Operate within the rules of your sport. 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
Refrain from any form of harassment 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.
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 from inappropriate behavior towards officials and parents
Abuse and insults directed at officials or parents. Refer “Harassment-Free Sport guidelines” available from the Australian Sports Commission

Referee / Official Code of Conduct

Includes Referees, volunteer table officials, and appointed officers of WPWAI
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of very human being regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability
Display control, respect dignity and professionalism to all involved with water polo (including athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators) and encourage other referees / officials to demonstrate these qualities
Be professional in your appearance and manner and accept responsibility for all actions taken
Be courteous, respectable and open to discussion and interaction
Provide a drug free environment
Not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulants, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under your direction, and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of WPA
Make a commitment to providing quality service to officiating by seeking continual improvement of your officiating knowledge and skill through study, performance appraisal and regular updating of any competencies
Maintain and improve your ratings
Operate within the rules and spirit of water polo
Abide by and respect eh 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 nonverbal sexual harassment
Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet rule requirements and safety standards
Be impartial
Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest
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 and officiating

Spectator Code of Conduct

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 official’s decisions
Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion

Administrator (Volunteer) Code of Conduct

Includes Board & Committee Members, employee, contractor and appointed officers of WPWAI
Involve young people in planning, leadership, 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 overemphasize awards
Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behavior and skill development and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating
Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasizes fair play, and not winning at all costs
Give a code of behavior sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it
Remember, you set an example. Your behavior 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

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