Codes of Fair Play

OFFICIALS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
Compliment and encourage all participants.
Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable.
Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young players.
Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
Give junior players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

PLAYERS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Play by the rules.
Never argue with a referee or assistant referee. If you disagree, have you captain, coach or manager approach the official on your behalf.
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in soccer.
Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
Be a good sport, recognise all good plays whether they are part of your team or the opposition.
Treat all participants in soccer as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitors.
Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participant regardless of the their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

PARENTS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment.
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 game.
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 all of soccer’s activities.
Respect official’s 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.

COACHES CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Remember that junior players participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
Never ridicule or yell at a junior players for making a mistake or not winning.
Be reasonable in you demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
Operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach your players to do the same.
Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All junior players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
Avoid overplaying the talented players; the just average need and deserve equal time.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.
Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.
Any physical contact with a junior player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s development.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

SPECTATORS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Remember that young people participate 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 junior players to do the same.
Never ridicule or scold a 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.

TEACHERS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
Compliment and encourage all participants.
Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable.
Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young players.
Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
Give junior players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

ADMINISTRATORS CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Provide opportunity for involvement of young players in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to their activity.
Give all young players equal opportunities to participate.
Create pathways for young players to participate in soccer not just as a player but also 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 players participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards.
Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help to 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 Fair Play sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players & the media & encourage them to follow it.
Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
Support implementation of Soccer Australia’s National Junior Development Policy.
Make it clear that abusing young players 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.

MEDIA CODE OF FAIR PLAY

Provide coverage of junior soccer activities as well as reporting adult soccer matches.
Be aware of the differences between adult soccer, professional soccer and modified sports programs for junior players.
Don’t highlight isolated incidents of inappropriate sporting behaviour.
Focus upon a young player’s fair play and honest effort.
Do not place unfair expectations on junior players. They are not miniature professionals.
Focus on the abilities and not the disabilities of junior players and the sport.
Avoid reinforcing stereotypical views on the involvement of boys/girls in soccer.
Give equal time and space to reporting boys and girls soccer activities.
Familiarise yourself with Soccer Australia’s Junior Development Policy.
Do not highlight isolated incidents of inappropriate behaviour by parents.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.