Code of Conduct

Forrestfield Little Athletics abides by the Code of Conduct accepted by  Little Athletics Australia and Western Australia. All members are  expected to comply with this Code. The Club will take appropriate action  where this Code is breached.

Athlete's Bill of Rights

Young Athletes have the: 

• Right to participate in sport regardless of ability level.
• Right to proper preparation for participation in sport.
• Right to have qualified leadership.
• Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success.
• Right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.
• Right to be treated for dignity by all involved.
• Right to participate as a child and not as an adult.
• Right to have fun through sport.

 Parents should: 

• Not force an unwilling child to participate in sport.
• Remember that children participate for their own enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your child to abide by the rules.
• Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so  that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child towards skill  improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child  for making a mistake or losing an event.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good performances by your own child and by other athletes.
• Not publicly question the official's judgment, and never their honesty.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give  their time and resources to provide recreation activities for your  child.

 Coaches should: 

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

Officials & Administrators should:

• Respect the coaches, competitors and other officials at all times.
• Compliment and encourage all participants.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
• Emphasis the spirit of the competition rather than the errors.
• Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
• Remember you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Place the safety and welfare of participants above all else.
• Give all young people a "fair go" regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.