Behavioral Expectations

Little Athletics is all about family, having fun, and participation – whilst having a go and striving for personal best achievements is a focus for the athlete. It is expected that all parents/guardians, officials, volunteers and athletes comply with FLAC’s Code of Conduct. FLAC will attempt to make sure that all athletes, coaches, spectators, parents and officials are aware of and understand the code of conduct. FLAC code of conduct will be enforced via club officials and committee. Please remember that all coaches, committee members, officials, and parent helpers are all volunteering their time – please be respectful of this.

Athletes

"It isn’t whether you win or lose, but how you play the game!"
Compete and train for the “fun of it”, not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the rules.
Never argue with an officials’ decision. Let your Centre Manager or Coach asks any necessary questions.
Control your temper – no “mouthing off”, breaking equipment, throwing implements or other equipment.
Work equally for yourself and your team in relay and heats events, your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
Be a good sport. Cheer all good performances, whether your club mates or your opponents.
Treat all athletes, as you would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any athlete.
Remember that the goal of training or competition is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a “show-off” or brag about your own performances.
Co-operate with your coach, club mates and opponents, for without them you don’t have a competition.

Parents

"A child’s basic training in good sportsmanship comes from the home!"
If children are interested, encourage them to participate. However, if your child is not willing, do not force him or her.
Focus upon your child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists your child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each competition is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage your child to always participate according to the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment– not yours.
Remember that children learn best by example and applaud good performances by all athletes.
If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember that most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
Recognised that value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

Coaches

"The best coaches are more interested in their athlete’s well being than whether they win or lose!"
Be reasonable in your demands on the young athletes’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
Remember that they have other interests.
Teach your athletes that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
When coaching, group athletes according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.
Avoid over-attention to the talented athletes. The “just-average” athletes need and deserve equal time.
Remember that children compete for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing in a competition.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes.
The scheduling and length of coaching practice times at competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.
Develop each athlete’s respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing athletes.
Follow the advice of a sports medicine physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to compete or practice again.
Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

Administrators, Officials & Spectators

In Little Athletics these people are mostly parents temporarily performing a different function.
Remember to behave as a parent at all times, don’t adopt a different code of behaviour just because your role has temporarily changed.
Refer to codes for Parents above.