Play by the rules

Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or 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 behaviours 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, team mates 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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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 people.

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 all young people a 'fair go' regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

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Provide coverage of young people's competitive and non-competitive sport as well as reporting adult sport.

Be aware of the differences between adult sport, professional sport and modified sports programs for young people.

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 young people. They are not miniature professionals.

Describe and report on the problems of young people participating in organised sport.

Focus on the abilities and not the disabilities of young people.

Avoid reinforcing stereotypical views on the involvement of boys/girls in particular sports.

Give equal time and space to reporting boys and girls sports.

Familiarise yourself with the National Junior Sport Policy.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. 

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