Code of Conduct for Coaches and Team Managers
Overview
Every participant in our sport has a role to play in ensuring that the game is free from all forms of bullying and abuse, and that it is played in a competitive and fair manner.
All participants in our game have a responsibility to promote respect and good behaviour. As leaders, Coaches and Team Managers must demonstrate the behaviour that they expect their players and spectators to follow.
Responsibilities
- Place the health, safety, and welfare of the participants above all else.
- Respect the rights and worth of every person, regardless of their age, race, gender, ability, cultural background, sexual orientation, or religion.
- Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation and development.
- Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game.
- Teach your players to abide by the rules and Laws of the Game and to play within the spirit of the game.
- Develop and enhance respect between players, opposition coaches and Match Officials, including by respecting decisions by Match Officials.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet a reasonable safety standard and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
- Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players.
- Be reasonable in your demands on younger players’ time, energy, and enthusiasm.
- Any physical contact with a person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person’s skill development.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol whilst supervising team members.
- Do not tolerate abusive, bullying, or threatening behaviour.
- Follow the advice of a physician, or listen to your player, when determining the extent of a player’s injury and their return from injury to training and game scenarios.
- Help each individual (player, official, etc.) reach their potential - respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each person and encourage with appropriate, positive and supportive feedback.
- Remember the actions of yourself and your team is reflective of the perception others take away with them.