Scotch College

APS - Codes Of Conduct

Players:

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the referee during a break or after the game in an appropriate manner.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in basketball.
• Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
• Be a good sport. Acknowledge all good plays whether they be by your team or the other team.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race or impairment.
• Be prepared to lose sometimes. Everyone wins and loses at some time. Be a fair winner and good loser.

Coaches:

• Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
• Whenever possible, group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity.
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. The ‘just-average’ players need, and deserve, equal time.
• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
• The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of players.
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play.
• Be aware of the role of the coach as an educator. As well as imparting knowledge and skills, promote desirable personal and social behaviours.
• Seek to keep abreast of changes in the sport; ensure that the information used is up to date, appropriate to the needs of players and takes account of the principles of growth and development of children.

Parents:

• Encourage children to participate if they are interested. If they are not, don’t force them.
• Focus on playing the game, reducing the emphasis on winning.
• Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage children to always play by the rules.
• Do not criticise children in front of others, but reserve constructive criticism for more private moments.
• Remember children are involved in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Remember a child learns best by example. Applaud good play by all teams.
• Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability. Do not raise issues of disagreement publicly.
• Do not criticise opposing team members or supporters by word or gesture.
• Set a good example by your own conduct, behaviour and appearance.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race or impairment.

Referees:

• Interpret rules and regulations to match the skill level and the needs of the participants.
• Compliment both teams on their efforts.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
• Condemn the deliberate foul as being unsportsmanlike, and promote fair play and appropriate sporting behaviour.
• Use common sense to ensure that the ‘spirit of the game’ for children is not lost by overcalling violations.
• Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
• Actions speak louder then words. Ensure that both on and off the field your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
• Help the education process in the game. Referees can help players learn to play the game well by ensuring rule infractions are understood, and by encouraging fair play.

Spectators:

• Remember children play sport for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators. They are not miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances from each team. Congratulate all players regardless of the outcome.
• Respect the referee’s decision. If there is disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to query the decision.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during competition. Be positive.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches or players.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents, without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to obey the rules and decisions of officials.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
• Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender, race and impairment.