Nippers is all about fun and learning, however there is a competitive element. We have adopted the Australian Sports Commission’s ‘Play By The Rules’ codes of conduct for everyone involved.
Nippers
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, sledging other participants or 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 and so will you.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good performances 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 your parents and coaches.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Parents
Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
Focus on your child’s efforts and performance rather than whether they win or lose.
Encourage children 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 performance 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.
Coaches & Age Managers
Remember that young people participate for pleasure, and winning is only part of the fun.
Never ridicule or yell at a young participant for making a mistake or not coming first.
Be reasonable in your demands on participant's time, energy and enthusiasm.
Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same.
Ensure that the time participants spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
Avoid overplaying the talented competitors; the ‘just average’ need and deserve equal time.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all participants.
Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.
Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured participant is ready to recommence training or competition.
Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the participant's skill development.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Administrators
Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision- making related to the activity.
Give all young people equal opportunities to participate.
Create pathways for young people to participate not just as a competitor but as a coach, official, administrator, etc.
Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young participants.
Provide quality supervision and instruction for participants.
Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards.
Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
Ensure that everyone involved in nippers emphasises fair play, rather than winning at all costs.
Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and the media, and encourage them to follow it.
Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy.
Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Officials
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 that 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.
Spectators
Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit,not yours.
Applaud good performances 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