PARENTS • Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However if not, do not force them. • Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. • Set realistic goals with reduced emphasis on winning. • Teach children the importance of honest effort compared to winning. • Encourage children to play within the rules. • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. • Children are engaged in sport for their benefit, not the parents. • Do not disagree with or abuse officials. • Support the coach and all efforts to remove or discourage anti social behaviour at games and training. • Avoid the use of derogatory language based on gender or race.

Code of Conduct

SDJSA has developed a code of conduct for parents, spectators, coaches and player. SDJSA encourages all affiliates to educate and reinforce appropriate conduct.

SPECTATORS • Remember that children play sport for fun, not for the entertainment of spectators. • Children are not miniature adult players. • Applaud good performance and effort by players from either team. • Congratulate all participants from either team regardless of outcome. • Respect the official’s decisions. • Follow appropriate procedures if problems arise and encourage children to do likewise. • Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational. • Condemn the use of violence in any form by any participant. • Show respect for your team’s opponent. • Encourage players to obey the rules and to accept the official’s decisions.

COACHES • Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. • Teach your players the rules and encourage them to obey them. • Whenever possible, group players to give them a reasonable chance of success. • Avoid over playing the more talented players. “Just average” players need and deserve equal time. • Remember that children participate for fun and that winning is only a part of their motivation. • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. • Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players. • Take into account the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of practice sessions. • Encourage players to respect their opponents and match officials. • Follow the advice of physicians when deciding on whether or not a child should play or train.

PLAYERS • Play by the rules. • Never argue with an official. • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in any sport. • Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit you. • Be a good sport. Applaud all good play whether by a player from your team or from your opponent’s teams. • Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. • Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. • Play for fun and your enjoyment, not just to please others. • Avoid the use of derogatory language based on gender or race.