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.
Webmaster Alan Sibbons
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.
Southern Districts Junior Soccer Association