Parents Code Of Behaviour

• Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer as they give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for children and deserve your support.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
• Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment not yours.
• If you disagree with a decision, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the Official's judgement and honesty in public.  Remember, officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
• Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force him or her.
• Focus upon the child’s efforts rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
• Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage children to always participate according the rules.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics activities.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated.
• Avoid use of bad language.

Spectator’s Code Of Behaviour

• Remember that children participate in Little Athletic activities for fun. They are not participating for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from each athlete. Congratulate all participants upon their performances regardless of the event outcome.
• Respect the Official’s decisions. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision, and teach the children to do likewise.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
• Show respect for each participant; without them there would be no events.

Little Athletes Code Of Behaviour

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, ask your club team manager to deal with the matter.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good results whether they be by your centre/club opponent or the other centre/club.
• Treat all athletes as you would like to be treated.
• Co-operate with your coach, club mates and other participants. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate in Little Athletics for the "FUN OF IT" and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Control your temper.  Verbal abuse of officials or other athletes, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in our sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your Centre/Club. Your Centre/Club’s performance will benefit.
• Avoid use of bad language.

Officials Code Of Behaviour

• Compliment all participants on their efforts.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
• Ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost by using common sense and not over-emphasising errors.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.
• Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
• Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour. Actions speak louder than words.
• Make personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
• Avoid use of bad language

Please Note:

Breaching any of the above Codes of Behaviour will be examined by the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre Executive, disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre may result.
Marshals and Officials are empowered to stop an event or remove an athlete or parent from competition due to disruptive, unsafe or unacceptable behaviour. When this situation arises it should be reported to the Centre President or Centre Secretary immediately.
At times athletes, parents, spectators or officials may believe that conditions have not been fair and equitable. When such situations arise the complainant must submit a written complaint within 3 business days of the event to the Centre Secretary (PO Box 17 Williamstown VIC 3016). Under no circumstances should Marshals or Officials be approached directly over any disputes.

Dispute Resolution Process

1. Receipt of complaint by Centre Executive – Complaints that a reasonable person would not find offensive will not be accepted.
2. Endeavour to resolve the issue between the parties involved
• Empower the complainant with ‘how’ to resolve the issue.
• Mediate by brokering an agreement.
• Conciliate by brokering an agreement.
• Dealing with the issues through counselling or in an educative manner.
3. Investigate – this stage will only occur if step 2 fails
4. Take action
5. Advise the complainant of the decision/action
6. Monitor
The decision of the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre Executive shall be final.