Codes of Conduct
REMEMBER TO HAVE SOME FUN!

 

After spending way too much time the last few weeks dealing with complaints I felt it was time to remind everyone of the CODES OF CONDUCT and also how to handle PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR. The information is copied from Newsletter 1 and included below.

Most of you could not believe the amount of time and effort it takes to find volunteers to coach and umpire. Thankfully we have a lot of great people involved in our club who do offer to help – many of them teenagers. Without them the reality is your daughters would not get to play netball. Remember that when you come to watch netball you come to support and encourage the players, not to criticise the coach, the umpire, the players or other spectators.

You are expected to treat all officials and club volunteers, whether they are from the RNA Executive, your team coach, another team’s manager or a teenage umpire from another club with COMMON COURTESY AND RESPECT – THE SAME WAY YOU WOULD WANT SOMEONE TO TREAT YOU OR YOUR DAUGHTER IF UMPIRING OR COACHING.

You cannot dispute umpire’s calls – no matter how much you think you know the rules better or you think they made a mistake. All umpires do make mistakes at times – it’s impossible not to. Also umpires are looking at the play from a different angle than you or may be applying the advantage rule – there are lots of reason why a call doesn’t appear to go your way.

Your team captain (really young ones should be accompanied by coach) can ask an umpire in the break to clarify something or explain a rule but that’s it. No one else can approach the umpire and no one at all can question the other team manager or coach at any time.

If there really is a problem with an umpire or any other person in a game go and get an official from the Control Building - don’t just dispute, ridicule or abuse from the sidelines. If you are one of those people that cannot help themselves blurting out negative comments MOVE AWAY FROM THE COURT so your comments cannot be heard by others.

WE MUST ALL BE AWARE OF THE EXAMPLE WE SET BY OUR BEHAVIOUR AND THAT THERE ARE YOUNG CHILDREN AROUND. We don’t really need children hearing parents calling umpires “f…ing idiots” criticizing other players in their team or abusing coaches over position selections, or seeing their 6 foot tall father bullying a young teenage umpire – it’s not good - trust me I have seen it.

I allocate the umpires for the junior games each week and all the younger girls are under training. Most of our coaches have been to practical training sessions and are seeking further training and courses as well – it would be nice to see them all get the support they need and deserve. Could you all make sure this notice is circulated to all parents at your game as not everyone is on my mailing list? Dads too need to see this as this applies to them as well.

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated by Randwick Rugby Netball Club and disciplinary action can and will be taken. In the case of poor parental behaviour the disciplinary action may mean your daughter is no longer allowed to play netball.

 

Remember we play netball for fun and exercise, yes it's nice to win but it is also important for players to learn how to be part of a team, to accept decisions that don't go their way and to learn to win and lose graciously. It is also important for us all to abide by the Codes of Conduct so everyone can feel safe and not intimidated.

Any questions please discuss with either MARY O’CONNELL, JUNIOR CONVENOR ON 9326 4701 OR MARIE KELLY, SENIOR CONVENOR ON 9311 7930.

NARELLE BROWN

SECRETARY RRNC

PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR - HOW TO DEAL WITH IT 

During the game the Coach or Manager should immediately go to the Control Centre if there is a problem with a player, spectator, official or umpire. You do have rights. These things happen rarely but please don’t let the problem escalate or wait until the game is over. Swearing and abusive behavior, disputing umpire’s calls or rough or dangerous play is not only totally inappropriate but against the rules and spirit of the game and should be penalized. Umpires should issue a warning then a penalty (could include advancing penalty down the court, penalty shot for non-offending team, offending player sent off for a short time / rest of the game) - they should ask the coach or manager to ask for an Official from the Control Centre if not confident or if the problem continues.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO KEEP CALM AND NEVER APPROACH THE PROBLEM PERSON, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PLAYERS OR VOLUNTEEERS AND NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TOUCH THEM. LET THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CONTROL CENTRE HANDLE ANY ISSUES.

 

CODES OF CONDUCT—PLAYER & PARENT BEHAVIOUR

 

Rules regarding conduct are stated in the front of fixture books and on our website. However, we would like to point out again that we have an enormous volunteer brigade, and many are young, vulnerable but enthusiastic teenagers! Please give them ALL your support and encouragement. Assist our children to become good sports by:

  • Treating officials, coaches, players, their teammates as well as opponents with respect and avoiding ridicule and sarcasm.
  • Providing examples of good sportsmanship such as shaking hands with the opponent at the end of the game.
  • Teaching children the rules of the game and making sure that everyone (players, parents, fans) abides by those rules during competition.
  • Encouraging and supporting all players on a team regardless of their ability. 
  • Controlling emotions in frustrating situations.                 
  • Using moments from the game to teach about being a good sport (“I’m so proud of how hard you tried!” “The other team played well today too”, "THAT’S GREAT TEAM PLAY!”).
  • Making sure there are consequences when poor sportsmanship is displayed. Give a warning first but ensure you then follow up with appropriate action if bad behaviour continues.
  • If you feel you are having a problem with someone in your team please feel free to discuss with either MARY O’CONNELL, JUNIOR CONVENOR ON 9326 4701 OR MARIE KELLY, SENIOR CONVENOR ON 9311 7930.

Good sports are always winners! Make sure all your players shake hands after games and say thanks to the umpires and coach - even if the other team doesn’t! We are proud of our good sports at Randwick Rugby Netball - keep up the good work and encourage others to do the same and remember:

"Fun is Number 1" Image

 

Player's Code of Behaviour
1. Play by the rules.
2. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will you.
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether by your team or the opposition.
6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
7. Co-operate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
8. Play for the fun of it, and not just to please parents and coaches.

 

Parents and Spectators' Code of Behaviour
1. Remember that children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
2. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
3. Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather than winning and losing.
4. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by all teams.
7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
8. Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.
9. Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

 

Coach's Code of Behaviour
1. Remember that children participate for pleasure and that winning is only part of the fun.
2. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing.
3. Be reasonable in your demands on young players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
4. Teach your players to follow the rules.
5. Whenever possible, group players to ensure that everyone has a reasonable chance at success.
6. Avoid overplaying the talented players. The just-average need and deserve equal time.
7. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of the players.
8. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
9. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to commence training or competition.
10. Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of children.

 

Official's Code of Behaviour
1. Compliment and encourage all participants.
2. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
3. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
4. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than errors.
5. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
6. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.