COACHES
CHILDREN PLAY FOR FUN AND ENJOYMENT
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
Whenever possible, group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity.
Whenever possible, group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity.
Avoid over-playing the talented players. The “just average” players need and deserve equal time.
Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation.
Never ridicule or yell at children for making a mistake or loosing a competition.
Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play.
PLAYERS
PLAY FOR FUN AND ENJOYMENT
Play for the fun of it and not just to please parents and coaches.
Play by the rules.
Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the official during a break or after the game.
Control your temper.
Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking and throwing equipment is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit; so will you.
Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays whether they be by your team or the other team.
Treat all players the way you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play.
PARENTS
CHILDREN PLAY FOR FUN AND ENJOYMENT
If children are interested, encourage them to play. However, if a child is not willing, do not force them.
Focus upon the child’s effort and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage children to always play according to the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or loosing a competition.
Remember that children are involved with organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by both teams.
If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
Verbal and physical abuse are not acceptable on or off the field.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and they deserve your total support.