Parents, Relatives & Spectators

Australians are justifiably proud of the place sport has in their daily lives. What is equally important to us all is the way the game is played and the manner in which our sportsmen and sportswomen conduct themselves.Athletes also have  a right to participate in a safe and supportive environment.Over-zealous parents and adults, ill-tempered, disrespectful athletes,sometimes need to be reminded of appropriate standards of behavior for Little Athletics.

Little Athletics is a community activity, which utilises athletics to help foster the development of Australian children, and as such, endorses and applies the following codes of behavior.

The privilege of membership with the LANSW may be withdrawn where it is determined that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the mission of LANSW and in breach of the codes of behavior

Behavioral Guidelines/Codes of Conduct

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
2. Never ridicule or yell at an athlete for making a mistake during a competition.
3. Respect the officials’ decisions. If there is a disagreement, always follow the appropriate procedure/s in order to question the decision.
4. Never use violence, threats or abuse in any form.
5. Keep to designated spectator areas and do not encroach  on the arena or other competition sites if you are not  officiating.
6. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not  harassing athletes, coaches, officials or spectators,  smoking outside designated areas, being intoxicated or  using bad language.
7. Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate to the situation and/or necessary for the  athlete’s skill development.
8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes and officials, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural  background or religion.
9. Do not bring the sport of Little Athletics into disrepute
10. Remember that young people are involved in Little Athletics  for their enjoyment, not yours.
11. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
12. Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than  winning or losing.
13. Encourage athletes to always participate according to the  rules.
14. Applaud good performances and efforts from all  competitors.
15. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from Little Athletics. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or athletes.
16. Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer.
17. Respect officials’ decisions and teach young people to do likewise. Remember, officials freely give their time and effort for your child’s involvement and enjoyment.
18. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
19. Parents and carers, please supervise your children or children you are responsible for at all times. The club is not a babysitting service, so please avoid dropping them off at the track and then taking off in your car.