Codes of Conduct
PARENT / SPECTATOR
- Condemn all violent acts, no matter who the person is.
- Respect the official’s decisions. Don’t complain or argue about decisions.
- Unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to respect opposing athletes and officials.
- Never ridicule or scorn an athlete for making a mistake, respect their efforts.
- Understand that sport is part of life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final placing.
- Participate in positive cheering that encourages the athletes in the Centre you are supporting.
- Remember that children participate in Little Athletics for their own enjoyment, not yours!
- Never arrive at a Little Athletics competition under the influence of alcohol or bring alcohol to a competition or training.

OFFICIAL
- Be impartial! Also, be consistent, objective and courteous.
- Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else.
- Accept responsibility for all actions taken.
- Avoid any form of verbal contact with coaches, team officials, parents and spectators during competition.
- Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest, both on and off the field.
- Condemn all and every instance of unsportsmanlike, foul or unfair play.
- Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards athletes, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.
- Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes.
- Officiate to the age and/or experience of the athletes.
ATHLETE
- Be a good sport. Respect all good performances whether from your Centre or the opponents.
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
- Always respect the official’s decision.
- Never become involved in acts of foul play.
- Honour the spirit and intention of the competition rules.
- Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort.
- Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.
- Safeguard your health. Don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
- Recognise that officials and coaches are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.

COACH
- Actively discourage foul play and/or unsportsmanlike behaviour by athletes.
- Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment of all athletes regardless of ability; treat all athletes as equals, regardless of their talent.
- Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured athletes. Follow the advice of a physician and/or sports trainer to the letter when determining when an injured athlete is ready to recommence training or competition.
- Teach athletes that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of the rules of competition and keep abreast of current coaching methods.
- Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the athletes.
- Teach young athletes to realise that there is a big gap between their ability and the professional athlete. Do not coach them as if they are professionals.
- Ensure that your coaching reflects the level of the competition being involved with and don’t be a ‘winner at all costs’ coach.
- As coach, conduct yourself at all times, and in all situations, in a manner that shows leadership, respect for the sport of Little Athletics and respect for all those that are involved in the sport.