Fair Play
Fair play is a concept that stands for a number of fundamental values that are important in sport and active recreation.
First and foremost, it’s about players, athletes and participants abiding by the rules of the game. The principles of fair play include integrity, fairness, and respect for opponents, fellow players, referees and fans.
With these principles, the spirit of competition thrives, fuelled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and a graceful acceptance of results.
Information and resources to help
What coaches can do
- Respect opponents, spectators and officials
- Thank the officials and opposition after the game - teach your players to do the same.
- Accept decisions by officials - they are only human and can make mistakes
- Deal with any issues in a controlled and professional manner after the game.
- Uphold your club's code of conduct
- Understand, uphold and support your club's code of conduct for coaches.
- Emphasise trying hard and having fun, not only winning
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake.
- Arrange a pre-season meeting to discuss expectations
- Always greet and welcome parents.
Play by the Rules also has some additional Tips for coaches, and also more information about the Conduct and Behaviour issue.
What officials can do
- Always be fair, impartial and consistent
- Encourage and praise good sporting behaviour.
- Communicate honestly, generously and fairly
- Express decisions clearly
- Keep your emotions in check and maintain composure.
- Uphold your club/association's code of conduct
- Understand, uphold and support your club/association's code of conduct for officials.
- Know the rules and understand the spirit of the game
- Be conscientious and punctual.
- Emphasise trying hard and having fun, not only winning
- Place the safety and welfare of kids above all else.
Play by the Rules also has some additional Tips for officials, and also more information about the Conduct and Behaviour issue.
What parents can do
- Cheer and acknowledge good plays by both teams
- Thank the official, coach and other team after the game.
- Accept decisions by officials - they are human and can make mistakes
- Deal with issues in a controlled and professional manner after the game.
- Be enthusiastic, but don't scream instructions from the sideline
- Don't get into shouting matches with anyone
- Never use bad language or harass others.
- Understand, uphold and support your club's code of conduct for parents.
- Emphasise trying hard and having fun, not only winning
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake.
Play by the Rules also has some additional Tips for parents, and also more information about the Conduct and Behaviour issue.
What players can do
- Play with respect, integrity and fairness
- Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat
- If you win, don't rub it in
- If you lose, don't make excuses
- Control your temper
- Don't use bad language or make derogatory remarks.
- Treat your opponent the way you would like to be treated
- Thank the opposition at the end of the game.
- Accept and respect the official's decision
- Thank the official at the end of the game
- If you have an issue, raise it in a professional way with your coach or captain after the game.
Play by the Rules also has some additional Tips for players, and also more information about the Conduct and Behaviour issue.
Inappropriate sport behaviour - what to do
Managing poor behaviour on-field is usually covered by the rules and regulations of the sport. Match officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including managing poor behaviour and other incidents that occur on the field. Officials should act swiftly when incidents occur. Players should report incidents to their captain or an official.
It is the club committee's responsibility to deal with incidents off the field and players, parents, coaches and officials should understand and support the club’s process. When an incident occurs you should:
- Report it to the ground official or club committee member
- Stay calm and collected.
It is generally the responsibility of the ground officials or club committee member to approach offenders and take necessary action. Officials should suspend play in serious situations.
- Take appropriate action so that situations don’t get out of hand
- Control your emotions and maintain composure
- Don’t engage in aggressive behaviour.
- Don’t retaliate or approach the offenders
Police should be called if the situation is uncontrollable, crimes are being committed and people are at serious risk of injury.
Play by the Rules also has some additional Tips for coaches, officials, parents, players and committees, and also more information about the Conduct and Behaviour issue.