SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

FAIR PLAY CHARTER

SPORTS
- Athletics
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Football
- Fitness and Dance
- Getting Ready W/E
- Pool
- Rowing
- Table Tennis
- Triathlon
-

FAIR PLAY CHARTER

Young people require the best care and attention that a Sports Developer/Youth Worker can pass onto them. Preparing a young person for a competition/event to a state of readiness is 70% of the work produced at the youth club with the remaining 30% involving them taking part in the competition/event. This is a process of working towards valued goals; these goals bring fair play and respect for all participants.
Give Sport a chance …..

Players

Play by the rules
Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition to seek clarification.

Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.

Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.

Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team. Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there will be no competition.

Place in proper perspective the isolated incidents of unsporting behaviour rather than make such incidents the “highlight” of the event.

Guardians

If children are interested, encourage them to participate. However, if a young person is not willing, do not force them.

Focus upon the young person’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the young person in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.

Teach young people that an honest effort is as important as a victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment. Encourage young people to always participate according to the rules. Never ridicule or yell at a young person for making a mistake or losing a game.

Remember that young people learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all 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. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the young people and deserve your support.

Spectators

Young people play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.

Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.

Respect the officials’ decision. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and encourage the young person to do likewise.

Never ridicule or scold a young person for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.

Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches, officials and other spectators.

Coaches/Trainers

Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.

Teach your players that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.

Set your team achievable targets so they may gain success.
Avoid over playing the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.

Remember that young people participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
Ensure that 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 physiological and mental maturing level of young people.

Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.

Follow the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist when determining when an injured player is read to recommence training or competition.

Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of young people.
Fair play…..