Youth Sports

ERC Code of Conduct

Players

• Follow and play by the rules.
• Never argue with a sports official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager positively approach the official.
• Control your temper at all times. Verbal abuse of officials and verbalizing other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable behaviors in any sport.
• Work hard for yourself and your team.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all skillful plays whether they are made by your team or the competitors.
• Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated.
• Cooperate with your coach, team-mates and opponents.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents, coaches and teachers.
• Respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents

• Always remember that kids participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage kids to participate, do not force them.
• Be positive on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Always encourage kids to play according to the rules following the code of conduct.
• Never make negative comments to a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that kids learn best by watching great role models.
• Reinforce the stance on removing verbal and physical abuse from youth sports games.
• Always respect the official’s decisions and teach kids to do likewise.
• Always show appreciation for volunteer sports coaches, officials and administrators.
• Respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coaches

• Always remember that kids participate for pleasure, enjoyment and winning is only part of the fun.
• Never use negative ridicule or yell at children for making a mistake or not winning.
• Be considerate and reasonable in your demands on kid’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Kid’s sports is only one part of their busy lives.
• Always operate within the code of conduct, rules and fair spirit of your sport and instruct the kids to do the same.
• Always ensure that the time kids spend with you as coach is a positive experience. All kids are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
• Try to avoid overplaying the talented, more skillful kids.
• Ensure that sporting equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
• Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved within the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and other spectators. Encourage players to do the same, be a great role model.
• Always show concern toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a trained medical trainer when determining whether an injured child is ready to recommence training and competition.
• Where appropriate, obtain qualifications and keep up-to-date with the latest coaching practices and the latest principles of growth and development of children.
• Any physical contact with a child should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development or medical care.
• Respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.