Fair Play Code

Fair Play Code - Athletes, Coaches, Judges, Parents and Spectators

Athletes

1. I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
2. I will participate by the rules, and in the spirit of sport.
3. I will control my emotions - as emotional outbursts can spoil the activity for everyone.
4. I will respect my fellow competitors.
5. I will do my best to be a true team member.
6. I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
7. I will acknowledge all good performances both from my teammates and gymnasts from other clubs.
8. I will remember that coaches and judges are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

Coaches

1. I will be reasonable when scheduling practices, remembering that athletes have other interests and obligations.
2. I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, judges and fellow competitors.
3. I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and training time.
4. I will remember that children train & compete to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
5. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities.
6. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect.
7. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
8. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Judges

1. I will make sure that every athlete has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of his or her ability, within the limits of the rules.
2. I will avoid or put an end to any situation that threatens the safety of the athletes.
3. I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition.
4. I will not permit the intimidation of any athlete either by word or by action.
5. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward myself, other judges, athletes or spectators.
6. I will be consistent and objective in scoring, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual athlete.
7. I will handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity.
8. I accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young participants.
9. I will be open to discussion and contact with the athletes before and after the competition.
10. I will remain open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view.
11. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my judging skills.

Parents

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that my child participates in sport for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.
3. I will encourage my child to follow the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a competition/event.
5. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
7. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good performances by both my child's team and their fellow competitors.
8. I will never question the judges' or coaches' judgment or honesty in public.
9. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
10. I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.

Spectators

1. I will remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment. They are not participating to entertain me.
2. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
3. I will respect the judges' decision and I will encourage participants to do the same.
4. I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
5. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and officials.
6. I will show respect for other competitors, because without them there would be no competition.
7. I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, judges or other spectators.

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