Australians are justifiably proud of the place sport has in their daily lives. But what is equally important to us all is the way the game is played and the manner in which our sports people conduct themselves.

Unfortunately, some people fail to live up to the traditional values of sport. Worse still, young people can be influenced and the rest of their sporting lives is coloured by these experiences.

These codes of behaviour identify a series of key principles on which young players, parents, coaches, administrators, officials and spectators should base their sporting involvement. The Codes will ensure that young people develop good sporting behaviours and have an enjoyable experience of sport, which encourage them to remain involved throughout their lives.

The Australian Sports Commission has developed these codes of behaviour to involve all Australians involved in junior sport, to support and nurture all our young players.

The Codes of Behaviour provide the basis for fair play for young people and encourage fun, friends and safe environments.

North Murray Diamond Sports Association Inc. has adopted these Codes of Behaviour.

Player's Code of Behaviour

• 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.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit, so will you.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate with your coach, team manager, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• Respect the equipment and uniform provided for your use. Abuse of equipment will not be tolerated.
• Always think safety to avoid injury to yourself and others.
• Be punctual for practise and games.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parent's Code of Behaviour

• Support your child's team by volunteering to assist in any tasks that may need to be undertaken.
• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
• Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Do not use foul language or offensive gestures at any time.
• Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Raise any problem with an official or coach through the appropriate channels.
• Ensure that your child arrives on time for practice and games.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coach's Code of Behaviour

• Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning are only part of the fun.
• Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake.
• Be reasonable in your demands on players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same.
• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
• Avoid overplaying the talented players; the just average need and deserve equal time.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
• Do not tolerate players abusing equipment or uniforms or acting contrary to reasonable behaviour. Act first, before the umpire or official takes action.
• Develop team respect for opponents and officials. Do not ridicule players or officials and do not allow your players to do so.
• Ensure any discussions with umpires are kept below the level of argument.
• Discipline should be fair and consistent.
• Foul language of any sort will not be tolerated.
• Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.
• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
• Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the playe's skill development.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Official's Code of Behaviour

• Compliment and encourage all participants.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
• Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
• Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people.
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
• Give all people a 'fair go' regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Administrator's Code of Behaviour

• Involve people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to the activity.
• Give all people equal opportunities to participate.
• Create pathways for people to participate in sport not just as a player but as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.
• Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players.
• Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards.
• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
• Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
• Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players and encourage them to follow it.
• Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
• Make it clear that abusing people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Spectator's Code of Behaviour

• Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
• Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game's outcome.
• Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
• Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, officials and helpers.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials' decisions.
• Raise any problems with an official or coach through the appropriate channels.
• Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.