Sport has a special place in Australian society. We are proud of our sporting tradition.

Winning, of course, is a vital part of that tradition – but not as important as the spirit of Australian sport. This spirit stems from our commitment to fair play.  Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) has published the following code of conduct which Nambour Little Athletics endorses.

Parents

• Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by athletes, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.
• Respect the official’s decisions. Don’t complain or argue about actions or decisions during or after an event.
• Do not engage in unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour.
• Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to respect opposing athletes and officials.
• Never ridicule or scorn an athlete for making a mistake, respect their efforts.
• Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final placing of an event.
• Participate in positive cheering that encourages the athletes in the Centre you are supporting. Don’t engage in any cheering that taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.
• Remember that children participate in Little Athletics for their own enjoyment, not yours!
• At all times follow the directions of the Competition Manager and/or other competition day officials.
• Never arrive at a Little Athletics competition under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Never bring alcohol or drugs to a Little Athletics competition or training.

Athletes

• Be a good sport. Respect all good performances whether from your Centre or the opponents and shake hands with and thank the opposing athletes and officials after the event – win, lose or draw.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
• Always respect the official’s decision.
• Never become involved in acts of foul play.
• Honour both the spirit and intention of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship. Avoid gamesmanship and respect the traditions of the sport.
• Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other athletes, officials or supporters.
• Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.
• Safeguard your health. Don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
• Recognise that officials and coaches are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.
• Do not bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or indirectly, on the outcome or any other aspect of a Little Athletics or Athletics event or competition in which you are involved.

Breaching the Code of Conduct

The code of behaviour as set down is to be followed by all athletes. Any breaches of this code will be dealt with in the following manner.

In the first instance, the Centre Manager/ Age Marshall will speak with the offending athlete’s entire age group.

In the second instance, the athlete themselves will be spoken to by the Centre Manager/ Age Marshall.

In the third instance, the Centre Manager/ Age Marshall will speak to the athlete along with the athlete’s parents and the athlete will be excluded
from the event they are currently participating in.

Should a further breach occur the athlete will be excluded from the day’s competition.