Rules

Parents should:

• allow children to play for their own enjoyment.
• not force their children to make up for the parents’ lack of achievement in sport.
• encourage children to participate in the sport of their own choice.
• always encourage children to play according to the rules without resorting to “dirty tactics.”
• teach by example. Always speak positively or not at all, when a match is lost or a mistake is made. Applaud all good and skillful play by both teams. Appreciate the efforts by the losing team.
• support the work of the Referees and their assistants by encouraging efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all sport.

Your Attitude And Behaviour Will Be Followed By Your Children.

• be familiar with the rules of the game, and the competition in particular.
• take your players through the rules of the competition which apply to them.
• encourage each player to be a part of the team, emphasising that resorting to unsporting play and tactics is letting the team down.
• actively avoid and discourage any forms of verbal or physical abuse, directed at officials, players or spectators, as a part of the match preparation or during the actual fixture.
• not promote a “win at all costs” attitude. At all times, remember that you are educating the youth of today to be the citizens of tomorrow.
• at all times encourage a positive attitude to participating in sporting events, in a spirit of friendliness.

• show appreciation for skillful play by the members of either side.
• be prepared to congratulate all participants for their efforts on the field.
• set a good example by showing respect for officials’ decisions.
• show strong disapproval for any form of violence, be it by other spectators, manager/coaches or players, on or off the field of play.
• not encroach onto or near the field for their own safety and that of the players and officials. A minimum of 2 metres is required.
• carry out all reasonable directions by officials.

• rethink the reason/s for playing their favourite sport. Is it for enjoyment? to keep fit? to be part of a team?
• be enthusiastic at all times.
• attend training when required and listen closely to your Coach’s instructions and then try to carry them out.
• become familiar with the rules and play within them.
• abide by the decisions made by officials. Do not waste time by standing and arguing. Run back to your position and get on with the game. There are ten others in your team depending on you being on the field for the whole of the match. If allowed, seek clarification from the Referee of a decision, at a suitable time eg half time, or through your Coach. Always show a respectful and controlled manner. You should receive a more sympathetic hearing to your query, when you show a willingness to learn.
• not resort to verbal abuse of any type directed at officials, opposition players or spectators. Be in control of yourself and you will be in better control of your game.
• not attempt to distract or provoke an opposition player. Such actions are not permitted or acceptable.
• learn to accept defeat in a game graciously. There can only be one winner of a game. At the same time be a gracious winner. Do not spoil the moment by some unkind act or comment directed at the opposition.
• go out of your way to congratulate the opposing team on their efforts, irrespective of the result.