Code of Behaviour – Bill Turner Cup / Trophy

Bill Turner Cup / Trophy – 15 Years And Under Schools Soccer
In Association with Northern NSW Football

Code Of Behaviour

For Parents, Teachers, Managers, Coaches, Spectators And Players
Photocopy And Give To All Players – There Is No Copyright

Fun . . . Fitness . . . And . . . Fair Play

“It’s not for the sake of a ribboned coat
Or the selfish hope of a season’s fame,
But his Captain’s hand on his shoulder smote,
Play up, play up and play the game.”

“It is not the winning which is important but having competed to the best of your ability.”

Northern NSW Schools Soccer Association Inc.

Preface
The Bill Turner Cup / Tropphy Executive Committee has an ongoing concern for the standard of behaviour exhibited by all those connected with the competition. These include parents, managers/coaches, spectators and players.

The Committee jealously guards the standards of play which have been set in the previous years of the tournament.

Discrimination, in any form, including race, religion and school location, is not condoned. In view of the publicity given to certain incidents occurring in school sport from time to time, it is felt that, in addition to the Rules and directives as set down in the Handbook, additional guidelines be provided for the expected behaviour of the various participants.

Aims Of The Competition
The aims are many and varied, but should be seen in the general context of the general aims for the education of students in secondary schools.

These aims are to provide another avenue to assist in the producing of the future citizens of Australia.

General Aims
These include:
* to provide a major knockout soccer competition for younger players in all secondary schools.
* to promote the game of SOCCER with all of the attributes of a team sport.
* to provide for a social interaction which would not otherwise be available, especially in some of the more remote areas of the various States.
* to promote enjoyment in the playing of a sport as a healthy activity.
* to encourage appreciation of the value of cooperation in democratic practices, the obligation of citizenship.
* to provide an atmosphere that encourages the individual to have a sensitivity, respect and concern for the needs, feelings, opinions and interests of others as well as oneself.
* to develop a sense of the need for responsibility, self discipline and self development.
* to uphold the high health standards as required by all school systems against the use, in any form, of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
* to provide opportunities for, and to encourage the development of the skills of each player, so that they may reach their potential both mentally and physically.
* to establish an environment in which all players may receive training in intelligent decision making and what it means to be a member of a team.
* to appreciate good play by opponents, as well as that by their “team mates”.
* to develop proper attitudes as a spectator, respecting all participants, be they players, officials or referees.
* to develop a sense of loyalty by the player to their school as part of the local community, sharing in the responsibility as a contributing member of society.

Specific Aims …

Parents:
As parents are in contact with each player for the first five to six years of their life, it must be said that they may set the pattern for the development of a child’s attitudes to life in general, and to sport in particular.

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 skilful 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.

Teachers/Managers/Coaches:
Managers and Coaches have the next greatest influence on children in relation to the time spent with them per day.

As a Manager or Coach you have the responsibility to ensure that all members of your team are encouraged to give of their best at all times, in all circumstances, win or lose.

Managers/Coaches should:
* 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.

Spectators:
Being a spectator at a sporting event requires a positive attitude at all times. Team supporters and those watching an event for the enjoyment of that particular sport, may influence the result of the match as well as the behaviour of those participating.

Spectators should:
* show appreciation for skilful 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.

Players:
Players are representing their family, their school and their community. They should be conscious at all times that the consequences of their behaviour will reflect upon these groups.

Players should:
* rethink the reason/s for playing their favourite sport.
Is it:
– for enjoyment
– to keep fit
– to be part of a team, but definitely not for their egos.
* 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. Ask your Coach for a copy to assist you.
* 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 e.g. 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.
* let your conduct be “gentlemanly” / “correct” at all times. You will feel better about yourself.