Never argue with an umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the white shed after the game and fill in the appropriate form.
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of umpires and sledging of other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in hockey.
Work equally hard for yourself and 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 would like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Co-operate with your coach, 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 rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
PARENTS
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 hockey.
Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
SPECTATORS
Remember that players 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 umpires and teach young people to do the same.
Never ridicule or scold a 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 not game.
Encourage players to follow the rules and the umpire’s decision.
Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches and umpires.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
COACHES
Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.
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.
Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, umpires, officials, parents and spectators. Encourage 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 player’s skill development.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
