Sports Code of Conduct

Respect for others and self lies at the core of the Special Character of Sacred Heart College as a Catholic Marist Champagnat school. Sacred Heart College requests that all sports codes are to abide by the Fair Play Charter and College requirement with regard to the conduct of players, coaches, managers, officials and supporters.

Parents or Caregivers' Responsibilities

The responsibilities of parents or guardians are to:

• Respect team and match officials’ decisions.
• Support the Sport Committee and all team officials.
• Respect and support all opposition players.
• Encourage adherence to school rules and the principles of fair play at all times.
• Support players as much as possible.
• Discuss any problems with either team officials, the Director of Sport, Teacher-in-Charge or a Committee member.
• Ensure uniform requirements are met.
• Assist with the provision of transport to/from and supervision at games.
• Assist with coaching and officiating if possible.
• Ensure all sport charges are paid; where cases of financial hardship exist, the Director of Sport should be approached.
• Demonstrate the Special Catholic Marist and Champagnat Character of the College in words and actions.

The responsibilities of the player are to:

• • Play the game within the rules and also abide by the principles of fair play.
  • Respect opponents, officials and team members.
  • Uphold all school rules in terms of uniform and behaviour.
  • Listen to, and follow, coaches, managers and captains instructions to the best of your ability.
  • Attend all trainings and games. When this is not possible tell the coach, manager or team Captain.
  • Help ensure all equipment and facilities are maintained in good condition.
  • Fill out a Sport Registration Form.
  • Pay all sport charges on time.
  • Ensure the Special Catholic Marist and Champagnat Character of Sacred Heart College is observed at all times, both on and off the field.

The responsibilities of the Team Captains are to:

• Lead by example in terms of actions, dress, behaviour, attitudes and fair play
• Action the respective coach's directions on the field
• Support all Sacred Heart players, both on and off the field
• Encourage all players to uphold the school rules and fair play principles
• Liaise with the respective coach/team manager about any team problems
• Assist with:
  • issuing and collecting equipment
  • tidying changing rooms and facilities used
  • players who need transport.
• Advise the Teacher-in-Charge of the results every Monday morning following the game
• Ensure that the team recognises the efforts of coaches/managers who give up their time to assist. This may be done through :
  • writing a letter of thanks
  • collecting donations from players and purchasing a gift
  • inviting them to team functions
  • thanking them at team functions.
• Ensure the Pillars of Sacred Heart College are fully displayed on and off the field and that team members are encouraged likewise, particularly in difficult and confrontational situations.

The responsibilities of the Coaches are to:

• Ensure the conduct of all team members and people associated with the team are consistent with the Special Character Policy of the school.
• Establish and communicate team policies to the students, particularly in the game situation.
• Ensure compliance with the Fair Play Charter, which has been adopted by the College.
• Lead by example, especially in regard to practising, co-operation, self-control, respect for others and proper attitudes in language, dress and behaviour on and off the field as espoused and encouraged in a Catholic Marist and Champagnat school.
• Develop and communicate team strategies.
• Attend Sports Code Committee meetings.
• Coach sport for the development of the individual and the team, enabling the fulfilment of each team and individual’s potential.
• Coach to make sport challenging and fun.
• Be honest and consistent.
• Attempt to select teams at least three days prior to a game.
• Ensure all players are aware of team selections.
• Undertake regular training sessions.
• Establish a training timetable.
• Utilise coaching opportunities to benefit players and coach’s development.
• Ensure suitable players receive nominations for representative teams.
• Allow, as much as possible, all players to receive equal playing time.

The responsibilities of the team managers are to:

• Reinforce behaviour consistent with the Special Catholic Marist and Champagnat Character of the College and its policies.
• In conjunction with the Coach, apply a consistent approach to all matters requiring discipline.
• Communicate to the Teacher-in-Charge disciplinary incidents both in and out of the game situation.
• In conjunction with the Coach establish and communicate team policies, particularly outside the game situation.
• Distribute to all players a list of contact phone numbers and information on player and parent responsibilities.
• Ensure that all team members are informed of all matters relevant to them as soon as possible.
• Carry and maintain a suitable first-aid kit.
• Ensure proper medical attention is available to any injured players.
• Communicate with parents/guardians of any injured player and in the case of a serious injury inform the Teacher-in-Charge.
• Be responsible for the respective team's playing equipment.
• Maintain a team equipment inventory.
• Attend Sports Code Committee meetings and report on any problems or areas of perceived need.
• Ensure that all players are aware of travel arrangements when playing away and that students and staff attend Mass in formal uniform if away on a Sunday.
• Ensure that 'transport providers' are fairly compensated for their expenses.
• Maintain a record of the payment of sports charges, and inform players of the consequences of non-payment.
• Maintain a record of team and individual performances for the season.