As a Sharks coach or team manager you are obliged to follow our Code of Conduct below:
Coaches’ Code of Conduct
- Be reasonable in your demands of a players’ time, energy and enthusiasm levels.
- Under no circumstances ridicule or yell at a player.
- Display control and respect at all times to all involved in the sport. Encourage your players to do the same.
- Ensure that skill learning, fair play, appropriate behavior and enjoyment are the priority over competition.
- Be mindful of your role as a leader and always set a good example on and off the court.
- Avoid over-playing the more talented players. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
- Keep winning in perspective. Maximise participation and focus on participation for fun and enjoyment.
- Stress safety and ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate for age and ability levels. Seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning injured players.
- Consider maturity and skills levels. Match up practice schedules, activities and degree of competition in light of these.
- Develop team respect for opponents, officials and opposing coaches.
- Ensure that players understand the meaning of good sporting behavior. Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well as basic skills.
- Teach fair play. Help players understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair play.
- Continue to work on developing and maintaining sound principles of coaching and methods of skill development.
- Keep the communication channels open with players and their primary carers.
- Promote diversity and tolerance amongst the team and players.
Team Managers’ Code of Conduct
- Operate within the rules and good spirit of the sport.
- Encourage your team to participate for their own interest and enjoyment, not yours.
- Set the appropriate example to young participants in the sport.
- Applaud good play by all teams. A child learns best by example.
- Teach your team that an honest effort is always as important as victory.
- Encourage children to participate regardless of ability.
- Focus on developing skills, playing the game and having fun. Reduce the emphasis on winning.
- Never criticise or yell at a player. This behavior will not be tolerated.
- Never publicly disagree with officials. If you disagree, raise the issue privately through appropriate channels.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches.
- Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
- Encourage players to accept the umpire’s decisions and to always play by the rules.
- Demonstrate exemplary behaviour by not using foul language, or harassing players, coaches or officials. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators.
- Keep children in your care under control.
- Communicate openly and fairly with the team coach regarding player injuries, well-being and ability to participate in games and training.