CALL TO ACTION

Fair play involves everyone who organizes and delivers community sport As a league or division organizer, you do a lot behind the scenes: you organize schedules, ensure that rules are enforced, and communicate with coaches, parents and players. You also play an important role in creating an atmosphere that encourages everyone to play fairly.

By promoting fair play values to coaches, officials, athletes and spectators of your league, you'll make a positive difference to the sport experience of children in your community and to their development as individuals.

This doesn't have to take a lot of time or add much work to your already busy schedule. This resource is geared to help you make fair play an integral and rewarding aspect of your league in a way that is simple, effective and fun.

WHAT IS FAIR PLAY?

Integrity, fairness and respect - these are the principles of fair play. And since children learn best by seeing and doing, sport offers an excellent opportunity to teach fair play in a way that is both effective and fun.

• If children see all the members of the team being given a turn, they will learn to treat people equally and fairly.
• If children learn the importance of rules in a game, they will learn to respect and value the rules in society.
• If children are rewarded for playing fairly, they will learn the value of honesty and integrity

The principles of fair play are reflected in the five simple statements on the following page By promoting and teaching these ideals, you can help all participants enjoy and benefit from sport.

PRINCIPLES OF FAIR PLAY.

1. Respect the Rules.

2. Respect the Officials and their decisions.

3. Respect your opponent.

4. Give everyone an equal chance to participate.

5. Maintain your self-control at all times.

WHY ENCOURAGE FAIR PLAY?

Like most league organizers, you probably volunteered (or were volunteered!) to co-ordinate a league because of your love for and commitment to the sport, and to the kids in your community Whatever your reasons for being involved, your decisions have a direct impact on the level of participation in your sport and on the enjoyment children get out of it.

Sport has two kinds of participants athletes who derive great enjoyment and personal challenge from their game or activity, and those who do not and eventually drop out What makes the game so different for these two groups? For many, it's the result of what they learned - or didn't learn - when they first became involved in amateur sport.

Teaching respect for rules and for other participants, teaching fair play and the spirit of the game
- these things are just as important as teaching the skills. Without fair play, some children will come to believe that winning or scoring points are the only aims - and that means they will miss a lot of the enjoyment and opportunities that sport and recreation have to offer.

A recent study of coaches and their athletes undertaken by Angus Reid (fall 1991) revealed some important findings about how they perceive and practice fair play:

1. The vast majority of athletes and coaches place a higher value on fair competition than on winning However, most athletes associate fair play primarily with respect for the rules, whereas most coaches associate fair play with respect for the officials It is important that we all have a clear understanding of what fair play is, and that we work together toward common fair play goals

2. Younger athletes are more open-minded and committed to fair play than older athletes. This highlights the need for fair play education for both groups Older athletes need to be reminded of the importance of fair play, younger athletes need to be taught fair play effectively so that it 'sticks' in later years

3. Young athletes look first to coaches, parents and league officials for guidance on fair play, but these individuals often lack the proper teaching tools Fair Play: It's Your Call! provides those tools for coaches and other adults involved in the delivery of community sport.

WITH FAIR PLAY, EVERYBODY WINS!

In the world of business, an arrangement that benefits two parties is a win-win deal - one that allows both sides to take advantage of the same opportunity without compromising their competitive spirit or individual goals

Fair play makes this possible in the world of sport! By making sure that the rules, officials and opponents are respected at all times, it gives all participants an equal chance to develop and test their skills What's more, it challenges them to measure their success by scoring and performing well - with dignity, integrity and pride

Wanting to win is great and should be encouraged, but not at all costs. Fair play it's a win-win approach that means greater benefits and better competition for everyone in sport!

FAIR PLAY CODE FOR LEAGUE ORGANIZERS

1. I will do my best to see that all children are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background or race.
2. I will absolutely discourage any sport program from becoming primarily an entertainment for the spectators
3. I will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities,
4. I will make sure that the age and maturity level of the children are considered in program development, rule enforcement and scheduling
5. I will remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective.
6. I will distribute the fair play codes to spectators, coaches, athletes, officials, parents and media.
7. I will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills, and I will encourage them to become certified.

FAIR PLAY CODE FOR ATHLETES

1. I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
2. I will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game.
3. I will control my temper - fighting and "mouthing off' can spoil the activity for everybody.
4. I will respect my opponents.
5. I will do my best to be a true team player.
6. I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
7. I will acknowledge all good plays/performances - those of my team and of my opponents.
8. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me I will accept their decisions and show them respect

FAIR PLAY CODE FOR PARENTS

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.
3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
5. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
7. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child's team and their opponents.
8. I will never question the officials' judgment or honesty in public.
9. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities
10. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.

FAIR PLAY CODE FOR SPECTATORS

1. I will remember that children play sport for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
2. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
3. I will respect the officials' decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.
4. I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
5. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials.
6. I will show respect for my team's opponents, because without them there would be no game.
7. I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.
   

FAIR PLAY CODE FOR COACHES

1. I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
2. I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
3. I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and playing time.
4. I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
5. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities.
6. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
7. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.