Role of a Parent

Much of the focus in junior sport on competition and winning is propagated by adults and is generally a construct of their own involvement in sport, not their child's. As parents and coaches, we need to consider the kind of environment we are creating for our children and be mindful of the messages we are sending.

When a child comes home from a game is the first question you ask: 'Did you win?' or is it 'Did you have fun?'

What the research says:

Players want their parents to be involved in and to be supportive of their sporting experience. Instead of behaviour that pressures players to perform and succeed, they would prefer supportive comments about the positive aspects of their attitude, sportsmanship and effort (Sanchez-Miguel, Sanchez-Olivia, Amado, Garcia-Calvao, 2013)

Participants that perceived more pressure from their parents generally experienced a negative relationship with sport enjoyment. Whereas appropriate parental participation promoted an increase in players' enjoyment and motivation. (SanchezMiguel et al., 2013)

Parent Code of Behaviour

The behaviour of players, their parents, spectators, officials and administrators is absolutely critical in ensuring that young players enjoy an appropriate environment in their formative years of playing football. Bearing in mind that the whole philosophy of ALDI MiniRoos is based on replicating street football, where children play without adults and referees, the major focus should be on letting the children play with minimal instruction and plenty of encouragement.

Below are a series of Codes of Behaviour that all people involved in junior football, and in particular ALDI MiniRoos, must be aware of and abide by. Clubs may decide to have a Team Manager exchange a Code of Conduct before every game with each person giving an undertaking, on behalf of their players, parents and spectators, to behave in an appropriate manner. If this does not eventuate, the other Team Manager is entitled to refer the other person back to the Code, and if inappropriate behaviour persists, club representatives would need to become involved.

Parent Code of Behaviour

• Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
• Focus on your child's efforts and performance rather than whether they win or lose.
• Encourage children 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 performance and skilful plays by all participants.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators - without them, your child could not participate; and..
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Players

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official - if you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
• Control your temper - verbal abuse of officials, sledging other players or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and 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 like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate 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 your parents and coaches; and..
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural.

Child Protection

The FFA Member Protection Policy will work towards maintaining ethical and informed decision-making and responsible behaviours within our sport. It outlines our commitment to a person's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to be safe and protected from abuse. The Policy informs everyone involved in our sport at the national, state and local levels of his or her legal and ethical rights and responsibilities and the standards of behaviour that are required.

The Governing Bodies are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people accessing our service. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure that a child safe environment is maintained at all times. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants.

The Governing Bodies acknowledge that our staff, members and volunteers provide a valuable contribution to the positive experiences of children involved in football. The Governing Bodies aim to continue this and to take measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of children participating in football.

It is the responsibility of each ALDI MiniRoos deliverer to adhere to their state-based legislation and act in accordance with their respective administrative protocols. Any individuals engaging in work associated with ALDI MiniRoos are required to carry the appropriate clearance for that state or territory.

Copies of the current Policy and its attachments can be obtained from FFA's website at www.footballaustralia.com.au