Codes of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct shall apply to all team members participating in School Sport ACT endorsed events, this includes School, Regional and ACT representation. This Code of Conduct also applies to approved activities that may not be sport participation related but are a part of organised team activities.

Players’ Code of Conduct

• Play for enjoyment.
• Play by the rules.
• Co-operate with all officials. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the official during a break or after the game.
• Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents.
• Don’t be induced into ‘throwing’ a game for the benefit of another team or individual
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and throwing equipment is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Behave in a manner that respects the rights of others regardless of mediums of communication used this includes digital mediums such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, email and texts. (See also Social Media Policy)
• Attendance at all compulsory events and ceremonies during a School Sport Australia Championship.
Unacceptable Behaviour / Breaches of the Code of Conduct
• Having or consuming alcohol
• Having or using other illegal drugs or substances
• Smoking
• Sexual activities
• Sexual harassment
• Criminal offences
• Wilful damage to equipment or property
• Swearing or abusing others
• Physical violence
• Harassment or vilification including the use of Social Media (See also Social Media Policy)
• Failure to attend team trainings or team functions without appropriate notification and reasoning
• Failure to attend SSACT/SSA functions
• Refusing to comply with instructions
• Poor sportsmanship or cheating

Parent/Supporter and Spectator Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct shall apply to all non-officials accompanying individual students and teams participating in School Sport ACT endorsed events, this includes School, Regional and ACT representation. This Code of Conduct also applies to approved activities that may not be sport participation related but are a part of organised team activities.
• Encourage participation by your child
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials - don’t let your behaviour detract from their enjoyment
• Provide a model of good sportsmanship for your child to copy
• Be respectful in your communication
• Encourage honest effort, skilled performance and team loyalty
• Applaud good performance and efforts by your team AND the opponents. Congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the game's outcome
• Respect the official’s decision. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure of the sport, in order to question the decision and teach the children to do likewise
• Never ridicule a player for making a mistake during a competition, positive comments are motivating.
• Do not interfere with the conduct of any championships.
• Adhere to School Sport Australia’s policy of a smoke and alcohol free environment.
• Behave in a manner that respects the rights of others regardless of mediums of communication used e.g. digital mediums such as Twitter, Facebook, email and texts
• Adhere to the School Sport ACT Social Media Policy and if stipulated the request to not live stream the competition as it is a direct violation of individual rights not to appear in media formats.
Breaches of the Codes of Conduct
School Sport ACT appointed Team Officials, Event Coordinators and Office staff may act upon any breaches of this code by (but not limited to):
• Warning individuals about their conduct, asking individuals to leave and calling police to intervene where necessary
• Removing the student from the team and their position offered to another, with loss of the deposit and non-refundable items already paid on the student’s behalf by SSACT.
• Barring the student from taking part in the selection process for future team selection and attending events.
• Making arrangements to send a student home from a Championship. All costs incurred will be at the expense of the parent.
• For property damage the student / parents will be responsible for all costs incurred.

Disciplinary Process for Students

If a breach of the Code of Conduct occurs, the following process will be followed:
1. An official will inform you that a breach has occurred.
2. The student will be given the opportunity to respond to the alleged breach.
3. In the case of a minor infringement a warning will be issued.
4. If the infringement is more serious, or for repeat infringements, the official will indicate the penalty to apply.
5. The student has the right to request the breach and resulting penalty be put into writing.
6. Team Officials have the right to restrict the student’s involvement in team activities.
7. Where a major breach occurs, Team Officials may need to send a student home, or for criminal offenses, refer to the matter onto the police.
8. All breaches of the Code must be reported to the SSACT Executive Officer, for major breaches the matter will be referred onto the ACT School Sport Council for review. The Council shall have the right to vary any action taken.

Appeals Process

Appeal against a penalty imposed by a teacher/team official:
1. The individual in question has the right to appeal to the School Sport ACT Executive Officer.
2. Where an appeal is lodged, the Executive Officer will arrange a time to meet and discuss.
3. At the meeting the individual will be given the opportunity to indicate reasons to challenge penalties imposed.
4. At the conclusion of the meeting the individual will be informed of the decision made.
5. The decision will be communicated to the individual in writing, explaining what change, if any, has been made to the penalty imposed.
6. All documentation relating to the appeal will remain strictly confidential and will only be made available to the ACT School Sport Council in the event of a further appeal.
Appeal against a penalty imposed by an SSACT Officer/Representative:
1. The individual in question has the right to appeal to the ACT School Sport Council.
2. Where an appeal is lodged, a Council member will arrange a time to meet and discuss.
3. At the meeting the individual will be given the opportunity to indicate reasons to challenge penalties imposed.
4. At the conclusion of the meeting the individual will be informed of the decision made.
5. The decision will be communicated to the individual in writing, explaining what change, if any, has been made to the penalty imposed.
6. All documentation relating to the appeal will remain strictly confidential.
7. The individual will be given the opportunity to call witnesses.
8. The decision of the Council is final.