HoopStars Inc.

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT – effective from 24 Aug 2007

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health.  This code of conduct has been developed to give participants some guide to the expectations it has on those participants.  It is intended to assist everyone to obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in basketball.  As a result, the quality of participation will be improved so people are more likely to start and continue their involvement in basketball.  Enjoy!!

1.             Encourage your children to participate for their own interest and enjoyment, not yours.

Support your children in their participation in basketball but do not force them to play if they don’t want to.  Sport is played by children for enjoyment and fitness.  If children feel too much pressure from you it may make them rebellious or even depressed.  It is very tempting for parents who are involved in a sport, or who have children with abilities they wish they had themselves to try and force the children to participate or to participate at a level to which they do not aspire.  Resist the temptation.

2.             Encourage children to always play by the rules.

Just as responsible parents teach their children to obey the law of the land, so should those same parents encourage their children to play sport by the rules.  If your children show no respect for the rules of the game, they can also come to believe that breaking the law is acceptable too.  If you see your children constantly breaching rules you should be prepared to speak to them at an appropriate time.

3.             Teach children that an honest effort is always as important as a victory.

Your children will suffer many disappointments in their lives.  You should teach them from an early age that whilst a win in basketball will bring them much pleasure, it is not the most important thing.  Participating to the best of their abilities is far more important than winning.  You can help them learn this, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment

4.             Focus on developing skills and playing the game.  Reduce the emphasis on winning.

If children see that effort is rewarded by an increase in skills, they will derive considerable pleasure and see the importance of striving to improve over the necessity to win every game.  Primary responsibility for skills training rests with the children and their coaches but you can assist with their enthusiasm by attending games, encouraging them to practice away from formal training and games and formal training.

5.             A child learns best by example.  Applaud good play by all teams.

Acknowledge all good plays whether they be by your children’s team or the other team.  If you acknowledge the achievements of your children’s opponents it is likely your children will follow suit.  This can assist to create a positive and supportive climate for all children involved in the game.

6.             Do not criticize your or others’ children in front of others.

Reserve constructive criticism of your own children for more private moments.  Children can be very sensitive and feel strong humiliation it they are criticized in front of their peers.  When you do feel the necessity to speak to your child about something that displeases you, make the effort to explain what the problem is and why you are concerned about it.

7.             Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability.

Referees and officials have a difficult task to perform and your children could not play the game without them.  They are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right.  Accept bad calls graciously.  Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour.  Players who consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions are bad sports.  If you disagree with a decision, discuss it with your children in a constructive manner.

8.             Set a good example by you own conduct and behaviour.

Children learn by example.  You are the prime role models for them.  Make your parenting rewarding and beyond criticism by leading by example.  Do not criticize opposing team members or supporters by word or gesture.  Accept loss graciously and applaud the efforts of all playing the game.  Do not be one of the “ugly” parents occasionally seen at sporting events.

9.             Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.

Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are entitled to equal treatment and respect.  Avoid any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory.  Sometimes even a joke may give offence.  Your children will most likely follow your lead in matters of discrimination and vilification.

10.          Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators.

Volunteers are necessary for the functioning of sporting activities.  All of our coaches and managers are volunteer parents.  Without them, your child could not participate.  They give up there time to attend training etc. so please show them the respect and appreciation they deserve and pick your children up from training and games on time.

11.          Keep children in your care under control.

Basketball encourages you to bring your children to games.  However, there can be dangers to them in a basketball stadium.  They can also constitute a danger to players.  You should ensure that children with you at a basketball game do not wander onto or too close to the courts.  They can easily be knocked over by a player or a player can trip over the child if not expecting a small child to be on the court.

12.          Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.

Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if kept in good order.  Ensure that you do not abuse anything provided for use.  Discourage you children form engaging in dangerous practices such as hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”.  Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can occur.