Codes of Conduct
For players, parents, coaches, and spectators
Football Tasmania
Player Code of Conduct
As a participant in the Hobart Cup, you are part of a community that values fair play, respect, and personal growth. This code of conduct outlines the expectations for all players to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Please adhere to the following guidelines to contribute to the success of the tournament.
FOCUS ON LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Prioritise learning over winning: Remember, winning isn’t everything. At this age, learning, improving, and having fun are far more important than the final score.
RESPECT FOR COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Listen to your Coaches: Follow the instructions of your coach during training and games. They are there to guide and help you improve your skills.
Respect the Referees: Never argue with the referee or assistant referees about their decisions. Their role is to ensure the game is fair for everyone.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AND FAIR PLAY
Use positive language: Refrain from using crude, foul, or abusive language, both on and off the field. Your behaviour reflects on you, your team, and the sport as a whole.
Respect everyone: Treat all participants, officials, and spectators with respect. Whether it’s your teammates, opponents, or those cheering from the sidelines, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
Play by the rules: Commit to playing by the laws of the game. Fair play is essential, both for your development and for maintaining the spirit of the game.
COOPERATION AND TEAM WORK
Work as a team: Cooperate with your coach, teammates, referees, and officials at all times. Football is a team sport, and success comes from working together.
Fair Play: Display fair play in every match. Winning with respect and losing with grace are both important parts of the game.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Avoid harmful substances: Do not use any banned substances or drugs during your involvement in the tournament. Your health and well-being are more important than any game.
Play for the fun of it: Enjoy the game for what it is—a chance to play, learn, and have fun. Don’t play just to please others; play because you love the sport.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSEQUENCES
Adhere to the Code: Any breach of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action by Football Tasmania, including possible expulsion from the premises and exclusion from future events or programs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Enjoy the journey: The Hobart Cup is a unique opportunity to grow as a player and as a person. Embrace the experience, respect those around you, and have fun!
Thank you for your commitment to upholding the values of the Hobart Cup. Together, we can make this tournament a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct
As a parent or guardian, your role is vital in creating a positive and supportive environment for all players participating in the Hobart Cup. This code of conduct outlines the expectations for parents and guardians, ensuring that the focus remains on the development, enjoyment, and well-being of the young athletes. Please adhere to the following guidelines to help make the tournament a success for everyone involved.
RESPECT FOR COACHES AND TRAINING
Leave coaching to the Coaches: Trust the coaches to guide and instruct your child. Avoid giving coaching directions during training sessions and games, as this can create confusion and send mixed messages to the players.
Observe from a distance: Stay clear of training areas during sessions. Allow the coaches to work without interference, creating a focused and productive environment for all players.
SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Cheer positively: Encourage and cheer for all players, including those on the opposing teams. Applaud good play and sportsmanship from both sides, reinforcing the spirit of the game.
Prioritise development over winning: Remember that the primary goal is to develop the players' skills and love for the game. At this age, learning and improvement are more important than the final score.
Focus on effort, not results: Celebrate your child's effort, determination, and fair play, rather than solely focusing on winning or losing.
RESPECT FOR THE GAME AND OFFICIALS
Enjoy the game for what it is: Keep in mind that children play football for their enjoyment, not for the expectations of others. Encourage them to participate because they love the game, not because they feel pressured to do so.
Lead by example: Children learn best by observing the behaviour of adults. Model positive behaviour by applauding good play, respecting all participants, and maintaining a supportive attitude.
Respect the rules and officials: Support all efforts to uphold the rules of the game. Respect the decisions of referees and officials, teaching your child to do the same.
CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Avoid negative behaviour: Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. Instead, offer constructive support that helps them learn and grow.
Respect the facilities: Treat the venues and facilities with care. Show appreciation for the spaces provided in partnership with all our venue suppliers.
Stay clear of technical areas: Keep away from technical areas, benches, and change rooms during games and throughout the tournament. This allows coaches to communicate with players and manage the game without distractions.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSEQUENCES
Uphold the code: Any breach of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action by Football Tasmania, including being asked to leave the premises or being barred from future events and programs.
Promote a safe environment: Support all efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Ensure that your behaviour contributes to a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember, it's about the kids: The Hobart Cup is an opportunity for young players to learn, grow, and have fun. Your positive support and adherence to this code of conduct are crucial in making this experience enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere at the Hobart Cup. Let's work together to make this a memorable event for all our young footballers!
Coaches Code of Conduct
As a coach in the Hobart Cup, you play a crucial role in shaping the experience of young athletes. Your influence goes beyond the field, impacting their development, enjoyment, and love for the game. This code of conduct outlines the expectations for coaches to ensure a positive, safe, and supportive environment for all players. Please adhere to the following guidelines to help make the tournament a success for everyone involved.
FOCUS ON PLAYER ENJOYMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Remember the Fun Factor: Understand that players participate in football primarily for enjoyment. Winning is only one part of the experience; the emphasis should be on having fun, learning, and growing as players and individuals.
Avoid negative reactions: Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or for not winning games. Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.
BALANCED AND FAIR COACHING
Be reasonable in your demands: Respect your players’ time, energy, and enthusiasm. Keep practices and expectations in line with their age, skill level, and other commitments.
Promote Fair Play: Always operate within the rules and the spirit of the game. Teach your players to respect the game, their opponents, and the officials.
Provide equal attention and opportunities: Ensure that every player feels valued. Avoid overplaying the most talented players; give all players the opportunity to contribute and develop their skills.
Ensure equal game time: Strive to provide equal game time for all players, regardless of their skill level. Every player deserves a fair chance to participate and enjoy the game.
SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF PLAYERS
Prioritise safety: Ensure that all equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
Care for injured players: Show concern and care for players who are sick or injured. Follow medical advice when determining if an injured player is ready to return to training or competition.
PROFESSIONALISM AND RESPECT
Display control and respect: Exhibit control, professionalism, and respect towards everyone involved in the sport, including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents, and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.
Appropriate physical contact: Any physical contact with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development. Always maintain professional boundaries.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT
Stay updated: Obtain appropriate coaching qualifications and stay current with the latest coaching practices, including the principles of growth, development, and conditioning for junior players.
Promote independent learning: Refrain from over-coaching during games. Allow your players the space to make decisions, learn from their mistakes, and develop independence on the field.
INCLUSIVITY AND RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
Respect all players: Uphold the rights, dignity, and worth of every player, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion. Ensure that every player feels included and respected.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSEQUENCES
Adhere to the Code: Any breach of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action by Football Tasmania, including expulsion from the premises and exclusion from future events or programs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Lead by example: As a coach, you set the tone for your team. Your actions and attitude can inspire your players to love the game, respect others, and strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to fostering a positive and rewarding environment at the Hobart Cup. Together, we can create a memorable and meaningful experience for all our young footballers!
Spectator Code of Conduct
The Hobart Cup is a celebration of junior and youth football, where players, coaches, officials, and spectators come together to enjoy the beautiful game. To ensure a positive and respectful environment for everyone involved, we ask all spectators to adhere to the following code of conduct, aligned with the principles of Football Australia, Football Tasmania and the Central Region Junior Football Association (CRJFA).
RESPECT FOR PLAYERS
Encouragement Only: Support all players by cheering positively and encouraging fair play. Avoid any form of criticism or negative remarks directed at players.
Equal Respect: Treat all players, regardless of the team they represent, with equal respect and appreciation. Remember, this tournament is about enjoyment and development for all participants.
RESPECT FOR COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Support the Coaches: Allow coaches to do their job without interference. Trust their decisions and expertise in guiding their teams.
Respect the Officials: Understand that referees and match officials are essential to the game. Respect their decisions, even if you disagree, and refrain from questioning or harassing them during or after the match.
RESPECT FOR THE GAME
No Sideline Coaching: Leave the coaching to the coaches. Spectators should not give instructions to players from the sidelines.
Promote Fair Play: Encourage all players to play fairly and respect the rules of the game. Acknowledge good play from both teams.
Positive Environment: Avoid any behaviour that could create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Be Inclusive: Celebrate the diversity of our football community by showing respect to all participants and spectators, regardless of their background, gender, or ability.
Responsible Behaviour: Refrain from using offensive language, gestures, or behaviour that could be considered disrespectful or discriminatory.
Alcohol and Smoke Free: The Hobart Cup is a family-friendly event
Please leave your dog at home. Not all children like dogs.
CONSEQUENCES OF MISCONDUCT
Zero Tolerance: The Hobart Cup operates under a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, harassment, or violent behaviour. Any spectator found violating this code of conduct may be asked to leave the venue immediately.
Reporting Misconduct: Spectators are encouraged to report any breaches of this code to tournament officials or venue managers promptly.
REMEMBER, IT’S JUST A GAME
Keep Perspective: The primary goal of the Hobart Cup is to provide a fun and positive experience for young players. Remember, the outcome of the game is less important than the development, enjoyment, and fair play by all participants.