1. Drummoyne Water Polo Club Inc.’s Code of Conduct
DWPCI recognises that the success of our organisation and sport and the maintenance of the organisation’s integrity requires that its Committee, Employees, Volunteer Coaches Financial Members and players pursue the highest standards of ethical conduct at all times.
DWPCI will act in accordance with the following principles:
1.1 Fair Dealing: DWPCI will deal fairly with our employees, colleagues, members, players, officials, referees, coaches, suppliers, competitors and members.
1.2 Avoid Conflicts Of Interest: DWPCI acknowledges that there may be times when our personal or other interests conflict with those of the organisation. In these circumstances, DWPI will take action to remove or manage the conflict, so as to avoid detriment to DWPI or any perception of conflict of interest.
1.3 Personal Transactions: DWPCI Committee Members or employees will not use the name of DWPCI (or any of its members) for personal gain. DWPCI will not use any information gained from our dealings with DWPCI for personal gain, nor allow any such information to be used for the personal gain of others. Any equipment, services or facilities made available to members or employees by DWPCI will be used only for properly authorised purposes.
1.4 Maintain Confidentiality: DWPCI will take care to ensure that confidential information about our employees, colleagues, members, players, officials, referees, coaches, suppliers, competitors and members is properly protected and not disclosed, except for proper purposes or where required by law.
1.5 Compliance With The Law And Company Policies: DWPCI will abide by the law and relevant policies at all times.
1.6 Reporting Of Breaches Encouraged: Any breaches of the law or unethical behaviour which becomes known to Committee Members, employees and or financial members must be reported to the relevant committee member. Breaches of the law which become known to a Committee Member must be reported to the President or the Committee as a whole. Any breaches so reported will be properly investigated and appropriate action taken. Persons who report suspected breaches in good faith shall be protected from victimisation.
2. Player’s Code of Behaviour
2.1 Play by the rules.
2.2 Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official after the competition.
2.3 Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours of DWPCI.
2.4 Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will you.
2.5 Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
2.6 Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
2.7 Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no DWPCI.
2.8 Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
2.9 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
2.10 Never place a bet or wager on a game in which a Drummoyne team or player is involved.
3. Committee’s Code of Behaviour
3.1 Involve young people in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to the activity.
3.2 Give all young people equal opportunities to participate.
3.3 Create pathways for young people to participate in sport not just as a player but as a coach, referee, administrator etc.
3.4 Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.
3.5 Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players.
3.6 Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not over emphasise awards.
3.7 Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
3.8 Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
3.9 Give a code of behaviour sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, and players and encourage them to follow it.
3.10 Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
3.11 Support implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy.
3.12 Make it clear that abusing young people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
3.13 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
3.14 Never place a bet or wager on a game in which a Drummoyne team or player is involved.
4. Spectator’s Code of Behaviour
4.1 Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
4.2 Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams.
4.3 Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
4.4 Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
4.5 Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
4.6 Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
4.7 Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
4.8 Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
4.9 Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
4.10 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
5. Coach’s Code of Behaviour
The Beginning Coaching General Principles course is available from the Australian Sports Commission's new online learning portal. Go to: https://learning.ausport.gov.au for more information on the course, and to enroll.
5.1 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being. Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
5.2 Ensure the athlete’s time spent with you is a positive one. All athletes are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
5.3 Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each individual athlete, help each athlete reach their full potential.
5.4 Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport - this includes opponents, coach’s officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
5.5 Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes. Maintain or improve your current accreditation. Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education. Provide a training program which is planned and sequential. Maintain appropriate records.
5.6 Operate within the rules of your sport. The guidelines of National body governing DWPCI sport should be followed. Please contact DWPCI for a rule book and any relevant policies.
5.7 Provide a Drug Free Environment - Do not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulates, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under my coaching and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of Australia Water Polo Inc or Anti Doping Policy adopted by Australia Water Polo Inc.
5.8 Any physical contact with athletes should be: * appropriate to the situation. * necessary for the athletes skill development. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your athletes. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards your athletes from other sources whilst they are in your care.
5.9 Refrain from any form of harassment. This includes sexual harassment, racial vilification and harassment on the grounds of disability. You should not only refrain from initiating a relationship with an athlete but should also discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate a sexual relationship with you, explaining the ethical basis of your refusal.
5.10 Provide a safe environment for training and competition. Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards. Equipment, rules, training and the environment need to be appropriate for the age of the athletes.
5.11 Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Provide a modified training program where appropriate. Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required. Maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.
5.12 Be a positive role model for your sport and athletes. Abuse and insults directed at officials or parents.
5.13 Refrain form inappropriate behaviour towards officials and parents. *Refer “Harassment- Free Sport guidelines” available from the Australian Sports Commission.
5.14 Never place a bet or wager on a game in which a Drummoyne team or player is involved.
6. Official’s Code of Behaviour
Includes: Referees, table officials, and appointed officers of DWPCI, Members and visiting Club Officials:
6.1 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
6.2 Be professional in your appearance and manner and accept responsibility for all actions taken. Display high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation. Display control, respect dignity and professionalism to all involved with water polo (including athletes, coaches, officials, administrator Volunteers, parents and spectators) and encourage other referees/officials to demonstrate these qualities. Be courteous, respectable and open to discussion and interaction.
6.3 Make a commitment to providing quality service to officiating for DWPCI by seeking continual improvement of your officiating knowledge and skill through study, performance appraisal and regular updating of competencies.
6.4 Operate within the rules and spirit of water polo. Abide by and respect the regulations governing water polo and sport generally and the organizations and individuals administering those regulations.
6.5 Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes, officials, parents and coaches. This includes verbal and physical abuse.
6.6 Refrain from any form of sexual harassment. This includes explicit, implicit, verbal and non-verbal sexual harassment.
6.7 Provide a Drug Free Environment – Do not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulates, or doping practices in respect of any athlete under my officiating and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of Australia Water Polo Inc or Anti Doping Policy adopted by Australia Water Polo Inc.
6.8 Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet rule requirements and safety standards.
6.9 Be impartial. Be a positive role model for refereeing and officiating. Show concern and caution towards sick & injured athletes. Encourage inclusivity and access to all areas of officiating. Be a positive role model for refereeing
6.10 Never place a bet or wager on a game in which a Drummoyne team or player is involved.
7. Parent/Guardian’s Code of Behaviour
As a parent/guardian of a player/participant in any activity held by or under the auspices of DWPCI, you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any such activity or event:
7.1 Remember that your child participates in sport for their own enjoyment, not yours.
7.2 Focus on your child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
7.3 Never ridicule or yell at your child and other children for making a mistake or losing a competition.
7.4 Show appreciation for good performance and skilful plays by all players (including opposing players).
7.5 Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
7.6 Do not physically or verbally abuse anyone associated with the sport (player, coach, umpire etc).
7.7 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
7.8 Never place a bet or wager on a game in which the parent or guardian’s child is involved.
Bibliography: Adapted from: http://www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au “Code of Conduct” Adapted from: Fairholm, J., & Ferguson, P. (2003) It’s More Than A Game. Adapted from Drummoyne Water Polo Club Inc Committee Minutes & Discussion.
Contact details for our committee members including Player Liaison Officer can be found here.
