ACS CODE OF ETHICS & BEHAVIOUR

    Key Elements

    One of the key components of ACS competitions is that there is always mutual respect between players, coaches, umpires and spectators at all times. The Code of Ethics and Behaviour is taken seriously and provides the opportunity for growth and understanding through sport.

    Every school activity is an educational experience, and sporting competitions must be directed towards teaching teamwork, developing character and inculcating high personal standards of behaviour.

    1. THE SCHOOL
      1. The school will communicate any changes of plans to the opposing school in good time.
      2. The school will cancel fixtures only in the most extreme circumstances.
      3. The school will act as good hosts, and ensure that directions for visiting teams are clear, and equipment and courts are in good repair and ready for matches, that equipment is in place, that change rooms are open and clean, and that there is appropriate supervision of non-playing members of the school.
      4. The school will act as good visitors, and ensure that visiting teams do not intrude on or disrupt other activities of the host school, that the host school’s property is respected, that change rooms are not misused, and that non-playing visitors are properly supervised.
      5. The host school must ensure that where umpires are to be provided, they are experienced in the game, unbiased and courteous.
      6. The host school must ensure that there are adequate first aid and emergency facilities in place.
      7. Both sides must ensure that games begin on time.
      8. The school will provide suitable supervision at all times for their teams.
    2. THE PLAYERS
      1. The highest standards of sportsmanship will be observed at all times.
      2. Excessive congratulation of one’s team mates during the game is to be avoided.
      3. Verbal and physical harassment of opposing players is not permitted.
      4. Bad language, sledging, abuse, poor sportspersonship will result in the player being removed from the ground, as per the rules of each sport.
      5. Uniform, correct in every detail, will be worn by players.
      6. Whites must be worn for cricket.
      7. Whites, or appropriate school sports uniform, will be worn for tennis.
      8. Players will applaud good play by either side.
      9. No arguing with, or rudeness towards the umpire or referee will be permitted.
      10. Players may not enter into unnecessary dialogue with spectators.
      11. Players will greet their opponents at the commencement of the game; give three cheers for their opponents at the end, and appropriately farewell them.
      12. Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents.
      13. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
    3. COACHES AND SUPERVISING STAFF
      1. Coaches and staff will insist on the highest standard of sportsmanship at all times.
      2. They will not abuse the opposition or criticise the umpire.
      3. They will support the umpire’s decisions unequivocally at all times.
      4. They will show friendly courtesy to the coaches, staff and students of the opposing side.
      5. They will applaud good play by both sides.
      6. Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well as basic skills.
      7. Where they have legitimate complaints against their opponents, they will state these courteously at the time and report them to the appropriate authority upon returning to their own school.
      8. They will be appropriately dressed.
      9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
    4. SPECTATORS
      1. Student spectators will be properly supervised.
      2. Adult spectators, whose behaviour is unsatisfactory, will be spoken to by the staff of the school they are supporting. If their behaviour does not improve they will be asked to leave.
      3. Spectators must not abuse particular players or the umpire.
      4. Spectators must not “sledge”.
      5. Spectators will applaud good play by either side.
      6. Spectators will applaud both teams at the end.
      7. Spectators will not engage in group activities other than supporting and encouraging their team.
      8. Student spectators must be appropriately dressed.
    5. UMPIRES 
      1. Will abide by ACS Competition Rules
      2. If offering advice and instruction, it should be offered to both teams
      3. Should not comment to students on matters other than the process of the game

    Values Statement

    Every school activity is an educational experience.

    The ACS values striving for excellence, teaching teamwork, developing qualities of fair play, courage, graciousness and resilience. Representing your school with pride by producing your best possible performance whilst respecting everyone’s right for positive learning beyond the classroom experiences. Respect for officials, opponents, teammates, coaches and venues underpins all that ACS stands for.