Ballard School PE Department Sports Guidelines

These are the guidelines set by the Independent Association of Prep Schools for sports matches for your interest.
IAPS SPORTS HANDBOOK Jan 2007

PARENTS' GUIDELINES

Children develop differently, at different rates and react differently to the same pressures.

• Don't force an unwilling child to participate in sport; he or she is not playing to satisfy your ambitions.
• Children and young people are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment - not yours.
• Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
• Teach your child that effort and teamwork are as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and a positive sporting attitude. Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Don't question publicly the officials' judgement and never their honesty.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of coaches. They give their time and resources to provide guidance for your child. Set an example by being friendly to the parents of the opposition!
• Emphasise enjoyment and fun.
• Praise and reinforce effort and improvement.

SPECTATORS' GUIDELINES

Children at play are not professional entertainers

• Children play organised sport for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you, and they are NOT miniature adults or professional sportsmen and women.
• Don't harass or swear at players, coaches or officials.
• Applaud good play by your own and the visiting team. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
• Respect the officials' decisions.
• Encourage players always to play by the rules.
• Relax and enjoy the game whether your team wins or not.