The following series provides some ideas and case studies that you may wish to implement within your club or association to encourage and acknowledge positive behaviour.
Recognising learner officials
New and less experienced officials could wear a different uniform to more experienced officials. This initiative encourages greater tolerance and appreciation of officials by players, coaches and spectators.
Hosting parent/player information sessions
Invite parents and players to information sessions to promote your club/association culture of respect, fun, integrity, responsibility and excellence. This initiative helps you communicate that good sportsmanship is an essential part of being a member of your club/association and playing your sport.
Appoint match officials
Appoint a match official to look after the safety and welfare of the referees, players and spectators. This initiative helps manage crowd control issues and allows the referee to focus on the game.
Appoint assistant coaches
Make parents/guardians a part of the team and get an assistant coach for the game. For example, ask them to keep statistics on the game, and develop possible strategies. This may help create empathy for the coaches and encourage positive behaviour.
Code of behaviour
At sign on day, ask parents, players, umpires and coaches to sign a code of behaviour. Perhaps you could follow up with a parent/player information session.
Social and family days
Organise a family day where family and friends are invited to participate in social games and alternative forms of the game.
Red Card System
Try a program where all the spectators are involved in the game. Give the referee/umpire or match official permission to give 'yellow cards' or 'red cards' for behaviour contrary to the code of ethics. One 'yellow card' is a warning, but if a spectator receives a 'red card' or another 'yellow card', they may be told to leave the event. This initiative is effective in addressing inappropriate behaviour.
Silent Sundays (Saturdays)
Dedicate one weekend to a campaign where spectators are not permitted to make any comments to players, coaches, referees or other spectators whilst attending a junior sporting event.
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