From the Deputy Head of College, Patrick Brennan
As we come to the middle of our summer season, it’s timely to remind our students and supporters of the behaviour expected when we attend co-curricular events as a College community.
This is a time where our behaviour and sportsmanship are on display to other schools and members of the general public.
We encourage all supporters to positively support their school teams and require all students to be dressed in the school uniform.
We expect barracking to be enthusiastic but not excessive, and it is unacceptable to heckle, belittle or disturb our opponents. For example, barracking, for or against, during a free throw or a kick at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Students should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual team member. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are also wholly unacceptable.
It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee’s or umpire’s decision – no matter whether the referee be adult or schoolboy.
We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing in either case undue emotion. Good play, by our own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
At all times spectators should leave their area tidy and free of rubbish.
The college looks to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at all matches/competitions.
The complete CAS Code of Conduct follows for your information:
The CAS Code of Conduct
PLAYERS
- Play by the rules and in a spirit of good sportsmanship.
- Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent, and throwing equipment are not acceptable nor permitted in any sport.
- Work hard both for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another.
- Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
In the event of a player, or athlete being sent-off during a CAS fixture, it is the responsibility of that boy’s Headmaster at his discretion to determine the penalty. It is generally understood among Headmasters, however, that the boy will serve at least one week’s suspension from participating in the CAS competition.
PARENTS
- Focus upon the boy’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the game. This assists the boy in setting realistic goals related to his ability by reducing emphasis on winning.
- Teach your son that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Encourage your always to play according to the rules of the game.
- Never ridicule or yell at your son or another boy for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Remember boys are involved in organised sports for their benefit and enjoyment, not yours.
- Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good play by both teams.
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember most officials give their time and effort voluntarily for your son’s benefit.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Recognise the value and importance of coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your son and other boys and deserve your support.
SPECTATORS
- We encourage boys to support their school teams and to be dressed in the school’s uniform while doing so.
- We expect barracking to be enthusiastic but not to be fanatical or designed to heckle or belittle or disturb the opponents. For example, barracking, for or against, during a kick at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Boys should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual team member. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and wholly unacceptable.
- Vocal support for any team should never encourage violence or rough or illegal play.
- Encroaching onto the field of play, the shouting out of suggestions for players, referees or umpires to hear are not allowed.
- It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee’s or umpire’s decision – no matter whether the referee be adult or schoolboy.
- There is a complete ban on all alcoholic drinks at grounds where games between Associated Schools’ teams are being played.
- We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing in either case undue emotion. Good play, by our own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
- At all times spectators should leave the area tidy and free of rubbish when they leave.
- We look to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at matches.
