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Spirit of the game

Officials are an essential part of sport. They make sure everyone plays by the rules, that the game is safe and that the spirit of the game/event is observed and enjoyed by all. They have no stake in the outcome of the game/event.

"Protecting the health and safety of all sports participants is paramount to the future of Australian sport

"The sports industry is taking action to address inappropriate behaviour such as abuse and harassment, and to promote the positive values of honesty, integrity and respect.

"Sporting organisations should not lose sight of their key objective: to create a fun and safe environment in which all participants may enjoy a positive sporting experience.

"Sport is a microcosm of wider society, and it can serve as a vehicle for education, health improvement, leadership and fair play. However, unacceptable behaviour, such as harassment, abuse, vilification, discrimination and bullying, poses a threat to the future of Australian sport."

Source: Promoting the Spirit of the Game, Sports Connect, Vol.1 No.2, March 2004, pp 8-9.

Sport at all levels should promote the spirit of the game by ensuring they have in place strategies that instil positive values, such as fair play, tackle ‘ugly’ parent and spectator behaviour, address and manage areas of risk around the club and promote the effective handling of complaints.

Other sections of The Club House address related issues including Member Protection, Risk Management, Junior Sport and Officiating.

The Australian Sports Commission’s Codes of Behaviour is an excellent resource that clubs can use to ensure that all the stakeholders of your club understand what is expected of them. Your club can adapt these codes and circulate them to players, parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, officials, media and spectators.

A number of sports are taking the initiative and promoting the spirit of the game.

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