Code of Conduct

Sport has a very special place in Australian society. We are proud of our sporting tradition and look up to our sporting champions from whatever field. Winning of course is a vital part of that tradition - but not as important as the spirit in which the majority of those Australian heroes have played their sport. That spirit stems from our commitment to fair play.

The Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior for all participants in Little Athletics. It emphasises respect, fair play, and sportsmanship, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all involved. Key aspects include respecting officials, coaches, and other athletes, participating for enjoyment, and avoiding any form of harassment or abuse.

Parents

Be a positive role model for good sportsmanship - children learn this best from home.
Encourage your child’s participation if they are interested and ready - never force them to compete.
Celebrate effort, improvement, and enjoyment, not just results. This helps your child set healthy, realistic goals and gain confidence.
Teach your child that giving their best is as important as winning. Help them to enjoy every competition and handle outcomes with grace.
Encourage your child to play and train by the rules.
Offer support and reassurance - mistakes and losses are opportunities to learn and grow, not moments for criticism.
Remember that children play sport for their own enjoyment and development, not to fulfill adult expectations.
If you have concerns about an official’s decision, please use the appropriate channels to discuss it. Our officials are dedicated volunteers doing their best to support all young athletes.
Support a safe, positive environment - discourage and help remove any form of verbal or physical abuse from children’s sports.
Acknowledge and value the time, effort, and care provided by our volunteer officials, coaches, and committee members. They make these opportunities possible for your child.
If you have ideas on how we can make events even better, we welcome your input! We are always seeking new volunteer officials and committee members - speak to us anytime about how you can get involved!

Athletes

Focus on enjoying the sport and doing your best — how you play the game is just as important as the outcome.
Participate in training and competition for the fun and personal satisfaction it brings you.
Always respect and follow the rules of the sport.
Accept decisions made by officials calmly and respectfully.
If you have questions or concerns, please speak to your Centre Manager or Coach so they can assist you appropriately.
Demonstrate good self-control and respect towards everyone — handle all equipment responsibly and safely.
Contribute positively to your relay and team events so that you and your team can succeed together.
Show good sportsmanship at all times.
Applaud and support great performances by all athletes, whether they’re on your team or another.
Treat everyone with kindness and respect — the way you would like to be treated.
Support and encourage your fellow athletes — avoid any negative words or actions.
Remember: the most important goals are having fun, learning new skills, and feeling proud of your progress.
Work together and cooperate with your coaches, team members, and competitors — everyone plays a role in making our competitions possible.

Child Safety

Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) has a robust Child Safeguarding and Young People Policy, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to harm, abuse, and neglect of children. LAQ is committed to providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all children participating in Little Athletics, ensuring everyone involved is aware of their rights and responsibilities. This includes measures to prohibit abuse, provide opportunities for feedback, carefully screen personnel, enforce codes of conduct, and provide reporting and education procedures.

At City North, we require all coaches and members of our Committee to hold a Working with Children card (Blue Card) and we maintain the records with the state government's Organisation Blue Card Portal.

View the LAQ Child Safeguarding and Young People Policy

Code of Conduct

Parents

Be a positive role model for good sportsmanship - children learn this best from home.

Encourage your child’s participation if they are interested and ready - never force them to compete.

Celebrate effort, improvement, and enjoyment, not just results. This helps your child set healthy, realistic goals and gain confidence.

Teach your child that giving their best is as important as winning. Help them to enjoy every competition and handle outcomes with grace.

Encourage your child to play and train by the rules.

Offer support and reassurance - mistakes and losses are opportunities to learn and grow, not moments for criticism.

Remember that children play sport for their own enjoyment and development, not to fulfill adult expectations.

If you have concerns about an official’s decision, please use the appropriate channels to discuss it. Our officials are dedicated volunteers doing their best to support all young athletes.

Support a safe, positive environment - discourage and help remove any form of verbal or physical abuse from children’s sports.

Acknowledge and value the time, effort, and care provided by our volunteer officials, coaches, and committee members. They make these opportunities possible for your child.

If you have ideas on how we can make events even better, we welcome your input! We are always seeking new volunteer officials and committee members - speak to us anytime about how you can get involved!

Athletes

Child Safety