Code of Conduct for Triathlon Canada RTC Vancouver Parents

As adults, we increasingly want to define our rights and responsibilities. Take a few moments to reflect upon our rights and responsibilities as parents of children involved in organized sport. Do we have a code of conduct that guides our behaviour and expectations?

Our Rights

The stakeholders of sport, i.e. participants/athletes, coaches, officials and activity hosts, must:

• Act with respect for themselves – demonstrate dignity, modesty, fairness, justice, maturity, leadership, a positive attitude.
• Act with respect for others in word and in action.
• Act with respect for the environment (human and physical).
• Create a sport environment that is fun, safe, and conducive to learning.
• Respect the facilities and material to which they have access.
• Know the rules of the sport.

Our Code of Conduct as Parents

Together, as a team of parents and participants/athletes, we should identify acceptable behaviours (i.e., in the stands, on the sidelines) that demonstrate respect for others, and behaviours that promote a positive learning environment. These behaviours should be based on the values that are implied in the section “Our Rights” above.

Examples of behaviours that demonstrate respect:

For ourselves

1. Accept a mistake made by a player or an official without yelling at him/her.

2. Accept the coach’s team selection by respecting the processes used to arrive at the decision.

3. Keep sport as a healthy part of a balanced lifestyle.

4. Become a sport participant rather than a sport user.

For others

1. Do not yell instructions to the players during the game.

2. Do not initiate or reciprocate aggressive behaviour toward others (parents, spectators, officials, etc.).

3. Keep goals of a sporting experience in perspective.

For the environment

1. Establish a respectful ambiance among the spectators.

2. Support and demonstrate the values inherent to Fair Play at all times.

3. Give back to your sporting community

Reflect on these guidelines and what your role might be as a parent in upholding this code.