St Patrick's
School
‘Our Catholic community is committed to excellence’
Sports
Code of Conduct
Catholic schools exist to educate students within a Catholic vision of the world,
in a school where Christ is the foundation of the whole enterprise. All St
Patrick’s sporting teams exist within this context and contribute to this vision.
Sports programmes help students to develop as full human beings with wellrounded values including co-operation, dedication, self-sacrifice, self-discipline,
mutual support and encouragement, honesty, courtesy and striving for
excellence.
If our Catholic ethos is to be reflected by our sports teams’ coaches, students
and parents need to support a common vision of the purpose and behaviour of all
teams and supporters.
It is expected at St. Patrick’s that all players will:
 Demonstrate good behaviour
 Always play by the rules
 Turn up to games and practices at the set time
 Wear correct uniform
 Be respectful towards coaches and officials
 Work equally hard for themselves and the team
 Be a good sport and recognise good play whether it is made by their team
or the opposition
 Treat all players in the manner they would like to be treated
 Co-operate with the coach, team mates and opponents
 Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat
 Participate for enjoyment
 Thank the opposition and officials at the end of each game
 Notify the coach if unable to attend a game or practice
It is expected at St. Patrick’s that all parents and
supporters of St. Patrick’s teams will:
 Actively support the values expected of coaches and players
 Pay the required sports fees on time to the school or have discussed
alternative arrangements with the school
 Encourage children to play within the rules and respect officials’ and
coaches’ decisions
 Teach children to respect the efforts of their opponents
 Model fair play and applaud the performance of both teams
 Give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort
 Support children’s effort and performance
 Thank the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to
conduct the event for the children
 Help when asked by a coach or official
 Speak directly to the coach if there are issues or concerns, at all times
behaving and speaking in an appropriate manner
It is expected at St. Patrick’s that all coaches will:
 Model responsible behaviour
 Treat all players with dignity and respect at all times
 Remember that players participate for enjoyment and winning is only part
of the fun
 Encourage players with positive comments
 Operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach players to do
the same
 Ensure that the time players spend with them is a positive experience.
 Ensure that all players are given equal attention and opportunities
regardless of ability level
 Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are
appropriate to the age and ability of all players
 Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with sport
including opponents, referees, coaches, officials, administrators, the
media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same
 Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players and follow the
advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready
to recommence training or competition
 Attend all games and practices and notify the school of cancellations. If
you are to be absent make alternative arrangements for the team.
What to do if there is an issue or a problem?
Sporting activities provide an excellent area for the development of the whole
person, in particular for the development of our school values in action. Our
sports coaches are all volunteers who give up their time to work with our
students. It is very important that we support them as much as we can. If
there are any issues, they need to be resolved amicably and cordially through
the appropriate channels.
If you have any concerns or problems please speak with the coach of the team
first and if the matter is not resolved then speak with:
- Michelle Beaver – Sports co-ordinator or
- Alyson Potter – Leader of the school PE team
If you are still not satisfied please contact the Principal, Steve Wheeler.
Updated April 2015