ceo@wrsa.org.au

Codes of Conduct
For too long community sporting clubs have had to put up with the “ugly parent syndrome” and abusive spectators. What may have been acceptable 30-40 years ago will no longer be tolerated, if a club wishes to be able to receive funding from the state government. The implementation of the state government’s Code of Conduct for Community Sport, hopes to wipe out for good, those negative

elements within community sport, and provide for a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
I can hear groups saying, “this won’t affect my club.” Wrong – it will affect your club! Take into consideration the grant opportunities your club has had the benefit of from the state government. Country Action Grants, Victalent, Our Sporting Uniform, major and minor facilities grants – there aren’t too many clubs who can say they haven’t benefitted from any one of these grants over the years.
With the Codes of Conduct for Community Sport, State Sporting Associations and clubs will have the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing the code through sport specific penalties. How should my club do this? Ensure reporting and assessment processes are in place to identify and penalise breaches of the code. These breaches include – violent and abusive behaviour towards another person, vilification of any kind, discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, religion or any other irrelevant personal characteristic, sexual harassment or intimidation, victimisation or failure to maintain a safe environment. State Sporting Associations are responsible for educating their affiliates about the Code, by way of promotion, reporting and adherence.
Clubs need to ensure they have documented policy and procedures in place, which clearly demonstrates their support for the Code, and how they would deal with any breaches. As is always the case, the majority is paying for the mistakes of the minority, and like everyone else the state government is sick of it as well, hence the reason why the Code has been derived.
If your club strives to make sure everyone enjoys their time on match day or when they walk into the stadium, then you won’t have anything to worry about. If there is an element within your club that makes life difficult, then you may wish to get a copy of the Code and include it in your next newsletter or place it in a prominent place in your clubrooms.
It’s the year 2010, not 1980, and the time has come to eradicate poor behaviour. The state government should be applauded for their support to grass roots community clubs by formulating the Code.

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