ROSE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS POLICY
GUIDELINES, INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE FOR PARTICIPATING IN SPORT
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
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Objectives
MANAGEMENT
2.1
Role of Sports Sub-Committee
2.2
Role of Sports Co-ordinators
2.3
Role of Coaches
SPORTING CODES OF CONDUCT
3.1
Players Code
3.2
Parents & Spectators Code
3.3
Umpires, Referees & Officials Code
3.4
Teachers Code
3.5
Coaches Code
SAFETY, FIRST AID & INJURY PROCEDURE
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
WEATHER POLICY
TROPHIES & ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
TRANSPORT
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
FEES and REGISTRATIONS
INSURANCE
SELECTION POLICY FOR SAPSASA DISTRICT TRIALS
PRE SEASON FORMS & SPORTS INFORMATION
AGE REQUIREMENTS
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS & SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
EQUAL ABILITY TEAMS
OUTSIDE REGISTRATIONS
MODIFIED RULES
MEDICAL COVER FOR INJURY
MEDICAL FORM
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
FOREWORD
We all want our children to enjoy and benefit from their school experience and for most children participating in
sport is central to this.
For this to happen parent/caregivers and students need to be fully informed about the sports that are played both
as part of the school curriculum and as part of the extra curriculum.
There are many sporting opportunities for participation and involvement available here at Rose Park Primary for
teachers, students, parents, caregivers and other members of the community interested in assisting children to play
and enjoy sport.
In fact without the commitment and dedication of these people our children would not be able to enjoy the
wide variety of sporting opportunities open to them through the SAPSASA (South Australian Primary Schools
Amateur Sports Association) program.
Many people each year accept the wide ranging responsibilities which go along with managing, transporting,
coaching and spectating at games, practices and matches.
This policy outlines the opportunities, responsibilities and commitment required by players, organisers and spectators
and we invite you and your children to read and discuss this information together.
The school firmly believes our children will benefit greatly from a comprehensive understanding of the rules,
expectations and requirements of playing sport at primary school.
Above all this will lead to a greater enjoyment of sport by everyone involved and a strengthening and development
of our school’s community.
1. OBJECTIVES
The Junior Sports Policy states that...
“Sport is a legitimate and significant activity within the school curriculum and should be
conducted within the context of sound educational practices as part of the total curriculum”.
Therefore at Rose Park Primary School our objectives for after hours/SAPSASA sport are:

To provide opportunities for all children (who qualify by age) to participate in sport regardless of ability.
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To provide suitable programs for the teaching of skills and preparation for competition.
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To provide suitably qualified coaches and leaders.
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To provide for all children a safe, healthy and friendly sporting environment that encourages a sense of
personal achievement identity and satisfaction.
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To provide for all children a sporting environment that encourages enjoyment, the development of self
esteem and confidence.

To provide the opportunity for all children to become aware of and to understand the meaning of fair play.

To encourage co-operation through the development of team skills.

To provide opportunities for children with special needs.

To ensure where possible that girls and boys are given an equal opportunity and encouragement to
participate in sport.
As a result of Sports Policy from SAPSASA, Junior Primary children are encouraged to participate in skills learning
but it is preferred that they wait until they are older (year 3 or in
8th year) before they take part in competitive sports.
A co-ordination program at Rose Park screens Junior Primary children in particular and provides poorly coordinated children programs to improve their skills so that they can participate in P.E. and sporting activities.
2.
MANAGEMENT
2.1
ROLE OF AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS COMMITTEE (ASSC)
 The ASSC reports directly to the Governing Council
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 The committee oversee management and coaching of all teams and equipment and is responsible for the
general management of school sport.
 Meetings are held regularly and reports made to Governing Council
 The budget is determined by the needs of sporting teams and the Principal.
 The ASSC regularly reviews the Sports Policy of Rose Park.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
REPORTING STRUCTURE
1. Players and their parents take concerns / ideas/ interests direct to their team coach or manager
2. Team coaches and managers take their matters to the appointed coordinator for their designated sport
3. Designated sport coordinators take matters to the ASSC
4. ASSC liaises between Principal, School SAPSASA reps and various external sporting organisations.
ROLE STATEMENTS (SUMMARIES)
All
- Be familiar with the school’s policies on after school sport, and support their ongoing development
- Ensure a balance between competition and participation so every student who chooses has the opportunity
to play sport for the school and aspire to their potential within their chosen fields
ASSC (After School Sports Committee)
- Manage the selection of the designated sport coordinators and their role induction
- Support designated sport coordinators with the appointment of team coaches and managers
- Liaise with the school and SAPSASA reps to ensure players are exposed to all opportunity to compete in
SAPSASA events
- Support designated sport coordinators in the initial organisation and structures of their teams, including
supporting the process of registration
- Lead the organisation and management of the sports presentation night
- Assist with the timely distribution of correspondence for each sport
- Oversee the management of sporting team equipment, and through the school coordinate the purchase of
new and replacement equipment.
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Receive reports from designated sport coordinators on the operation of each sport and make reports and
recommendations re developments for AS sport
Undertake the content management role for the rpps.org website
Provide a list of names to Governing Council for all sport coaches and manages and oversee their police
screening process
Designated sport coordinators
- To act as liaison between team coaches and managers and the school sports coordinator
- Build and maintain close communications with the designated sport’s team coaches and managers and act as
a first point of call for all matters relating to each team
- Undertake liaison and attend meetings with external sport organisations to ensure team registration is
completed and any organisational change to matches and fixtures is acknowledged
- Supervise the distribution, maintenance and care of all the equipment designated to the sport including first
aid kits, and liaise with the sports coordinator for new and replacement equipment
- Undertake responsibility for the selection of volunteer coaches and mangers for each team
- Ensure through team coaches and managers that timely information is provided on match fixtures, match day
requirements and cancellations
- Support the process of registration of players for the given sport within the allocated timeframes
- Develop documentation to support the ongoing growth of the designated sport coordinator position for the
given sport, and provide this as a handover to the next sport coordinator
Team Coaches and managers
- support the registration of players within the given timeframes
- liaise with the designated sport coordinator for the general overseeing and management of the given team
- Develop documentation for the role of team coach as a handover to the next team coach
Player and parents
- Register for the chosen sport within the given timeframe
- Ensure that any inability to play is communicated as soon as possible in advance directly to the team coach
or manager
- Care for the school sporting equipment
SAPSASA Reps
- provide all feasible opportunity for students to compete representing Rose Park Primary in SAPSASA events
- liaise with the ASSC and through the designated sports coordinators for the selection of students to try out
for district representation
The School
- oversee the role and operations of school sport though the Governing Council and ASSC
- Act as the final arbitrator of disputes and overall final authority on matters relating to the successful
operation of after school sport
3.
SPORTING CODES OF CONDUCT
3.1
PLAYERS CODE
 Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
 Play by the rules.
 Never argue with the Umpire’s decisions. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions.
 Control your temper - no ‘mouthing off’, breaking sticks, throwing bats or other equipment.
 Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
 Be a good sport. Cheer all good play, whether your team’s or your opponent’s.
 Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage
of any player.
 Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
 Don’t be a show-off or always try to get the most points or penalties.
 Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents, for without them, you don’t have a game.
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CONSEQUENCES FOR PLAYERS
No uniform - no play.
Coaches are expected to remove players for unacceptable behaviour.
Consequences of non attendance at training will be at coaches’ discretion.
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 In instances of repeated unacceptable behaviour, coaches may suspend players for up to 2 matches.
 Any potential suspensions must be discussed with the Liaison Teacher or Principal before any action is taken.
 Further disciplinary action for more serious breaches of behaviour is decided by the Principal in consultation with
the Liaison Teacher, coach and parents.
3.2
PARENTS & SPECTATORS CODE
 Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
 Remember, children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
 Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
 Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without
undue disappointment.
 Turn a defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and development of good
sporting qualities.
 Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
 Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by the opposing team.
 Show respect for your team’s opponents, without them there would be no game.
 Do not publicly question the umpire’s judgement and never their honesty.
 Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
 Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide
recreational activities for your child.
 Support participation by attending matches whenever possible.
 Ensure prompt delivery to, and collection of children from all practices and games.
CONSEQUENCES FOR PARENTS & SPECTATORS
 Coach or team official to informally remind Parent or Spectator of Code Of Behaviour.
 In instances of repeated unacceptable behaviour, action to be taken will be decided by Principal and Sports
Sub-Committee.
3.3
UMPIRES, REFEREES & OFFICIALS CODE
 Modify rules, laws and regulations to match the skills levels of the children and their needs.
 Commend all participants on their efforts.
 Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling infractions or non-observances of rules, laws and regulations of
the game.
 Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
 Ensure that the ‘spirit of the game’ is not lost by using common sense and not over-emphasising errors.
 Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of good sporting behaviour.
Actions speak louder than words.
 Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of the
growth and development of children.
3.4
TEACHERS CODE
 Encourage children to develop basic skills in a wide variety of sports and discourage over specialisation in one
sport or in one playing position.
 Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well as basic skills.
 Ensure that skills learning and appropriate sports behaviour have a higher priority over competition for young
primary school children.
 Prepare children for intra and inter school competitions by first providing instruction in the basic sports skills.
 Develop in children an awareness of the physical fitness values of sports and their life-long recreational value.
 Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of the
growth and development of children.
 Help children understand the fundamental differences between the junior games competition they play and
professional sport.
 Help children understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair
play.
 Avoid the use of offensive and/or derogatory language based on gender and deal decisively with incidents
involving students and/or parents using such inappropriate language.
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3.5
COACHES CODE
 Be reasonable in your demands on children’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
 Teach your players that the rules or laws of the sport are mutual agreements which no-one should evade or
break.
 Whenever possible, group players to give everyone a reasonable chance of being successful.
 Avoid overplaying the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.
 Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of their motivation.
 Never ridicule or yell at the children for making what you consider to be a mistake or for losing a game or
competition.
 Take into consideration the physical, social and emotional development level of the children, when scheduling
and determining the length of practice times and competition.
 Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of
the children involved.
 Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of the officials and opposing
coaches.
 Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or
competition involvement.
 Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of the
growth and development of children.
 Avoid the use offensive and/or derogatory language based on gender and deal decisively with incidents
involving students and/or parents using such inappropriate language.
COACHES DUTY OF CARE
 The Coach is responsible for the safety of children during practices and games/matches. By law, he/she is
responsible to take ‘all reasonable care’.
 After matches Coaches are to remain with waiting children until collected by a Parent or Carer or leave them in
the care of a responsible adult.
4.
SAFETY, FIRST AID & INJURY PROCEDURE
DUTY OF CARE
 All parents who become involved with any sport in an official role have a ‘Duty of Care’ to discharge. The
nature of this Duty of Care can never be fully specified but includes any action taken for the proper care and
protection of the child while engaged in sporting activities.
 Never leave any child alone at the end of a match/training session while they wait for the arrival of their
parent/carer.
 No child is allowed to leave any sporting venue unless accompanied by their parent/carer unless prior
arrangements have been made.
 All coaches/ managers are covered by Vicarious Liability if they have discharged properly their Duty of Care.
 While transporting children in a car, all children must wear seatbelts.
 Each sports group is responsible for the provision and upkeep of First Aid Kits which must be on hand for all
practices and games/matches.
 Coaches or managers to report to appropriate Sports Co-ordinator when first aid kit needs replenishing.
 All coaches and supervisors, including parents and teachers, should be encouraged to have a current First Aid
Certificate.
 Children with open wounds are to be removed from play immediately. The wound should be cleaned and
covered (gloves should be worn) before the child may re-enter the game.
 Minor first aid can be administered. For serious cases call the St John Ambulance who will assess the condition
of the child. Contact the parents.
 The legal requirements of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare state that at least one person in attendance
at a venue must have a current First Aid Certificate.
 Parents should be notified in writing of all times and places of training and competition and of the necessary
travel arrangements.
 In case of an accident the manager or person in charge is responsible for notifying the parents and arranging
appropriate treatment for the child.
 The Liaison Teacher and Principal will be informed of any accident.
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 Individual sports groups are responsible for developing guidelines for procedures when the weather is
unsuitable. These guidelines are to be approved by School Council Sports Sub-Committee.
 Coaches will be advised by school and parents of any child with specific medical condition (e.g. asthma,
diabetes) on an authorised school medical form.
 No child will participate in any sport until the Coach is in receipt of a Medical Form appropriately completed
and signed by parent/guardian.
 Coaches are responsible for ensuring that all sports equipment is safe and that children wear appropriate
protective equipment.
 Coaches should encourage the use of ‘Sunscreen’ and hats according to the school policy.
 Principal to arrange for a St John Ambulance Policy for students involved in authorised school activities.
 Parents should check with the appropriate coach regarding the necessity of mouth guards for specific sports. If
required it is recommended that parents discuss this with their family dentist or the School Dental Service.
5.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Disputes and complaints should be directed, initially, to the Sports Co-ordinator for that specific sport. Should the
designated sport sub-coordinator be unable to resolve the matter, it will be referred to the School Sports
coordinator.
If necessary, matters can be taken to the School Principal as the final arbitrator.
6.
WEATHER POLICY
Determining whether or not conditions are suitable for practice is not easy and so the following policies are made to
clarify the situation for parents, players and coaches.
 HOT WEATHER
When the forecast maximum on the morning radio is 35º(as stated in The Advertiser Newspaper that morning) or
over practices will not be held (see Sun Smart Policy). Hats will be worn in Term 1 and 4. For Saturday morning
matches, the decision to cancel or modify the game should be made at the ground by the opposing coaches.
 WET WEATHER
After Hours sports practices will not be cancelled due to wet weather until the coach arrives and makes that decision.
Should it be raining or the conditions be dangerous, putting children at risk, practice will be cancelled and the
children will remain with the coach until the end of the designated practice session. Parents are encouraged to
collect their children early if the weather is poor.
 Children will go to Out of Hours Care if the coach is unable to attend training.
7.
TROPHIES & ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
 Participation is the focus of Primary Sport thus the achievement of all children who participate can be
recognised via a participation award such as a medal or trophy.
 Trophies/awards to be given to each child who participated.
 Trophies/awards to be decided by individual sports.
 Sport’s fee may/may not include a component to fully cover the cost of trophies/awards.
 Cost to be approved in consultation with parents.
8.
TRANSPORT
 All people and vehicles carrying children to and from sporting events must be covered with an appropriate
comprehensive insurance policy.
 Only suitably qualified people should be permitted to drive. This excludes those with L or P plates.
 All vehicles being used must have seat belts for every child with the driver ensuring that they are worn.
 If there are insufficient vehicles to transport the children in a safe manner, then the competition must be
abandoned.
 Consent forms must be signed by parent/guardian at the start of the season.
9.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
 Uniforms on loan from the School must only be worn for matches.
 Children will be issued with uniforms for the duration of the season and parents will be expected to launder
them and keep them in good repair.
 Uniforms should not be altered in any way.
 Coaches should collect uniforms at the completion of the season and inform the Sports Co-ordinator of any nonreturns or damaged uniforms.
 Children not wearing the designated uniform will not be permitted to play.
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Personal protective equipment is encouraged and is the responsibility of the parents.
Team equipment is the responsibility of the coach.
An inventory of all kits and equipment should be undertaken at the end of each season.
10.
FEES and REGISTRATIONS
 To be set by Designated Sports Sub-Co-ordinators in consultation School sports coordinator and approved by
School Council Sports Sub-Committee.
 Fees must be set at a level to ensure the group’s continued financial viability but not to be exclusionary.
 Each group must provide a budget for the year.
 All children participating in a sport must pay fees prior to commencement of the season unless otherwise
negotiated.
Registration
 Each sporting group will set a registration period and all interested players need to register before closing dates
 Registration is not completed until payment is made
 A one-off registration fee is available for students to be eligible to play all the sports on offer, or individual sport
registrations can be made.
 Registration can now be completed on line at www.rpps.org
 From time to time, students new to the school who arrive post registration will be offered positions in sporting
teams
 Registering early enables coaches and coordinators to ensure there are enough teams to cater for all players and
that the teams can be developed fairly and equally.
 Students requesting after the close of registration period may be denied the opportunity to join a team and each
case will be judged on its individual merits.
11.
INSURANCE
 As set out in the Administrative Guidelines.
 Insurance cover is authorised through the Governing Council as undertaking a designated school activity.
 All Sports need to be under the umbrella of ASSC
12.
SELECTION POLICY FOR SAPSASA DISTRICT TRIALS
 Team sports will be limited to children in their 11th plus year of age, while individual sports such as swimming,
athletics and cross country may be open to students in their 10th year, also.
 Students will be nominated by the School SAPSASA representative and/or Principal after consultation with the
Coach and the Co-ordinator of the sport.
 Where appropriate and practicable, a pre-selection trial may be held.
 All children from their 10th year onwards are invited to complete a form at the beginning of the year indicating:
- the sport in which they are interested
- willingness to accept billets if chosen
- willingness to pay necessary expenses for involvement
- willingness of parents to assist with transport and organisation.
 The school supports all SAPSASA sports offered during the year. It is up to parents and students to decide the
number of sports in which they wish to participate.
 The school SAPSASA representative will meet with the Principal and/or Deputy Principal in the first week of
Term 1 or as soon as the year’s program arrives, to prepare for coming events.
 As soon as the SAPSASA calendar is known, a copy will be distributed to parents of students who have indicated
an interest (as above).
 Should any of the issues raised above create a difficulty for parents, they should contact the Principal or Deputy
Principal for support/discussion/negotiation.
 The school recognises the rights of parents of students, not identified by the above selection process, to
negotiate attendance at district selection sessions with the district coach.
 The school reserves the right to express a viewpoint to the district selection panel on the individual merits of each
child.
13.
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PRE-SEASON FORMS & SPORTS INFORMATION
Registration must be completed by the due date or else the child may be refused permission to register. Registration
is only complete with the payment of forms. Information regarding registration details is found on the school’s
website at www.rpps.org
14.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
All children are required to participate in their year group or age group as defined by the sport’s rules. Promotion
to a higher age group can only occur under exceptional circumstances. Approval must be obtained from the Sports
Co-ordinator.
15.
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS & SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
The school encourages children to participate in Local Associations and does not preclude children from playing for
such associations. It aims to set up sporting associations in co-operation rather than in competition to local bodies.
16.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Sport Equal Opportunities Policies will be followed i.e. - Where we cannot form teams due to insufficient
numbers, school nearby may be approached to field composite teams.
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Participation in games must be encouraged. To achieve this it will be necessary to rotate all members of the team
(including better, more skilled players).
In sports teams where players need to be loaned to an opposition team this should be done on a rotational basis.
17.
EQUAL ABILITY TEAMS
Where the school enters two teams in the same age group/year level competition every effort should be made to
ensure the teams are of equal ability. In some cases this may involve re-organisation after the season has
commenced. This re-organisation is to be done by the coaches of such teams jointly with the Sports Co-ordinator.
18.
OUTSIDE REGISTRATIONS
Children not attending Rose Park Primary School should only be allowed to register for a team if there are
insufficient numbers to form a team. Once registered, children are to be treated equally throughout the sport’s
season. Permission to play sport for Rose Park Primary rests solely with the Principal and this permission must be
obtained prior to the student participating.
19.
MODIFIED RULES
The school supports the introduction of modified rules as determined by the Junior Sports Policy.
20.
MEDICAL COVER FOR INJURY
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their child is covered for injury. The School accepts no responsibility for
injury of a child in School Sport.
21.
MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM
A medical information form MUST be completed for each child participating in any sporting activity prior to the
commencement of the season as part of the registration process. These forms must be kept in an accessible place
during practice and match times by the team coach or manager.
22. BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
Coach’s and managers are under the expectation to supervise students in a proper and appropriate manner, and
students are under the same expectation to perform appropriately for the coach and team. In matters of
inappropriate and persistent poor behaviour, it would be expected that the player is provided a warning, and
should that waring not be heeded, the school needs to be informed. Coaches and managers do not have a
behaviour management role with their teams other than the general expectations of students giving the proper
courtesy and respect.
23. PHOTOGRAPHY
A number of issues have been raised in recent times regarding digital photography. While the school is not
implementing a policy of banning photography, there are precautions to which we will adhere:
- Coaches can observe adults taking photos to be comfortable they are parents of the school or opposition team
- Any photo identified for loading to the website will in the main be longer distance and/or group photos
- The school will edit photos on the web as deemed necessary
- The web will not contain names to directly link or identify players in photos.
Different organisations e.g. SANTOS stadium, the Netball Association, will have their own rules for photos at their
venues and their policy supersedes the Rose Park Primary policy.
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