Parent and Carer Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers

The enjoyment and safety of your child when involved in a netball activity is of paramount importance to England Netball. Every child will be encouraged and asked to ensure that their behaviour and actions meet the values and standards expected of them at all times. As parents, you are asked to support our Codes of Conduct and embrace the spirit of our game.

As a parent/carer, I will:

• Encourage my child to play within the rules and respect officials’ and coaches’ decisions.
• Ensure my child arrives in training or game kit for each training session or game.
• Support my child’s efforts and performance, give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort and learning.
• Understand that competition is about winning and losing, so results are always accepted without undue disappointment.
• Be a positive role model to my child by helping them work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
• Remember that children learn best by example; I will applaud good play by both my child’s team and their opponents.
• Thank the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time for my child and not interfere with their decisions.
• Help when asked by a coach or official.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in netball, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, or socio-economic background.
• Read the rules of the sport to understand better what I am watching and discussing with my child.
• Promote this code of conduct to other parents, carers and supporters. Support and follow the England Netball Social Media Policy and any related guidance issued by NW Panthers Netball Club
• Use WhatsApp groups, social media and other digital platforms respectfully and appropriately.
• Never engage in bullying, cyberbullying, intimidation or harassment of players, parents, coaches, officials or volunteers.
• Respect photography and video guidance and only share images of children where appropriate consent has been obtained.
• Ensure all online communication relating to netball remains respectful, safe and supportive.
• Be aware of the England Netball Safeguarding Policies and Procedures and ensure that any safeguarding or welfare concerns are reported immediately to the NW Panthers Club Safeguarding Lead.
• Understand that safeguarding concerns may also be reported directly to England Netball Safeguarding where appropriate.
• Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, I will contact the Police on 999 and/or Children’s Social Care without delay.

As a parent/carer, I will not:

• Pressure my child in any way; I know that this is their sport not mine
• Use inappropriate language, harass players, team managers, coaches, officials or other spectators
• Criticise or ridicule my child for making a mistake or losing after the game
• Force my child if they are unwilling to participate in the sport
• Arrive at a netball activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Use Social Media technology to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about an athlete, coach, official, volunteer or member of England Netball staff
• Consume illegal substances either immediately prior to or while being at a netball activity where my child is participating in the sport
• Consume alcoholic drinks or smoke either immediately prior to or while being at a netball activity where my child is participating.