Clarkson Soccer Club - Mississauga, ON

Fair play is an attitude, a way of thinking. It can be taught and it can be learned. Once it's learned, it can apply to every aspect of a person's life. That's why fair play is so important and that's why all of us are responsible.

At Fair Play Canada we believe that the fair play philosophy becomes reality through the creation of a more ethical sport system, one that is democratic, open to all Canadians, and grounded in the principles of integrity, fairness and respect. Through sport, athletes learn about setting goals, working hard and having fun. They learn to respect their own abilities, and those of their competitors, and to value the effort of all participants, regardless of ability. When guided appropriately, athletes begin to realize that the joy of sport is as much in the effort as in the result.

Developing a more ethical sport system means addressing tough issues like violence and equity. In turn, both of those issues include difficult areas such as sexual harassment, the principles of team selection and participant involvement. Through fair play resources, advocacy, communications and training, we're working with partners at the national, provincial and municipal levels to create an atmosphere in which Coaches, athletes, administrators and educators can make every athlete's sport experience, a positive experience.

We believe in an alternative and positive sport-model, one that closes the gap between fair play as a vision and fair play as a reality. We welcome your involvement.

Everyone involved in sport – from parents and spectators to athletes, officials and Coaches – can and should play a part in promoting fair play. And the easiest way to do this is to lead by example – to always respect the written and unwritten rules of the game. It's also essential to learn how to constructively manage stress, so that fair play skills and instincts will not be 'lost' in the heat of competition. Here are some examples of how you can incorporate fair play into your sport or recreation activity.

As an athlete you have an opportunity to get the best out of sport. You can:

• Participate because you want to, not just because your parents or Coach wants you to.
• Cooperate and respect your Coach, teammates and opponents, because without them, there would be no game.
• Always try to control your temper. Competition is stressful and can provoke powerful emotions, but fighting and "mouthing off" spoil the game for everyone.

Remember that winning isn't everything – while it's great to win, it should always be fun to play.

Everyone involved in sport – from parents and spectators to athletes, officials and Coaches – can and should play a part in promoting fair play. And the easiest way to do this is to lead by example – to always respect the written and unwritten rules of the game. It's also essential to learn how to constructively manage stress, so that fair play skills and instincts will not be 'lost' in the heat of competition. Here are some examples of how you can incorporate fair play into your sport or recreation activity.

As a Coach you are a role model and leader and have significant impact on yur athletes' attitudes. You can:

• Encourage your team to respect the opposing team and the rules of the game, to accept the judgements of officials and opposing Coaches without argument.
• Teach your players how to manage conflict and stress, and use good judgement in tough situations.
• Avoid overplaying talented players and allow average players equal playing time.
• Remember that children need a Coach they can respect. Be generous with praise and set a good example.
   

Everyone involved in sport – from parents and spectators to athletes, officials and Coaches – can and should play a part in promoting fair play. And the easiest way to do this is to lead by example – to always respect the written and unwritten rules of the game. It's also essential to learn how to constructively manage stress, so that fair play skills and instincts will not be 'lost' in the heat of competition. Here are some examples of how you can incorporate fair play into your sport or recreation activity.

As a parent, you have a significant impact on how your child feels about his or her achievements in sport, and in all aspects of life. You can:

• Avoid forcing your child to participate in a sport, and remember that your child is playing for his/her enjoyment, not yours.
• Discuss fair play issues openly with your child. Encourage him/her to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Help them understand that violence is unacceptable in professional sports.
• Teach your child that although it is fun to win, trying hard and doing one's best is really the "name of the game." Never ridicule or get angry at you child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Offer constructive advice and assurance that continues effort will make for improved performance the next time out.
• Remember that children learn best by example. Be a supportive and fair spectator. Applaud good plays by members of both teams.

Player's Code

1. Play for the fun of it; not just to please your parents or Coach
2. Play by the rules
3. Never argue with the officials' decisions.  Let your captain or Coach ask any necessary questions
4. Control you temper – no "mouthing off' , breaking sticks, throwing bats or other equipment
5. Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team's performance will benefit and so will your own
6. Be a good sport.  Cheer all good plays, whether your team's or your opponents
7. Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated.  Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player
8. 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.
9. Cooperate with your Coach, teammates and opponents, for without them you don's have a game.

1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports
2. Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
3. Encourage you child always to play by the rules
4. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment
5. Turn defeat to victory by helping your child work towards an improvement and good sportsmanship.  Never ridicule or get angry at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition
6. Remember that children learn best by example.  Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team
7. Do not publicly question the officials' judgement and neither their honesty
8. Support all effects to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities
9. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer Coaches.  They give of their time and resources to provide recreation activities for your child.

Reprinted, with permission, from The Canadian Council on Children and Youth.