Code of Conduct

A.1 — Sportsmanship

Play hard and play clean. Respect your opponents, the officials and the game itself. Taunting, trash talk and deliberately aggressive play have no place in this league, regardless of the scoreline.

A.2 — Respect

Treat teammates, opponents and officials with respect at all times. That means no derogatory language, no physical retaliation, and accepting an official's decision even when you disagree with it. Composure when things aren't going your way is part of the sport.

A.3 — Substances

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are prohibited at all league games and team activities. Any player found under the influence will not be permitted to play and may face further disciplinary action.

B.1 — You set the tone

Your players take their lead from you. How you speak to officials, opponents and your own bench becomes how they speak. Model the behaviour you want to see.

B.2 — Duty of care

You are responsible for the safety, development and conduct of your team. That includes making sure players are properly prepared and equipped, and that everyone on your roster understands the league's rules.

B.3 — Respect for opponents

Teach your players to respect the team across from them. Compete hard, compete within the rules, and don't run up a scoreline to make a point.

B.4 — Respect for officials

Officials are part of the game. Do not argue with, harass or attempt to intimidate them. If you have a legitimate concern, raise it through the league, not across the floor.

B.5 — Respect for league staff

Table officials, conveners and venue staff keep the season running. Treat them accordingly.

B.6 — Responsibility for your bench

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their entire team, including their spectators. If a supporter connected to your team is behaving unacceptably, you may be asked to address it.

C.1 — Your behaviour matters

You shape the experience for every child in the gym. Support your team loudly and positively; never at the expense of the other one.

C.2 — Respect for players

Every player on the floor is a kid still learning the game. Negative comments directed at any player — on either team — are unacceptable.

C.3 — Never approach another child

Spectators must not approach, confront or address any athlete who is not their own child, before, during or after a game. Concerns about a player or a team go to that team's coach or to the league — never to the child.

C.4 — Let coaches coach

Avoid shouting instructions or criticising coaching decisions from the stands. Conflicting instruction from the sideline makes it harder for players, not easier.

C.5 — Respect for officials

Do not argue with or harass officials. Many are young and developing in the role, exactly like the players.

C.6 — Respect the venue

Our venues are borrowed. Follow facility rules, stay in designated areas, clean up after yourself, and report any problem to venue or league staff.

D.1 — Spectator process

Conveners and officials may remove a spectator for unsportsmanlike conduct. In most cases a coach will first be asked to speak with the individual. If the behaviour continues, or a coach declines to assist, the spectator will be required to leave. Refusal to leave may result in a forfeit for that team.

D.2 — Fighting

Anyone judged by an official or league staff to have instigated a fight receives an automatic three-game suspension. A second such incident means removal from the league.

D.3 — Ejections

A player or coach ejected from a game receives an automatic one-game suspension. A second ejection carries a three-game suspension. A third means removal from the league.

D.4 — Review

Serious incidents, disputes and any conduct issue not covered above are referred to the league for review, and sanctions are determined there.