Sydney Coastal Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Code of Conduct Trials
Sydney Coastal Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) Code of Conduct is to be signed by all students and parents/caregivers who participate in any PSSA activities including carnivals, team sports and representative trials. The values of PSSA sport are about participation, skill development and enjoyment. PSSA officials and coaches are school teachers, not professional coaches, who do their best to ensure that all children are given the chance to participate and reach their full potential in a safe sporting environment. All students, schools, coaches, parents and spectators are expected to abide by the following code of conduct to ensure all participants achieve their best.
Student's Code of Conduct
I agree to:
Not argue with the official and accept all decisions;
Not use any offensive language or gestures towards anyone else;
Conduct myself with dignity and respect;
Obey the instructions of the teacher/official in charge of the event at all times;
Show good sportsmanship in both victory and defeat;
Stay in supervised areas, unless competing or marshalling;
Listen carefully to all announcements being made;
Enjoy myself at sport.
Should I break this code of conduct I am prepared to accept both the responsibility for and the consequences resulting from my actions at sport. These include:
Possibly missing my scheduled events;
Possible suspension from future sporting events;
Accepting consequences in line with my school's code of conduct and the Department of Education's code of conduct
Schools Responsibilities
The school will agree to:
Ensure that first aid equipment is readily available at all PSSA events;
Provide adequate staffing supervision in line with departmental guidelines;
Clean up any area used during a PSSA activity before teams leave the premises;
Notify the PSSA executive and carnival convenor if not attending a scheduled carnival;
Regard themselves as responsible for the conduct of their supporters whether parents, friends or past students;
Supervise all students (not just those from your school) under your duty of care in attendance at PSSA carnivals;
Provide necessary information that is requested by convenor prior to carnival.
Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct
I agree to:
Remember that children participate to have fun and that the carnival is for the students not adults;
Inform the teacher/official of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child/other children;
Be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by
showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all competitors, teachers, officials and spectators during every event;
Respect the teachers/officials and their authority during carnivals and will never question, discuss or confront teachers/officials at the carnival. Any protest needs to be directed to your team manager, which must be a school teacher;
Provide a sports environment for all children that is free from drugs, smoking and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events;
Keep any pets on leashes or restrained from children.
Should I break this code of conduct I am prepared to accept both the responsibility for and the consequences resulting from my actions at sport. These include:
Being asked to leave the premises or park;
Meeting with school principal to discuss future attendance at PSSA sporting events;
Police being called and parents/spectators being charged with section 60E where teachers feel that student or teacher safety is threatened or intimidated by either verbal or physical abuse.
Officials
I agree to:
Ensure equipment/surface is safe for participation;
Ensure everyone involved including parents/spectators, understand their responsibilities regarding fair play and the Sydney Coastal PSSA code of conduct;
Encourage positive attitudes towards children's sport by emphasising fun and enjoyment, encouraging all students, setting a good example and doing your best;
Avoid any hint of criticising the officiating of a carnival, particularly in front of students or parents/spectators;
Inform students of rules and guidelines pertaining to all carnivals.
Any incidents of unfair play or inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with in line with the Department of Education's Teacher Code of Conduct under the direction of your school principal.
I have read through the attached Code of Conduct with my child and they understand their responsibilities.: *
Yes
No
Personal Injury statement
In the event of injury, no personal injury insurance cover is provided by the NSW Department of Education for students in relation to school sporting activities, physical education lessons or any other school activity. The Department's public liability cover is fault-based and limited to breaches by the Department of its duty of care to students that may result in claims for compensation.
Parents/Carers are advised to assess the level and extent of their child/ward's involvement in the sport program offered by the school, school sport zone, region and state school sport associations when deciding whether additional insurance cover is required prior to their child's involvement in the program. Personal accident insurance cover is available through normal retail outlets.
Parents/Carers who have private ambulance cover need to check whether that cover extends to interstate travel and make additional arrangements as considered appropriate.
The NSW Supplementary Sporting Injury Benefits Scheme, funded by the NSW Government, provides limited cover for serious injury resulting in the permanent loss of a prescribed faculty or the loss of use of certain prescribed parts of the body. The Supplementary Scheme does not cover medical costs or dental costs. Further information can be obtained from https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/sporting-injuries/payments/#gref. information regarding student accident insurance and private health cover is provided at: https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/file/1449.
Concussion statement and Concussion Clearance
The Australian Medical Association recommends students being symptom-free of concussion for 14 days before returning to sport. Students who have suffered a concussion within 14 days of the event, must provide written clearance from a medical practitioner prior to participating.
If your child/ward sustains a concussion, or experiences any concussion symptoms, in the 14 days period prior to the event commencing, you must report this to team officials, and a medical clearance is required in order for your child/ward to participate in the event.
Medical clearances can be attached to this consent form or can be submitted to team officials separately.
Parent/Carer acknowledgement points and sign-off
Consent should contain the following bullet points in the final sign-off in support of the 'Must have' statements. It is also recommended that an acknowledgement point also be added regarding 'Ambulance / medical treatment'.
The following bullet points relate to the additional statements required in consent. Each require a bullet point in the sign off section that parents/caregivers provide the school acknowledging the statement and its intent have been noted.
Recommended for inclusion
I can confirm that I understand that, in the event of injury, no personal injury insurance cover is provided by the NSW Department of Education for students in relation to school sporting activities, physical education lessons or any other school activity. (Personal injury statement)
I acknowledge that if my child/ward sustains a concussion, or experiences any concussion symptoms, in the 14-day period prior to the event commencing, I am required to report this to team officials. I further acknowledge that, should this occur, my child/ward will only be permitted to participate in the event, if a medical clearance is provided. (Concussion statement)
It is recommended that the points below are also added to provide clear information to parents/carers, that addresses no pre-existing injury or illness preventing participation in sport or physical activity, and that if needed, medical care will be provided at the parent/carers' cost.
Ambulance/medical treatment
I affirm that, to the best of my knowledge, my child/ward has no medical condition or injury that places him/her at risk by participating in this sport activity.
In the event of any accident or illness, I authorise the obtaining, on my behalf, of an ambulance and any such medical assistance that my child/ward my require. I accept full responsibility for expenses incurred.