Fair Play Policy

ST. MARGARET'S BAY MINOR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Fair Play Policy 2024-25 Fall/Winter Season

St. Margaret's Bay Minor Basketball Association will follow the Fair and Safe Play Program policies and procedures accredited by Canada Basketball the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission.

SLAM believes in fostering the development of its members, coaches, officials, parents and especially the athletes. Fair Play by definition is based on three main principles - INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS and RESPECT.

**Fair Play does not refer to equal playing time**

It is expected that everyone involved with SLAM will uphold the Fair Play Policies that we have adopted.

The principals of fair play in sport combine integrity, fairness, and respect. These principals include:

• Respect the rules.
• Respect the officials and their decisions.
• Respect your opponent.
• Maintain self-control at all times.
  
  With fair play, everybody wins. If fair play is used in sport, all participants can stay focused on essentials of the sport - not just on winning, but on performing well and having fun.
  
  AS A COACH
  
  Every Child's Experience in sport should be a positive one. While winning is the preferred outcome in sporting competitions, the goal of St. Margaret's Bay Minor Basketball Association is to ensure that athletes learn skills, develop confidence, and have fun.
  
  FAIR PLAY CODE FOR COACHES: 
   
• I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, and opponents.
• I will ensure that all athletes are provided with equal instruction and support.
• I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or performing poorly.
• I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to help boost their confidence levels.
• I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' age and abilities.
• I will remember that children need a coach that they can respect.
• I will be generous with praise and set a positive example.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills and abilities.
  
  AS AN ATHLETE
  
  You are responsible for your actions and should set an example for your fellow athletes by following the fair play code for athletes.
  
  FAIR PLAY CODE FOR ATHLETES: 
   
• I will participate in sport because I want to, not because my parents or coaches want me to.
• I will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game.
• I will control my temper - Fighting and "Mouthing Off" can spoil the activity for everyone.
• I will respect my opponents.
• I will do my best to be a true team player.
• I will remember that winning isn't everything. Having fun, improving my skills, making friends, and doing my best are also very important.
• I will acknowledge all good plays and performances, by my teammates and my opponents.
• I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
  
  AS A PARENT
  
  You play an important role in the development of fair pay. You set an example for your child, therefore, you should follow the fair play code and encourage them to do so as well.
  
  FAIR PLAY CODE FOR PARENTS: 
   
• I will not force my child to participate in sports.
• I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
• I will encourage my child to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
• I will make my child feel like a winner every game/event by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
• I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good pays and performances by both my child's team and their opponents.
• I will never question the officials' judgement or honesty in public.
• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
• I will respect and show appreciation for volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.
  
  AS A SPECTATOR
  
  Your conduct must be bound by law, respect for property and the rights of others to enjoy the game. Therefore, the following fair play code for spectators should be practiced.
  
  FAIR PLAY CODE FOR SPECTATORS: 
• I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.
• I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
• I will respect the officials' decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.
• I will never ridicule and athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
• I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and officials.
• I will show respect for my teams opponents, because without them there would be no game.
• I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
  
  AS A LEAGUE ORGANIZER
  
  You are responsible for a lot of behind the scenes work. You organize schedules, ensure the rules are enforced and communicate league information with coaches, parents, and players. You also play and important role in creating an atmosphere that encourages fair and safe play.
  
  FAIR PLAY CODE FOR LEAGUE ORGANIZERS: 
   
• I will do my best to see that all children are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background, or race.
• I will absolutely discourage any sport program from becoming primarily entertainment for the spectators.
• I will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities.
• I will make sure that the age and maturity level of the children are considered in program development, rule enforcement, and scheduling.
• I will remember that the athletes play for their own sake and that winning should be kept in proper perspective.
• I will distribute the fair play code to coaches, athletes, officials, parents, spectators, and media.
• I will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills.
  
  St. Margaret's Bay Minor Basketball Association supports Fair & Safe Play. Fair & Safe Play not only applies to Coaches and Players, but also Parents, Spectators, and League Administrators. We feel confident that this policy not only improves our league, but instills valuable life skills upon our youth for many years to come such as, teamwork, cooperation, tolerance, respect, honesty, integrity, as well as many others that can be used in other aspects of life. To be successful depends on YOU, and everyone involved with the organization to embrace, and follow the guidelines set down within the program.
  
  Fair Play in Nova Scotia Means:
  
  Respect at all times for participants, coaches, officials, class-mates, team-mates, parents, spectators, opponents, administrators, and, volunteers.
  Sportsmanship prior to, during, and following an activity, demonstrating modesty in victory and composure in defeat.
  Knowledge of all rules whether written or unwritten and following the spirit of all rules. Access for all to participate, regardless of age, gender, race, or level of skill.
  Participation in a manner that demonstrates more than just the desire to win. Having fun, making friends, improving skills, and performing your personal best must be just as important when participating. By following the goals and ideals of the Fair & Safe Play program, our league will not only be a great place to enjoy the game of Basketball, but will also play an important role in developing future citizens of our community.
  
  FAIR PLAY We all have a part to play !
  
  
  Updated November 18th, 2024