Research1 shows that children and young people are more likely to accept inappropriate behaviour, the more they are exposed to it.
Promoting positive behaviour
Being consistent in how positive behaviour is reinforced and how inappropriate behaviours are addressed, shows a clear commitment to creating a safe sporting environment for all.
This consistency also helps children and young people understand expectations and ensures that responses to behaviour are fair, consistent and aligned with a sport’s values.
Actively encouraging positive behaviour is essential.
Reinforcing good behaviour helps children and young people learn what is expected and reduces the likelihood of harm.
The goal:
Create an environment where positive behaviours are the norm, and inappropriate behaviour is addressed early and proactively.
Sporting organisations should be clear about:
- Their standards, values and expectations for behaviour
- The role everyone plays in creating a safe and respectful environment – including children and young people, parents, coaches, officials and administrators
- Which behaviours are encouraged and which behaviours are not acceptable
- How concerns can be raised and addressed.
Sporting organisations should also consistently:
- Actively reinforce positive behaviour
- Address inappropriate behaviour early and consistently
- Support parents to actively lead and take responsibility for their child’s behaviour
- Provide clear, accessible and safe ways for children and young people to raise concerns.
Implementing a Code of Conduct
Children and young people need clear guidance on how they are expected to behave in sport.
A Code of Conduct is critical for setting expectations and for driving the culture of the club.
It provides consistent standards for behaviour, supports positive participation and reinforces your sport’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment.
Sports can help children and young people to understand their Code of Conduct by:
- Engaging them in discussions and activities that promote and reinforce the Code of Conduct
- Using their language in supplementary resources
- Communicating expected behaviours regularly
- Breaking it down into smaller messages
- Celebrating positive behaviours
- Engaging parents and families to reinforce positive behaviours
- Creating safe reporting channels to raise concerns and ask for help
- Being accountable – everyone, including adults, is expected to follow the rules.
Addressing poor behaviour
When addressing poor behaviour, involving the parent or carer is essential.
Their engagement helps the child and their family understand:
- what is acceptable
- reinforces consistent expectations, and:
- supports the development of positive behaviours within the sporting environment.
Important notes:
- If the behaviour between two young people includes one who is in a position of authority over the other young person (e.g. a coach), the behaviour should be addressed under the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
- If a child or young person is displaying behaviour that is not age-appropriate, this may suggest underlying concerns and may need further monitoring and escalation.
Examples of behaviours and how sports can respond
Type |
Examples |
Possible responses/action |
|---|---|---|
Appropriate |
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Inappropriate |
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Problematic |
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Abusive |
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Tips for responding to inappropriate behaviour
Sports should address and correct inappropriate behaviour as soon as practical and remove any immediate or ongoing risk.
- Work with the parent or carer to help the child understand what happened and support positive behaviour change
- Make a record of the incident and response and involve the MPIO or child safety officer if needed
- Any action should be fair, proportionate, consistent and in line with the sport’s policies and codes
- Explain decisions and consequences to the child or young person and their parent or carer so they understand what happens next.
Never:
Use physical punishment, threats, humiliation, isolation, or withholding food, water, rest or toilet access, as a response.
Reporting behaviour that is inappropriate
It is essential to create a culture where children and young people feel safe to speak up about harm and abuse from adults and other children and young people.
Sports should clearly communicate in simple, age-appropriate language, information about:
- The behaviours children and young people should speak up about, including behaviour by adults and other children/young people
- Who they can speak to – the person’s name at the club
- How to report concerns to the sport, SIA or law enforcement
- What will happen after a report is made.
Your sport and SIA can help you address concerns.
Find support here:
Find the integrity support you need | Sport Integrity Australia.
Downloadable resources
Conversation starters
Start a conversation about positive behaviour in sport.
To get started, check these top tips and questions for children and young people, parents, carers and coaches, officials and sport administrators:
Top tips:
- Ask them what behaviours help them feel safer and happier in sport
- Clearly identify who they can speak to and what they can expect.
- How can you include others?
- What does respect look like on your team?
- Who would you talk to if something a peer did made you uncomfortable?
- What helps you feel safe and happy in sport?
Top tips:
- Support parents to actively lead and take responsibility for their child’s behaviour
- Recognise and acknowledge children who demonstrate positive behaviours.
- How do you celebrate your child's positive behaviour?
- How do you encourage your child to speak up?
- What would you do if your child displayed inappropriate behaviour to their peers?
- How do you model positive behaviour at sport?
Top tips:
- Communicate often at inductions, meetings, training sessions
- Address behaviour calmly and promptly
- Ensure any action is fair, proportionate and in line with policies.
- How do you reinforce positive behaviour?
- How do you involve parents when behaviour needs addressing?
- What would you do if behaviour appears harmful or escalating?
- How do you create safe reporting channels for young people?
Footnote:
- Key findings: Hear me play: Youth Perceptions of Safety in Sport Study