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, they 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. They 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.

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Click Here to see the C.L.A. Fair Play Philosophy.

Click Here for Fair Play pointer for players & parents.

 

PARENT’S ROLE

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Everyone involved in sport, from parents and spectators to athletes, officials and coaches, can and should all play a part in promoting fair play. The elements of Fair-Play are best applied when there is respect between all participants and respect for the rules and for the game. Respect must be given for it to be received:

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• The leaders and parents lead best by example.

• Rules, both of the game and of conduct, are applied at all times, in every situation and equally toward all participants.

 

Parents have significant impact on how their children feel about their achievements in sport, and in all aspects of life. Parents can help their children by supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their participation. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.

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• Be a POSITIVE role model. Applaud good plays by your child as well as good plays by the opposing team.

• Offer POSITIVE reinforcement.

• REFRAIN from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines.

• Bad sportsmanship towards the Referees during the game can lead to YOUR EXPULSION from the game venue. Yes, they can ask you to LEAVE before the game resumes.

 

Parent's Code of Conduct​

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1. Avoid forcing your child to participate in a sport, and remember that your child is playing for his/her enjoyment, not yours.

2. 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 sport.

3. Be a supportive and fair spectator. 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 your child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Offer constructive advice and assurance that continued effort will make for improved performance the next time out. Remember that children learn best by example.

4. Applaud good plays by members of both teams.

 

Fair Play Code for Parents

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1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

2. I will remember that my child plays sport for his/her enjoyment, not for mine.

3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

4. 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.

5. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.

6. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.