Sporting Events - Spectator Code

Dear parents /carers

Ashgate Primary School provides opportunities for children of all ages, experience and capabilities to take part in a wide range of sporting activities both in and beyond the curriculum remit.

We do open some events to support from parents and we welcome encouragement and celebration on such occasions.  It can be a moment of immense pride for children to have families and friends attend an event and recognise their participation.

Sadly, some parents and visitors find the balance between support and critique challenging; likewise there are a minority of parents who fail to understand that the volunteers and staff running such events should be respected.

These events are not the Olympics or professional sporting events, they are designed to encourage engagement, model good sporting conduct and instil pride and achievement in those taking part.  The event is for children, it is not for you.

Any parent failing to successfully meet our Spectator Code, will be removed from the event and possibly banned from future participation.

Spectator Code

• Social sport is played for the enjoyment of the sport and that of those participating.  You are the spectator, not the focus of the activity.
• Any physical or verbal (including use of foul language) altercation will not be tolerated. You will be immediately removed from the game and banned from attending our social sport competitions.
• Never argue with an official. Accept the decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability.  If you are more proficient or capable in the management of sporting events, you are free to run your own.
• Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators to obey the rules and to accept the decisions of officials.
• Be a spectator, not a coach. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
• Assume the opposition is not trying to gain an unfair competitive edge.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and welcome.
• Be actively inclusive of participation. Sport is for everyone and no one should be stopped from participating.

All forms of discrimination are unacceptable. No one should be discriminated against due to their gender, sexuality, ability, cultural background or religion.