Background
The following codes of conduct are intended to promote a safe, enjoyable, and satisfying experience for all participants in Gay Games VIII. All accredited participants are assumed to agree to respect the relevant items.
For all
- Understand and respect our values of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™
- Show respect and consideration for each other and for the laws and customs of our host community.
- Contribute to making this an enjoyable and uplifting experience for yourself and everyone else.
For the host organisation [Games Cologne]
- Gay Games hosts [Games Cologne], with the support of the Federation of Gay Games, will endeavour to ensure that each participant in the Gay Games be able to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Gay Games hosts [Games Cologne] will do its best to ensure that all participants are made aware of, understand, and respect these codes of conducts.
For administrators and sports managers
- Give all participants equal opportunities to participate.
- Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age and ability of participants Provide quality supervision and instruction.
- Remember people participate for their enjoyment and benefit.
- Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help ensure a high standard of coaching and officiating
- Ensure that everyone involved emphasises fair play, rather than winning at all costs
- Make sure that all involved – officials, coaches, trainers, athletes, organizers, managers – are aware of and respect these codes of conduct.
- Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
- Make it clear that abusing participants in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or sexual orientation.
For athletes
- Play by the rules,
- Never argue with an official. If you wish to ask a question of an official, do it in a friendly and courteous manner.
- If you play in a team, ensure that you communicate with officials through your captain or coach.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials, disparaging other participants or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
- Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by you or the opposition.
- Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
- Cooperate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please your coaches.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or sexual orientation.
For coaches, trainers, and managers
- Everybody participates for pleasure, and winning is only part of the fun.
- Never ridicule or yell at a participant for making a mistake or failing to come first.
- Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same.
- Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience; all participants are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
- Avoid overplaying talented players; the ‘just average’ need and deserve equal time.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the ability of all players.
- Display self-control, respect and professionalism to all involved in the sport; this includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.
- Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
- Obtain appropriate qualification and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices.
- Any physical contact with a participant should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or sexual orientation.
For officials
- Compliment and encourage all participants.
- Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
- Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for opponents.
- Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
- Encourage and promote rule changes that will make participation more enjoyable.
- Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
- Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development.
- Be ready to justify your decisions.
- Remember, you set the example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
- Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
- Give all participants an opportunity to play regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or sexual orientation.
