OUR CULTURE & HERITAGE

Sports has a unique culture that underlines the values of honour and respect for opponents, teammates, coaches, and referees. In sports, the referee is respected, even if you do not agree with their decisions; opponents are fought with fury but treated with respect; fans cheer good sports and are respectful of the opposing team; coaches prepare the team as best they can and then let them play the game.

It is the responsibility of every OHSC Member to actively promote the core values of Sports to its athletes and fans. They must take immediate and decisive action to report if other club members or supporters are not upholding these sacred values.

Everyone who is involved with Okahandja Highlanders Sports Club is an ambassador of the game and is expected to honour the values and culture of the any sports.

Individual Action

It is the responsibility of every athlete, coach, parent, administrator, referee – everyone – to ensure that we hold ourselves and each other to the high standard of behaviour that this great game of sports demands.  When you see poor behaviour at a youth sports pitch, speak up!  In a friendly but firm fashion let the other person know, “That’s not how we do things in sports.”

Players

• Play by the laws and within the ‘spirit of the game’
• Respect the referee, your coach, teammates & opponents. Without them, there would be no game.
• Sportsmanship and Community are vital sports values, Admire all good play whether they are by your team or the other team.
• Play for the fun of the game and not just to please parents, coaches, and teachers.
• Shake hands with your opponent after the game.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse by officials or other players, deliberately fouling or fighting is neither acceptable nor permitted.
• Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Parents and Spectators

• Children play sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Respect the Referee.
• If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgment and honesty in public. Remember that most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
• Focus on the efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This reduces the emphasis on winning and rather enjoying the rugby experience and the enrichment that comes from playing the game.
• Applaud good play by all teams.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials, and administrators. Without them, your child would not participate.
• Consumption of alcohol is forbidden at all junior rugby games.
• You are not allowed in the playing enclosure during a game.

Administration & Officials

• Ensure that equal opportunity for participation in sports is made available to all children.
• Rules, laws, length of games, and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability, and maturity level of participating children.
• Children participate for their enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.