What behaviour is expected of spectators at junior sport?

Play by the Rules publishes a free template Spectator Code of Conduct for community sport (May 2025). Clubs can adopt it and tailor it. It groups expected behaviour under three headings:

1. Safety and wellbeing of participants: put the physical, emotional and psychological safety of all participants first, uphold the club's values, respect everyone's rights and dignity, and stay in the spectator area.
2. Uphold the integrity of sport: respect the decisions of coaches and officials, lead by example (fairness, respect, integrity), encourage enjoyment, effort and participation rather than just outcomes, and promote a harassment-free and discrimination-free environment.
3. Role model appropriate behaviour: use respectful and supportive language, encourage children whatever their performance, and support both sides.

The questions below cover each in more detail. Play by the Rules is a partnership of Sport Integrity Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the eSafety Commissioner and state and territory sport and recreation departments and human rights agencies.

Source: Play by the Rules, Spectator Code of Conduct template (May 2025) and About us.