​Code of Conduct for Officials 

  • Must treat everyone fairly and sensitively, regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.
  • Be consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the rules of the event. Compliment all competitors on good play when the opportunity arises.
  • Encourage all participants to play within the rules and the spirit of the event / competition.
  • Try to ensure that the event/competition is allowed to flow with only as many stoppages as is necessary. Show patience and understanding towards students who may be learning the event / competition.
  • Not be afraid to take decisions. An official should be fair and firm and must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of students, team officials or spectators. Show respect towards students and team officials.
  • Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the students or team officials involved in the event / competition. Inform the person or body directly responsible if unable to officiate for any reason.
  • Refrain from requesting hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered and considered to be excessive.
  • Always have regard to the best interests of the game / competition, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game / competition or any particular aspect of it, including others involved.
  • Do not tolerate foul, sexist or racist language from students, officials, spectators.
  • The powers of an official must be used with wise judgment and care. Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.
  • An official should have regard to protecting the participants. An official should show due respect when speaking with the participants, even in the event of infringements.
  • In reports, an official should set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions.
  • It is necessary for the official’s authority to be protected, not only for the sake of the event/competition, but also in the interest of fellow officials.
  • This protection should, however, not influence the overriding regard for protection of the participants.
  • An official should refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow officials. An official should assist with the development of less experienced officials and assistant officials.