OUR PLEDGE

In the interest of fostering an open and welcoming environment, we pledge to make our academy a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, level of experience, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.

Scope

The code of conduct can be summarized in the following three principles:

1. Demonstrating a positive attitude
2. Setting a good example
3. Uphold the Policies and Rules of  Malta Bowling Association.

The Academy will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport or the participants. Such conduct includes: vulgarity by coaches, players or parents; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence towards anyone before, during or after training or competitions; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by all participants- both players and adults. Bowlers must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by example.

 

The Academy does not tolerate any type of fighting inside or outside the bowling center. Disciplinary action will be taken and  suspensions will happen. We take the safety of everyone very seriously.

 

OFFICIALS

All tournament or league officials are human and they do make mistakes. Parents or players who believe they has been treated unfairly should speak to their coach after the game. If the coach feels the same they should inform the MBA or the tournament committee. They should and must supply you with a complaint form that coaches may fill out. It will be reviewed by the MBA or officials for determination. Verbal abuse towards a tournament or league official can result in a red card and ejection for the player, coach or parent.

 

OPPONENTS

Players and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and fans at all time. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of bowling, is completely undermined.

 

CODE #1 - THE PLAYERS

• Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport, promoting fair play over winning at any cost.
• Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviors and skills.
• Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of the sport.
• Conduct yourself with honor and dignity and treat other athlete bowlers as you would like to be treated.
• Display control and courtesy to all involved with the sport.
• Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Respect the decisions of officials, coaches and administrators in the conduct of the sport.
• Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved lane activity with bowlers under the age of 18 years.
• Adopt appropriate and responsible behavior in all interactions.
• Adopt responsible behavior in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
• Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment.
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment.
• Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviors.
• Give your best at all times.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good shots or deliveries whether they are made by your team or the opposition.

 

CODE #2 - THE PARENTS

As a parent, you play a special role in the development of your son/daughter, and of his/her teammates. Your encouragement and good example will do more to ensure good sportsmanship and self-discipline than any other influence. The other team is the opponent, not the enemy and should be treated with respect. While winning is important, playing well and fairly is the essence of the game. Remember:

1. Support your child
2. Always be positive
3. Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviors and skills.
4. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the opposing team and their families
5. Remember that your child wants to have fun.
6. Respect the decisions of officials, coaches and administrators in the conduct of the sport.
7. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
8. Encourage children to participate and have fun.
9. Focus on the child's effort and performance rather than winning or losing.
10. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
    

 

CODE #3 - THE COACHES

Set a good example; keeping players safe; ensuring players have a positive experience; and relating to game officials in an exemplary manner and encouraging players to do the same.
Coach's examples are powerful. If a coach insists on fair play, concentrates on players enjoyment of the game and supports the referee, players and parents will notice.

If a coach encourages players to play outside the rules, and overly concerned about the results, and/or criticizes the referee or opposing coach, players and parents will also notice. Children deserve a coach they can respect.

1. Setting a good example
2. Keeping athlete bowlers safe
3. Creating a positive experience
4. Relating to officials

• Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport, promoting fair play over winning at any cost.
• Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviors and skills.
• Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of the sport Treat each person as an individual
• Display control and courtesy to all involved with the sport
• Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion
• Respect the decisions of officials, coaches and administrators in the conduct of the sport
• Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved lane activity with bowlers under the age of 18 years.
• Adopt appropriate and responsible behavior in all interactions
• Adopt responsible behavior in relation to alcohol and other drugs
• Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment
• Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviors
• Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else
• Help each person reach their potential - respect the talent, development and goals of each person, encourage with positive and supportive feedback
• Any physical contact with a person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person's skill development
• Be honest and do not allow your qualifications to be misrepresented
• Be consistent and impartial when making decisions.
• Address unsporting behavior and promote respect for all people.
• Emphasis the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people.