SEDA's Fair Play Code for Debaters and Parents
Debaters:
- I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
- I will follow the rules, and act in the spirit of debate.
- I will control my temper - arguing and 'mouthing off' can spoil the activity for everyone.
- I will respect my opponents.
- I will do my best to be a true team player.
- I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
- I will acknowledge all good performances - those of my partner and of my opponents.
- I will remember that coaches and judges are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect and appreciation.
Parents:
- I will not force my child to participate in debate.
- I will remember that my child debates for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.
- I will encourage my child to follow the rules of debate and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility.
- I will encourage my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a round.
- I will teach my child to feel like a winner every time by offering praise for debating fairly and trying hard.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a round.
- I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good performances for both my child's team and their opponents.
- I will never question the judges ruling or their qualifications in public.
- I will support all efforts to remove all verbal and physical abuse from children's activities.
- I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches who give their time to provide debate activities for my child.
Printable version of SEDA's Fair Play Code.
Printable version of SEDA's Tournament Etiquette.
