RULES BELOW ARE MEANT TO BE FOLLOWED BY ALL.

Children should arrive ready to start activities, in their bathers with their Black Rock cap on and sun protection/sun screen applied and of course, with a big smile.

Any important announcements are made at this time so it is important that all parents/guardians listen carefully to ensure they remain informed

Under control of the Age Managers/Coaches, children then take part in fun on the beach and in the water.

On certain days, instruction will be given on surf awareness, surf safety and surf skills using the Surf Life Saving Education Programme (SurfEd).

Whilst SurfEd is compulsory, competition is not. No child is forced to compete in any event for which they are not trained, not capable of doing, or if the surf conditions are inappropriate.

On selected Saturdays, there will be Inter-Club Carnivals. When there are large numbers attending in the U8+ age groups, training for these groups maybe combined with other age groups.

Please mark your child’s name clearly on the side of the Nipper Cap in permanent marker. At the start of the season while we are all getting to know each other. This greatly assists the coaches when they have large groups and you when you lose the cap!

It is important that parents of children remain on the beach during the training session. Children must stay with their coach during the training session (for safety reasons). Parents are asked to tell the coach if their child is leaving early.

Special Instructions: Parents & carers, please wear your bathers and help out.

In the event of bad weather, coaches will review the conditions and make a decision to limit training to land-based or club house activities or in some cases cancel training altogether. Please note that rain will not be classed as bad weather.

Does my child need to compete?

No. Nipper at Black Rock is all about having fun and learning about water safety. It is not a requirement of membership for Juniors to attend a minimum number of carnivals.

What should I bring to training?

Club Cap		All junior members must purchase a Royal Blue Club cap and wear this at training. Caps can only be purchased through the Black Rock LSC Uniform Shop once membership is paid.
Bathers, Rashie & Towel		All children should wear bathers and a club rashie. However, any bathers and rashie are fine, but please support your club by purchasing Black Rock Bathers and Rashies via the uniform shop.
Goggles		All swimmers should wear Goggles.
Bucket or Wide Brim Hat		All children should have hats.
Drink Bottle		All children should carry water bottles.
Sun Block		Sun block should always be applied before training.
Warm Clothes & Wetsuit (optional)		On cold or windy days, children should bring something warm to wear, such as a jumper. A wetsuit is a good idea for the earlier/later colder months.

Is there a Parents Code of Conduct?

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment and development.
Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Set realistic goals.
Encourage children to always play according to the rules and to settle disagreements, without resorting to hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember children learn best by example.
Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
Respect official’s decisions and teach children to do likewise.
Show appreciation for Coaches, Age Managers, Officials and Administrators – without them, your child could not participate.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others, regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
If you disagree with an official, coach, age manager, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the officials judgment and honesty in public. Remember that most Officials, Coaches, and Age Managers give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.

Is there a Nipper Code of Conduct?

Compete within the rules, and within the spirit of Surf Lifesaving.
Never argue with an official. If you disagree have your Age Manager, coach or team manager approach the official during a break or after the competition
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging of other competitors, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviors
Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good performances whether they are given by Black Rock LSC or other clubs.
Treat all participants as you would like to be treated. Do not bully, interfere or take unfair advantage of another competitor
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Co-operate with your coach, age managers, teammates, officials and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
Respect the equipment you use, wash it and return it after use. Report any damage.
Respect the club house. Treat it as you would treat your home. Leave it tidy.

Is there a Coaches Code of Conduct

Do not demand too much of children, they have other interests as well.
Teach players that the rules are for their safety and should not be broken.
Avoid encouraging and rewarding the talented players all the time. All the children deserve equal encouragement.
Children play for fun, don’t take the fun out of sport by yelling if they make a mistake.
Make sure your facilities are safe.
Do not make young children over practice. Take age and maturity into account when designing training programs.
Encourage respect for the opposition’s ability and officials.
Follow advice of a doctor or physiotherapist in relation to injuries. Set a good example.
Keep up to date on all the latest coaching principles and methods.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.