Let Kids be Kids The NSWTA is committed to providing a child safe environment and importantly this goes beyond simply the Working with Children Check. A child safe environment is also about ensuring young players and referees are free from any form of abuse, including verbal and actions of intimidation. The 2016 Junior State Cup was unfortunately marred by some incidents of unacceptable parental/ spectator and/or team management behaviour. We have put measures in place to look to limit if not remove this, as was exampled at the 2017 event. While the Junior State Cup is a State Championship, more importantly it is an event for kids to participate in and primarily should be about their enjoyment and fun over results. It should be simply about allowing the children to play without pressure and to have a good time with their team mates so that they become lifelong ‘Touchies’. We have undertaken some changes this year to get the message across that respectful behaviour is what is expected at our junior events. • The NSWTA Representative Player Parent Guardian Code of Conduct. All parents must read, sign and return this document to their affiliate acknowledging that they are aware that they are accountable for their behaviour and that the NSWTA has the authority to deal with any unacceptable behaviours. •  A strong focus in our communication via social media platforms around expected behaviours of parents/ spectators and team management including the video of previous junior Touch player and now international female sporting star, Ellyse Perry – “Let kids be kids”! • Venue signage reminding all of our message 1.These are kids 2.This is a “game” 3.The coaches are volunteers 4.The referees are human 5.This is a junior development event Our goal is for every participant, be they a player, a referee, team management or parent/spectator to have an enjoyable and fun weekend, regardless of results. You can assist us in achieving this goal very easily. By adhering to the codes of conducts, polices and accepted respectable behaviours it will ensure that everyone has a good experience and importantly the kids have fun. On behalf of the NSW Touch Association we thank you for your ongoing support of this great game. MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER TO ALL PARENTS/ SPECTATORS AND TEAM MANAGEMENT 30 | Keeping In Touch 2016 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 30 28/11/17 4:22 pm