DISCIPLINE IN CHILDREN'S SPORT
Discipline in sport is fundamental to sporting activity. The emphasis should be on encouraging and developing self discipline. In order to develop as a player, children need to be able to recognise the need for dedication in any activity in which they hope to succeed and further their ability. Coaches should be aware of this responsibility and set a positive role model. This can be achieved in a number of ways.

Time keeping. Coaches should always endeavour to arrive well in advance of any session in order to prepare and greet their students. Sessions should also finish on time in order that parents do not need to wait around for session to be completed.

Preparation. Coaches should demonstrate that they are prepared and that the session programme is organised and mutual goals have been set.

Communication. Coaches need to be able to communicate their programme to their students and provide opportunities for feedback from their students and their parents.

Discipline. Coaches need to be able to maintain an environment of respect for all within their sessions. There is no place for aggressive or abusive language from a coach.

THE USE OF SANCTIONS*
The use of sanctions is an important element in the maintenance of discipline. The age and developmental stage of the child should be taken into consideration when using sanctions. Sanctions should be fair and consistent and in the case of persistent offence, should be progressively applied. They should never be used to retaliate or to make a Sports Leader feel better. The following steps are suggested and should always be used in conjunction with the code of conduct for young people: "

rules should be stated clearly and agreed "

a warning should be given if a rule is broken "

a sanction (for example, use of time out) should be applied if a rule is broken for a second time. The use of green, yellow and red cards are encouraged, irrespective of the sport "

if a rule is broken for the third time the child should be spoken to, and if necessary, the parents/guardians may be involved "

sanctions should not be applied if a Coach is not comfortable with them. If an appropriate action cannot be devised right away, the child should be told that the matter will be dealt with later, at a specified time and as soon as possible "

a child should not be sanctioned for making errors when s/he is playing "

physical activity (e.g. running laps or doing push-ups) should not be used as a sanction. To do so only causes a child to resent physical activity, something that s/he should learn to enjoy throughout his/her life "

sanctions should be used sparingly. Constant sanctioning and criticism can cause a child to turn away from sport "

once sanctions have been imposed, it is important to make the young person feel s/he is a valued member of the group again "

where relevant some sanctions may need to be recorded and parents informed

All qualified and registered ITTA coaches are required to sign up to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice.

Discipline in sport should always be positive in focus, providing the structure and rules that allow participants to learn to set their own goals and strive for them. It should encourage young people to become more responsible for themselves and therefore more independent.

Children should be helped to become responsible about the decisions and choices they make within sport, particularly when they are likely to make a difference between playing fairly and unfairly. There should be no place for fighting, over-aggressive or dangerous behaviour in sport.

CHILDREN, SPORT AND PARENTS
Sport can provide a number of important elements to the development and growth of children in this country. Sport provides children with opportunities to develop their physical skills and coordination, and enables them to discover about the importance of exercise and nutrition as well as make friends, have fun by learning to play fair and leading to improved self esteem.

The world of sport has become more and more stressful, competitive and the "win at all cost" attitude is still promoted by the media and some professional coaches. It is important to understand however that this attitude maybe "fair enough" amongst adults but it is completely inappropriate for children. Children are not "small adults" and in my opinion this "win at all costs" attitude is totally inappropriate as well as unnecessary for developing the skills and attitude required to achieve success.

Unfortunately there are still active coaches within this country and our sport who still use intimidation, physical exercise as punishment, as well as constant criticism and sanctions designed to humiliate, undermine confidence and the self esteem of your children. This is allowed solely because of short term "results" and the long term consequences are generally ignored. I have observed these long term consequences and conclude they have had a dramatic effect on the levels of participation within our sport and a disproportionate number of talented players have retired from the game.

I believe that parents should take an active role in helping their child develop good sportsmanship and in order to do this and help your children get the most out of sport you need to be actively involved. This includes providing emotional support and positive feedback.

A number of steps can be taken in this regard including:**

Attending some games and training sessions and talking about them afterwards.

Having a realistic expectation for your child and being aware of their personal goals.

Learning about Table Tennis and supporting your child's involvement

Helping your child talk with you about their experiences with their coach and other club members

Helping your child handle disappointment as well as successes appropriately

Modelling respectful spectator behaviour

This level of involvement does take time and creates a challenge for work and home schedules but it allows you to become more knowledgeable about the coaching and values and attitudes that are being taught to your child.

The behaviour of your child and their attitude reflects the combination of coaching and your discussions about the values of sportsmanship you yourself promote. It is also important to talk and observe when bad sportsmanship occurs at events and discuss other ways that this could be dealt with.

Remember success is not the same thing as winning and failure is not the same thing as losing. If you are concerned about the attitude or behaviour of your child's coach you should talk with the coach privately. While you may not change the particular attitude or behaviour you can make it clear how you would like them to be approached. If they are not responsive discuss the problem with the club's child welfare officer or with other parents involved with the club. If the problem is not solved you may decide to withdraw your child from that club.

Remember the lessons learned by children through sport will shape the values and behaviour of the child within their adult life.

Owen Kelly (ITTA Level 3 Coach, ITTA/NCDP Tutor).
*Code of Ethics & Good Practice in Children's Sport Irish Sports Council.
**American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry