Code of Conduct

Speedway Australia encourages good sportsmanship at all levels of competition. Here is a guide to Codes of Conduct for your association, club, track, drivers, officials and parents. If you have any questions about the Speedway Australia Code of Conduct, please contact Speedway Australia Head Office on (08) 8139 0777, or visit the www.playbytherules.net.au for advice.

- Treat all participants in your sport as you would like to be treated yourself.
- Control your temper: verbal abuse, threats and physical violence are not acceptable behaviours.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their ability, gender or cultural background.
- Be a good role model: be safe, responsible and set a good example outside of organised racing events, especially when on the road.
- Act within the rules of the sport at all times.
- Respect the decisions of officials at all times.
- Remember to treat with respect and thank fans, fellow competitors, coaches, volunteers, team members and officials. Without these people, the sport could not exist.
- Adhere to Speedway Australia Pit Rules & Regulations and the Speedway Australia Drug & Alcohol Policy.
- Respect track operators by adhering to the rules and guidelines of each track.
- Be environment conscious: keep your area clean and treat spills appropriately. Leave your area as you would like to find it.

For Racers
- Always comply with the rules.
- Always compete to the best of your ability, with honour and integrity.
- Avoid arguing with stewards and officials – most stewards have volunteered their time and services to ensure your race runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Treat all competitors as you would like to be treated – do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any other participant. This includes using email or social media to bully or slander competitors.
- Avoid the use of coarse or derogatory language.

For Officials:
- Be impartial, consistent and objective at all times.
- Place the safety and welfare of all participants above all else.
- Ensure the spirit of competition is maintained.
- Be understanding and co-operative in the interpretation and application of rules and penalties.
- Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all competitors.

For Parents:
- Encourage children to participate to the best of their ability.
- Focus upon the child’s performance rather than the overall outcome of the event.
- Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory.
- Encourage your children to follow the rules and respect the work and decisions of officials and stewards.
- Remember that children are involved in Speedway for their enjoyment – not yours.
- Set a good example by avoiding the use of derogatory or abusive language, respect officials and stewards and never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during competition.
- Don’t be an ugly parent. If you see ‘ugly parent syndrome’ behaviour, visit www.playbytherules.net.au and help to solve the problem.


The Line – An Australian Government Initiative
Sometimes there's no argument about where to draw the line - there are some things you should just never do. Sometimes the line can be blurry. For more advice on what is and isn’t considered acceptable behaviour, as well as some terrific resources for parents and guardians, visit www.theline.gov.au.

Social Media
Speedway Australia encourages participation in online social media in a positive manner. The accessible nature of the internet however, can lend itself to the posting of threatening and derogatory material in the heat of the moment.
Once your thoughts and comments are published to the internet they are visible to the world - and they are permanent. Speedway Australia takes all cases of cyber bullying seriously and will treat online matters as it would ‘real world’ bullying.
Breaching the code of conduct or bringing the sport into disrepute online can lead to serious consequences, including tribunals, suspensions and the cancellation of the offender's Speedway Australia licence.
If you have questions about what constitutes acceptable content, please contact Speedway Australia on (08) 8139 0777.

Speedway Australia Tribunals
Speedway Australia expects all Licence holders to uphold the Speedway Australia Code of Conduct and as such treats allegations of poor conduct and bringing the sport of Speedway into disrepute very seriously. To learn more about Speedway Australia’s disciplinary process and tribunals, contact Speedway Australia Head Office on (08) 8139 0777.