sports tip sheet - centre for multicultural youth...

Sports Tip SheetCentre for Multicultural Youth

304 Drummond Street Victoria 3053 | Phone: (03) 9340 3700 | [email protected] | www.cmy.net.au

Tip Sheet 13

FAIR PLAY Kicking Conflict Out Of SportThe following is information presented by YMCA Youth Services at the CMY Multicultural Sports Network Meeting in April 2009.

Conflict Resolution – Turning Problems Into Possibilities

What is Conflict?Conflict comes about from differences - in needs, values and motivations. Sometimes through these differences we complement each other, but sometimes we will conflict. Conflict is not a problem in itself; it is what we do with it that counts.

“Prevention Is Better Than Cure” • Code of Conduct• Boundaries & Expectations• Positive Role Modelling• Consistency• Ownership of Actions

Three Steps to consider before facing any conflict:1. Analysis2. Options3. Solutions

Analysis• Determining what the conflict is.• What are the perceived dangers?• Who is involved?• Consider the environment.• Me! What do I bring to the situation?

Options• Approaching the conflict (Aggressive or Non-aggressive?).• Informing other staff.• Controlling the conflict• Resources (Loud Speaker)• Restraints (Wet environment)

Solutions• Calm the situation down.• Emphasise boundaries and expectations.• Determine an agreed outcome.• Use a consistent (Staff) approach.• Follow through and be vigilant.



HOW?Win-Win Approach• Is about changing the situation from attack or defence to Cooperation.• Looking for answers so everyone gets what they want.• Attack the problem not the person.• Conflict Resolver.

CONFLICT RESOLVERHow We All Can Win• BE WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM• SAY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS FOR YOU• LISTEN TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS FOR THEM• ATTACK THE PROBLEM, NOT THE PERSON• LOOK FOR ANSWERS SO EVERYONE GETS WHAT THEY NEED

DO NOT• USE PUT DOWNS• SNEERING• BLAMING• THREATS• EXCUSES• GET EVEN

Active ListeningOne of the most important skills to develop for effective conflict resolution.

• We must resist the urge to push our point of view and instead make a special effort to listen.• Active Listening allows for your ideas and feelings to be fully understood and also allows us to understand the other point of view. • This will result in mutual understanding and a greater chance of a positive outcome.

Managing Your Emotions• You and your actions • Your emotions are the biggest thing you have control over.• What do I bring to the situation? • Will my actions inflame or pacify the conflict?

4 Questions to ask Yourself1. Why am I feeling so angry/frightened/disrespected? 2. What do I want to change?3. How do I let go of this feeling?4. Whose problem is this really? How much is mine? How much is theirs?

4 Actions You can do1. Aim to avoid the desire to punish or blame. 2. Aim to improve the situation. 3. Aim to communicate the boundaries and expectations appropriately. 4. Aim to avoid a repeat of conflict.



YOUTH FOCUSED SCENARIOSThe following scenarios were performed by young people at the April 09 Multicultural Sports Network Meeting. Each scenario has a description of the event and a short script. This is followed by a possible solution to resolve the conflict that takes into consideration the principles of conflict resolution as discussed in the YMCA presentation.

1. ONE-ON-ONE FIGHT

During a game of footy two players go for the ball and some pushing occurs.

YP1:* “Watch yourself buddy”YP2: “What did you say to me?”YP1: “What’s your problem?”

The two players almost get into a fight.

Resolution option

• Separate, take a break• Reiterate behaviour contract

What is a behaviour contract?

• A behaviour contract is written by the young people involved in the sport & recreation program.• All young people sign it and a copy is sent home to families.• The contract is displayed somewhere visible and is referred to regularly.• Consequences for behaviours are know to all and are followed through with, should a breach of the contract occur

2. PARENT ABUSING A YOUNG PLAYER

During a sporting match one parent is screaming at a player on the court/field.

Parent: “Get him off the field…he can’t play…you’re useless…coach get rid of him”

Another parent is watching this happen and wants to say something to the parent.

Resolution option

• Refer to the club code of conduct• Report it to the coach or club official• Avoid escalating the situation by arguing with the abusive parent.• Counteract by calling out positive reinforcement to players

* YP= Young person



3. PLAYER ARGUES WITH REFEREE

During a game of basketball a referee blows the whistle and calls a foul.

Referee: “Foul 23, pushing, side ball red”YP: “WHAT?!! Are you crazy?”

Resolution option

• The referee should explain why a foul was called, and focus on the issue, “the problem was you attacked the player not the ball, therefore I have to award a foul under the rules of the game”. • The coach or captain should consider warning the player that arguing back to the referee will result in being sidelined.• The ref could follow up with the player or coach at half time to ensure the rule was understood.

4. COACH & PLAYER

During a match of hockey the coach and some players are sitting on the sideline. The coach puts a player on the bench.

Coach: “Ok you’re off for this quarter so sit down and watch the game”YP: “That’s not fair, put me back on, I want to play, I’m one of the best”

Resolution option

• Be clear about why you are doing things. Explain to the young person why they must have a turn on the bench,

E.g. “Ok you’re off for this quarter, because everyone in the team must rotate on the bench so that we all have the same amount of time playing”.

• Involve young people in making this part of the team policy, with explicit discussions about why it must happen and have the team agree to this and vote on the policy.

5. WORKER AT A LEISURE CENTRE & A YOUNG PERSON

A young person goes to the counter to pay to use the swimming pool. He hands the worker $2.

Worker: “It’s $5 entry mate”YP: “No, I’m concession, it’s only $2”Worker: “Right-o then, show me your concession card”YP: “Are you calling me a liar, I come here all the time”

Resolution option

• Explain why it is important to have the card, as an example, on the tram you would get fined if you bought a concession ticket without your card. That’s why you should always carry it with you.• Perhaps suggest you will check with your manager.• If the young person regularly forgets the card, photocopy it and keep it there, remind him/her to bring it next time.

sports tip sheet - centre for multicultural youth...

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