We are justifiably proud of the place that sport has in our daily lives. What is equally important to all of us is the way in which we the sportsmen and sportswomen, officials and spectators conduct ourselves when involved in sport and competition.

Unfortunately, some people fail to live up to the traditional values of martial arts and what they stand for. Worse still, our young martial artist can be influenced and have the rest of their sporting careers coloured by negative experiences.

The codes of behaviour that follow identify a series of key principles on which adult and young competitors, parents, coaches, administrators, officials and spectators should base their sporting involvement. When adopted, the codes of behaviour will ensure that all of our martial artists will develop good sporting behaviours and have an enjoyable experience in our sport. This will encourage them to remain actively involved in martial arts throughout their lives and learn to always show courtesy and respect to each other.

• Parents please remember that children participate in martial art competition, for their enjoyment. Encourage this.

• Parents encourage your children to participate in sport and competition, also encourage them to have fun.

• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than on winning or losing in competition.

• Encourage your child to always compete according to the rules of the WASO and settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.

• Parents try not to ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing in a competition. Encourage them to try again, winning or losing.

• Remember that children learn best from the examples we set as parents.

• Respect all official decisions and teach your children to do the same. Show appreciation for the efforts of volunteers, coaches and administrators: remember that without them you or your child could not participate in these events.

• Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every person regardless of their martial art background, gender, culture or religion.

• At all times parents must learn to control their temper. Verbal abuse of an official and insulting other competitors or deliberately distracting or provoking officials are not acceptable or permitted at the World All Styles Tournaments. Any parent found guilty of abuse or insulting of any officials, will be warned and may be asked to leave the event.

• Respect and abide by the WASO tournament rules and all officials decisions in competition.

• Never argue with any officials or administrators of WASO. During competition If there is a disagreement have your coach, instructors approach the officials directly after the competition.

• All competitors must learn to control their temper. Verbal abuse of an official and insulting other competitors, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviour in the WASO tournaments.

• Be a good sport. Applaud all competitors whether they win or lose, as this is the true meaning of martial arts and sportsmanship.

• Treat all competitors, coaches, and officials, as you would like to be treated. Remember true martial arts begin and end with courtesy.

• Participate in tournaments for the competition and enjoyment, encourage others to do the same

• Respect the rights and dignity and worth of all competitors regardless of their gender, ability, martial art and cultural background or religions

• Any competitor found guilty of abusing the WASO code of behaviour can be reprimanded, warned or denied entry into any further WASO tournaments.

• Instructors & Coaches, remember that a competitor whether young or old participates in competition for their enjoyment and winning is only part of the fun.

• Never ridicule or yell at your team members for making a mistake or not coming first. Whether they win or lose all should be congratulated for trying.

• Operate within the rules of WASO and the spirit of your sport, teach your students to do the same.

• Insure that all safety equipment meet the safety requirements of WASO for competition.

• Show concern and caution towards sick and injured competitors. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured competitor should or should not compete any further. Remember the personal safety of all competitors must at all times come first.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, martial art and or cultural background or religion.

• Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators. Encourage all competitors to do the same.

• All Instructors and Coaches must control their temper. Insults or verbal abuse of an official, spectator or competitor deliberately distracting or provoking a competitor or official is not acceptable or permitted behaviour in any WASO tournament.
If found guilty of this misconduct you will receive an official warning and risk forfeiting further entry into WASO events.

• Any Instructor or Coach, found guilty of abusing the WASO code of behaviour will be warned and can be denied entry into any further WASO tournaments.

• At all times officials will respect the rules and regulations set out by the WASO tournament organizers.

• Give all competitors a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, martial art and cultural background or religion.

• Remember you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.

• At all times all officials of WASO will be totally non-biased in their rulings and decisions during competition.

• Emphasise the spirit of the competition rather than the errors.

• Respect the rights of all coaches, instructors and competitors wishing to lodge a protest after competition.

• All protests will be bought forward to the chairman. All protests will be heard amicably, fairly and non-biased.

• At all times all referees, judges, officials regardless of their martial art background will always show courtesy and respect to competitors, coaches, parents and each other, on and off the competition arena.