Dear Volleyball NSW Clubs, Members, Parents, and Match Day Spectators,

Volleyball is more than a sport; it’s built on respect, teamwork, and shared responsibility. Every weekend, thousands of players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and spectators come together to compete, support one another, and enjoy the game.

While most of our community consistently demonstrates these values, recent incidents have highlighted the need to remind everyone of expected standards at Volleyball NSW competitions and events. Recent unacceptable behaviours have included:

• Vaping inside venues
• Theft of player belongings (including shoes and clothing)
• Damage to venues, and other non volleyball sporting equipment
• Spectator abuse from toward referees, players, coaches and staff
• Parents remaining in designated player-only areas after being instructed to move on.

Unlike many sports, volleyball in New South Wales does not have a dedicated home venue. Every competition and event we deliver is made possible through the support of venue operators and councils who open their facilities to us. As a result, we are guests at every venue we use.

The way we conduct ourselves (both on and off the court) has a direct impact on our ability to continue using these venues. Unsporting behaviour, disrespect towards staff or officials, damage to facilities, or any conduct that reflects poorly on our sport places not only individual venue bookings at risk, but also the long-term relationships Volleyball NSW has worked hard to build with venue owners and managers.

Every member of our volleyball community has a role to play in ensuring we remain welcome guests and that our sport continues to be viewed as respectful, responsible, and deserving of the opportunities provided to us.

All participants, officials, volunteers, club representatives, parents, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Volleyball NSW Code of Conduct. Where necessary, breaches may result in individuals being directed to leave a venue and/or further disciplinary action being taken.

Spectator Behaviour

Passion for the game is encouraged, but it must always be expressed respectfully.

We ask all spectators to:

• Support players, officials, and volunteers in a positive and respectful manner.
• Refrain from abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate language or behaviour.
• Respect the decisions of referees and competition staff.
• Remember that many participants are juniors who deserve a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment.

If inappropriate or unsporting behaviour is observed, the individuals involved will be asked to moderate their behaviour and conduct themselves appropriately. If the behaviour continues, or if they fail to comply with directions from venue staff, Volleyball NSW competition staff, or the Chief Referee, they will be instructed to leave the venue.

Personal Property and Theft

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in reports of personal belongings being stolen at competition venues. Theft has no place in our sport or our community.

We encourage everyone to:

• Keep personal belongings with you or securely stored whenever possible.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately to Volleyball NSW staff at the Competition Office.
• Look out for one another and help foster a community built on trust and respect.

If you witness or experience theft, or have information regarding stolen property, please notify Volleyball NSW staff via the Competition Office as soon as possible.

Respecting Our Venues

The venues we use are shared facilities, and maintaining positive relationships with venue operators is essential to the ongoing delivery of our competitions.

Please remember to:

• Only use courts that have been allocated or booked for your competition or event.
• Not enter or use vacant courts unless authorised to do so.
• Respect other venue users who may have bookings at the same time.
• Dispose of rubbish appropriately and leave facilities clean for the next users.

Using courts or venue spaces without permission can disrupt other bookings and places our access to these facilities at risk. Any additional costs incurred by Volleyball NSW because of unauthorised use of courts or venue spaces may be passed on to the responsible club. Individuals or groups who continue to use unallocated areas after being directed not to may also be asked to leave the venue.

Following Staff Directions

Venue staff, Volleyball NSW competition staff, match referees, and chief referees are responsible for ensuring competitions are conducted safely, fairly, and efficiently.

We ask everyone to:

• Follow directions from Venue staff, Volleyball NSW staff, and Referees promptly and respectfully.
• Cooperate with requests relating to safety, scheduling, court access, and venue operations, including which courts are available for warm-up.
• Understand that these directions are provided in the interests of all participants and spectators and to ensure Volleyball NSW meets its obligations under venue hire agreements.

Failure to follow reasonable directions from Venue staff, Volleyball NSW staff, or Referees may result in individuals being asked to leave the venue.

We All Play a Part

Creating a great volleyball environment is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a player, coach, parent, club official, volunteer, or spectator, your actions shape the culture and reputation of our sport.

Every interaction, from supporting players respectfully to following staff directions and taking care of our venues, helps protect the relationships that enable Volleyball NSW competitions and events to continue across the state.

We sincerely thank much of our community who consistently demonstrate these values and set a positive example for others. By working together and holding ourselves to these standards, we can ensure volleyball continues to thrive in an environment that is respectful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for your ongoing support, your passion for volleyball, and your commitment to representing our sport with pride.

Rebecca Walter

Chief Executive Officer - Volleyball NSW