Fun First Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines the values and behaviours that help create the unique Urban Rec experience. While winning games can be exciting, our primary goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

Fun First is more than a slogan. It is the foundation of our culture and guides how we play, compete and interact with one another.

Our Commitment

We believe great leagues are built on more than scores and standings.
The best Urban Rec teams are the ones that:

• Welcome new players.
• Respect opponents and officials.
• Play hard but fair.
• Celebrate success without taking themselves too seriously.
• Contribute positively to the league atmosphere.
• Leave people wanting to come back next week.

Every participant plays a role in creating that experience.

Protecting Our Culture

Urban Rec is committed to protecting the culture that makes our leagues different from traditional sporting competitions.
We are a social sports club first.
While healthy competition is encouraged, it should never come at the expense of:

• Respect.
• Sportsmanship.
• Inclusion.
• Participant safety.
• Member enjoyment.

Behaviour that consistently prioritises winning over community, enjoyment or fair play may be inconsistent with Urban Rec values.

What Fun First Looks Like

Fun First means:

• Playing competitively while remaining respectful.
• Encouraging teammates and opponents.
• Being honest and fair.
• Including others and making people feel welcome.
• Helping create a positive game-day atmosphere.
• Resolving disagreements respectfully.
• Remembering that everyone is here for their own reasons.

The goal is not simply to win games.
The goal is to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.

Honesty & Fair Play

Urban Rec leagues operate on a shared responsibility model.
While League Hosts and referees help facilitate games, participants are expected to play with honesty and integrity.
This includes:

• Calling yourself out when appropriate.
• Respecting decisions made by officials.
• Avoiding gamesmanship and technical loopholes.
• Playing in the spirit of the rules, not just the letter of the rules.

Fair play will always be valued more highly than winning.

Fun Points

Fun Points are one of the ways Urban Rec recognises and rewards teams that contribute positively to league culture.
Fun Points may take into account:

• Sportsmanship.
• Inclusiveness.
• Respect for opponents and staff.
• Positive attitude.
• Team spirit.
• Overall contribution to the league environment.

In some leagues, Fun Points may be used as a tiebreaker when teams finish level on the standings.

Creating a Positive Community

Urban Rec is built on community.
We encourage participants to:

• Welcome new players.
• Support individual and team registrations alike.
• Celebrate effort and improvement.
• Be respectful online and in person.
• Help create an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.

Small actions have a big impact on the experience of others.

When Fun First Values Are Not Being Met

Most issues can be resolved through communication, coaching and mutual respect.
Where behaviour consistently falls short of Urban Rec's values, Urban Rec may:

• Speak with the participant or team.
• Provide coaching or feedback.
• Monitor behaviour over time.
• Review the matter under the Disciplinary Policy where appropriate.

Our goal is always to improve the experience for everyone involved and protect the culture that makes Urban Rec unique.

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Code of Conduct
• League Integrity Policy
• Disciplinary Policy

Review

Approved By: Urban Rec Management Team
Last Updated: June 2026
Next Review Date: June 2027