Sunshine Coast Lightning (the “Club”) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for all people interacting with the Club. This includes members, supporters, opposition fans, suppliers, volunteers, service providers, sponsors, corporate partners, guests, athletes and staff. 

To ensure everyone can enjoy games and events in a respectful and supportive atmosphere, all individuals must follow this Code of Conduct at all times – whether attending a Sunshine Coast Lightning game, event, function, or interacting with the Club on social media:

• Act as ambassadors for the Sunshine Coast Lightning, and the game of netball, by conducting themselves in a way reflective of our values and in promotion of the Club
• Ensure that any banners or signs bought to UniSC or other venues do not disrupt the view of those around you
• Inform venue staff or security immediately if anyone around you is behaving inappropriately to ensure the correct action can be taken
• Not abuse the match officials, venue employees, security, players and Sunshine Coast Lightning employees and officials, which includes not using crude or abusive language or gestures, insults, threats, intimidation, assault, provocation or otherwise act in an abusive manner
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, race, colour, religion, language, sexuality, politics, national or ethnic origin or choice of team
• Not be violent in any way, including encouraging or inciting violence, whether or not it is instigated by other spectators, team officials, coaches or players
• Not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures
• Not be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
• Follow Sunshine Coast Lightning’s dress codes, where appropriate
• Comply with any terms of entry of a venue, including bag inspections, prohibited and restricted items including and not limited to flares, missiles, dangerous articles and items that have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance
• Not throw missiles, including on to the field of play or at other spectators, and must not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority
• Always adhere to and comply with the conditions of entry to University of Sunshine Coast Sports Stadium or any other venue hosting a Sunshine Coast Lightning event
• Must not wear any face covering, mask, or clothing that conceals your identity, unless you have a valid and lawful reason (eg. medical or religious). Security staff will request removal of a face covering to confirm identity. Refusal may result in removal from the venue.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of Sunshine Coast Lightning, Netball Australia and the game generally
• Non-professional, non-flash camera such as disposable cameras and mobile phones are permitted at Lightning games. However, video recording devices, audio recording devices, Go Pro cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, and cameras with telephoto or interchangeable lenses (professional photography equipment) are not permitted inside Lightning games at UniSC Arena.

Player Interaction

If you meet or interact with a Sunshine Coast Lightning player before or after a game, or during any Club event, you must:

• Be polite, respectful and considerate at all times.
• Use clean and appropriate language – offensive or inappropriate conversations are not tolerated.
• Behave respectfully during photo opportunities – any form of physical contact must be appropriate and consensual.
• Never request players to sign body parts, inappropriate photos or offensive items. These items may be confiscated.
• Not harass, intimidate, or make players uncomfortable in any way. Any such behaviour will result in immediate removal from the venue and a possible ban from future events.

Any individual who breaches this Code of Conduct or causes a disturbance may face the following consequences:

• Immediate removal from the venue or event
• A ban from attending future Sunshine Coast Lightning games or events
• Loss of membership, accreditation or sponsor entitlements if the behaviour damages the Club’s reputation or creates an unsafe environment

We thank you for your cooperation and support in creating a positive and respectful atmosphere for everyone who is part of the Sunshine Coast Lightning community.