Dear Old Diocesans

I mentioned in previous newsletters that the leadership of Bishops and Rondebosch had undertaken the project of establishing a sporting code of conduct to which both school communities would subscribe. The process has yielded positive results.

We are proud to announce the launch of the Onside Campaign, at the heart of which is the Honour Code, designed to remind us of the longstanding and worthy values that underpin the best traditions of school sport.

The word "tradition" comes from traditio, the noun from the verb tradere (to transmit, to hand over). It was used in Roman law to refer to the concept of legal transfers, delivery and inheritance. Traditions remain a central component of modern culture, in that it provides a commonality of experience and promotes unified identity. This weekend marks the origin of a new tradition, embodied in the spirit and letter of the Honour Code, the text of which can be found here.

Adrian Dommisse (of the Rondebosch Old Boys Association) and I are encouraged by the support for the initiative shown by parents, old boys, pupils and members of the two schools' community, including Bosch Old Boys and Old Diocesans, such as Chris van Zyl, Nizaam Carr and Dillyn Leyds. Moreover, Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has endorsed the Honour Code.

Old Diocesans are encouraged to adhere to the Honour Code, ahead of, and during, the upcoming Derby fixtures between Bishops and Rondebosch this weekend. You will see that the Honour Code applies to participants, coaches, parents and spectators alike. It is anticipated that the Code will be rolled out to schools across South Africa with Bishops and Rondebosch being the leaders of this important initiative.

The first team fixtures this weekend are:

• Football, Friday 15h00 on North
• Hockey, Friday 19h35 on Bosch Astro A
• Rugby, Saturday 12h10 on Tinkie Heyns Field

Accordingly, I take great pleasure in inviting you to witness and celebrate the birth of a renewed and invigorated tradition of rivalry between Rondebosch and Bishops this weekend.

Pro fide et patria

Adam Pike (ODU Chairman)