JUNIOR PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
1 Play for the fun of it – after all it’s just a game
All sport, including football should be fun. Do not play just to please your parents, coaches or friends. Play to improve your skills, to keep fit & active. If you enjoy an activity you will learn much quicker, perform much better and become more skillful.
If you are not having Fun, it may be time to try something else.
2 Abide by the Rules of the Game
The rules exist for the safety & enjoyment of all people involved in football – so take the time to learn and understand them. Deliberately breaking the rules (including Team, Club or League rules) will result in consequences for you and your team. Do not let yourself or the team down.
3 Be a good sport – show integrity
Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team or your opponent. Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that you have given your best effort. Make every effort to congratulate your opponent and shake their hand after every match.
Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Disappointment at losing is natural, but remember no one wins all the time. You learn more from a loss than you do from a 100 wins. Winning is not important – Trying is. All players are expected to take responsibility for your own actions.
4 Work equally hard for yourself and for your team
You owe it to yourself and others involved in your team to train and play to the best of your abilities. The team’s performance will benefit, and so will you – it’s a team game, treat it that way.
One or two training sessions is all we have together each week. If you want to be a GREAT footballer you obviously need to practice more than that. “Homework” may be given to you to further enhance your skills, as well as increase your understanding of the rules and way our game is played.
5 Never argue with an Umpire or officials – show them respect
The umpire is always right - even when the decision is wrong. Umpiring is a difficult job, and mistakes will be made. All decisions are final and must be accepted with dignity. If you disagree with a decision, tell your coach at the next break or after the game.
Disputing decisions and not accepting incorrect calls is bad sportsmanship and not acceptable. Remember the game cannot be played without umpires, and they will have as many perfect games (umpiring), as you will playing.
6 Treat others as you would like to be treated
Respect the ability of your team mates as well as your opponents. Chances are there is someone better and someone worse than you playing. Everyone makes mistakes and just because someone cannot perform as well as you do does not mean that they are not trying – The important thing to note is they are out there having a go – Remember without them there would be no game.
Do not abuse or damage club property or equipment. It is there for everyone to use & enjoy.
7 Anti discrimination & Bullying
Any form of Bullying or Discrimination against officials, players or spectators is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the club. This includes physical and verbal abuse, the use of derogatory language or insulting remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability, deliberately distracting, provoking and sledging an opponent – none of this will help you enjoy or win the game and it is letting down your coach, team-mates and family.
Any breach of this will result in disciplinary action by the club
PARENTS & SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
1 Be a responsible role model for the players – Lead by example
Show & Encourage good sportsmanship by recognising and applauding good play from all players, not just our own. Do not criticise any player, including yours for making a mistake – This is how they learn.
Encourage other persons to follow and help enforce these principles
Accept ALL decisions made by the Umpires. If you do have any concerns ensure they are raised through the appropriate channels – DO NOT question the official’s judgment and honesty in public.
2 Encourage participation
Encourage your children to play, but do not force them. They should be playing because they enjoy it.
Teach children that an honest effort is always more important than a victory. The focus in the junior levels is developing skills, playing the game and keeping fit.
3 Contribute to the team
Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard of behavior, both on and off the field for the betterment of the league and your family. Offer assistance to your child’s team so that every opportunity is being provided for the very best supervision and support. Your involvement will give both your child and yourself far more satisfaction.
4 Educate the players in responsibility
Ensure the players understand their Code of Conduct, what is expected of them and the potential consequences. This applies not only to the club but to everyday life.
Each player is part of a team, which is impacted by individual actions. Show respect to the team by turning up and arriving punctually for training and games. If your child can’t make it, let the Coach and Team Manager know as soon as possible
5 Anti discrimination, Bullying & Violence
Do not participate in any type of aggressive behaviour, both physical and verbal, to umpires, officials, players or any other club members, committee members or opposition teams. – This type of behaviour should be condemned
Actively support all efforts to remove both verbal and physical abuse from junior football.
PROCEDURE FOR BREACHING CODE OF CONDUCT
Upon receiving a complaint, an Executive Committee meeting will be called and an investigation conducted. All sides of the allegations will be heard prior to any decision being made.
Dependent on the severity of the breach, one of following actions will be put in place.
- Verbal warning – in place for the duration of the season.
- Written warning – in place for the duration of the season
- Suspension from Club – period defined as part of the penalty
- Expulsion from the Club
NFL investigators and/or Police may be called to support the investigation for serious breaches.
Last Modified on 24/03/2014 16:28
