Code of Conduct

EUROA JUNIOR FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

CODE OF CONDUCT POLICIES

Introduction

Euroa Junior Football Netball Club (The Club) in conjunction with The Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) and Netball Victoria has an obligation to maintain a safe physical and emotional environment for league officials, staff, registered players, umpires, coaches, club members, parents, spectators and sponsors.

We invite all coaches, players and parents to read our Code of Conduct Policies including our Cybersafety Policy carefully and confirm that they understand and agree to abide by them whilst they are involved with the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club.

For parents registering a child as a participant, it is implied and accepted that they, their child and associated spectators have read and understood the code of conduct policies of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club and agree to abide by the policies set out as endorsed by the committee of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club.

Any breach of the policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action being taken.

Policies include;

No Smoking Policy
Cyber Safety Policy
Coaches Code of Conduct Policy
Players Code of Conduct Policy
Parents, Guardians and Spectators Code of Conduct Policy
Child Safe Policy

NO SMOKING POLICY

Worksafe have a policy regarding smoking at all games. There is a No Smoking within a 10 metre area of any netball court or football ground. This applies at every match both home and away.

The above policy is backed by the Tobacco Act in banning smoking at children's playgrounds and at a number of other public spaces, including sporting grounds where junior sport occurs.

Smoking is banned within a 10-metre radius of outdoor children's playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor sporting venues during organised underage events.

CYBER SAFETY POLICY

Euroa Junior Football Netball Club together with The VCFL places a high priority on the acceptable use of ICT devices/equipment which will benefit members however; it recognises that the presence in the sporting arena of these technologies can also facilitate anti-social, inappropriate, and even illegal behaviour and activities. EJFNC and The VCFL aims, therefore, to maximise the benefits of these technologies, while at the same time to minimise the dangers and manage the risks.

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING

“Cyberbullying is a way of delivering covert psychological bullying. It uses information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour, by an individual or group that is intended to harm others.” (Belsey 2007)

Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, racially vilifying or threatening another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, phone messages, digital pictures or images, or Web site postings (including social network sites such as facebook or blogs) and the sending, receiving and/or possession of naked or sexually explicit images of a person. Club members must also be aware that postings from their individual accounts, whether done by themselves or another person will remain the responsibility of the account owner.

Members, Club officials and players must be aware that in certain circumstances where a crime has been committed, they may also be subjected to a criminal investigation by Police over which the league and/or club will have no control. This particularly applies to ‘sexting’ where the image is of a person under the age of 18 years whereby Police will be informed immediately a club becomes aware of the situation.

PROCEDURE

Members, Club officials or players who feel that they have been the victims of such misuses of technology should save and store the offending material on their computer, mobile phone or other device. They should then print a copy of the material and immediately report the incident to a club Executive ie President, Vice President,Secretary or Treasurer.

All reports of cyberbullying and other technology misuses will be investigated fully in accordance with VCFL Rule 5.0 and may result in a notification to Police where the Club is legally obliged to do so.

PENALTIES

Any proven charges may lead to a minimum of a two (2) match suspension for a registered player. In deciding the final penalty, consideration will be given to the seriousness of the act, the impact on the victim, the impact on the club and league and the prior good history or otherwise of the player. Players charged with these types of offences for a second or subsequent time and where a suspension has been previously imposed will face deregistration.

Any player presented before the tribunal for the first or subsequent time on a cyberbullying offence must be aware that the penalties available to the tribunal members will cover the complete range including deregistration.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL/NETBALLCOACHES CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Be familiar with the Laws of Australian football/Netball Victoria and abide by the rules and conditions of your league and club.
Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no player should evade or break.
Group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible in any competitive practice session.
Avoid over-playing the talented players. Every player needs and deserves equal time.
Remember to instill the importance of playing for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Emphasise the importance of the learning and development of skills and positive attitudes. Never ridicule or yell at your players for making mistakes or losing a competition.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meets safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of the players.
The scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the player(s).
Develop team respect for the ability of fellow team mates and opponents, as well as for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of an appropriately qualified person when determining when an injured player is ready to play or train again.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound junior coaching principles and developments. Attain and maintain coaching accreditation and it is encouraged that you become an active member of the Australian Football Coaches Association/Netball Victoria.
Demonstrate and enforce a zero tolerance towards the use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
Ensure all players are treated fairly and with respect by their fellow team mates and other parents.
Check with players as to any medical conditions before training and match day to ensure health of player is considered.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL/NETBALLPLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, umpires, club and league.
Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires, spectators or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted.
Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team.
Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that you have given your best effort and never involve yourself in an argument with opposing players, umpires or officials.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.
Co-operate with your coach and team mates, and respect the ability of your opponent. Without them there would be no game.
Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.
Demonstrate and encourage a zero tolerance towards the use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
If inappropriate behaviour continues after a warning has been given, the coach has the right to withdraw the player from the field or reduce their play time
Advise coaching staff of any medical conditions before training and match day to ensue they take appropriate precautionary action

PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND SPECTATORS OF JUNIOR FOOTBALL/NETBALL CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force them.
Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
Remember your child should be involved in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Remember your child learns best by example. Applaud good play by both your team and by members of the opposing team.
If you disagree with an official or umpire raise the issue through the appropriate channels (ie. Club President, Vice President or Secretary) rather than questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public. Please remember that most officials give their time and effort freely to enable your child’s involvement in competitive sport.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior sporting activities.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child and deserve your support.
Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard of behaviour both on and off the field for the betterment of the league and your family. Offer your assistance to the team that your child is playing in so that every opportunity is being provided for the very best supervision and support. Your positive involvement will give both yourself and your child far more satisfaction.
Demonstrate and encourage a zero tolerance towards the use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
Advise coaching staff of any medical conditions that your child may have that may impact on them during training and match day.

FOOTBALL/NETBALL CODE’S OF CONDUCT OVERVIEW

The information provided is for the information of players, parents, guardians and spectators of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club (EJFNC). The detail provided is a general overview of the conduct expected of all players, parents, guardians and spectators. For more detailed information please refer to the code of conduct policies set out on the EJFNC website or ask for a copy from the club secretary.

The “Players Code of Conduct” is designed to give each player a very clear understanding of what their expectations are as part of our Club, and to safeguard the enjoyment of all players, members, friends, supporters, coaches and other officials. It is provided to you so that all parties have a clear understanding of the level of participation and professionalism that’s expected of them for the current season and beyond.

FOOTBALL/NETBALL TRAINING & TEAM SELECTION

EJFNC believes training is an essential part of showing commitment and dedication to the Club, your team and your coach. Players MUST attend training in order to secure game time on match day. Unexplained non-attendance at training may result in reduced/minimal participation time, at the discretion of your coach.

Coaches contacts are provided so that you can advise of an absence from training and or gameday It is understood that there will be occasions when you will not be able to attend a session.

We will select game day teams and a maximum of 9 players for netball and 22 players for football are likely to be selected for each age group. The coaches have no option but to give preference to training players. We ask that you understand that there will be times when people miss out on selection. We understand that this may be disappointing for you, but please also be aware that it is also very difficult for the coaches to have to make these decisions.

The Committee seek to adopt a coaching philosophy that all netball and football teams are guided by from season to season.

Top age players in each age group will get priority in game time. The bottom age players will rotate through in a roster system. All top age players will be rostered off at least one game during the season.

The theory behind this philosophy is that as your child moves through the age groups they will get the opportunity to be both a bottom and top age player (most players get two years in each age group). The Committee feel that this is the best option for developing all players and preparing players to move up through the age groups.

Using this approach also means that all coaches in the club are coaching along similar lines and parents and players know upfront what to expect.

We thank you in anticipation of your understanding, maturity and club spirit.

FOOTBALL/NETBALL MATCH DAY BEHAVIOUR

EJFNC is committed to achieving and maintaining a high level of professionalism in all that we do. It is important that each player understands that at training and every match they are representing not only themselves, but their team mates, their coaches, their Club and the wider community.

Each player is expected to maintain the highest standard of personal behaviour at all times.
Abide by the rules of the game.
NEVER argue with an umpire. Always respect their decision even if you do not agree with it.
Show opposition teams and officials the utmost respect at all times.
Never use inappropriate language, actions or gestures.
Always be a good sport. Win with modesty and lose with dignity. ALWAYS shake hands with your opponents after the match.
Co-operate with your fellow team members and coach. Negativity towards team mates and coaches will not be tolerated.
If inappropriate behaviour continues after a warning has been given, the coach has the right to withdraw the player from the field of play or reduce their play time

FOOTBALL/NETBALL SPECTATORS & PARENTS

We both encourage and thank our spectators and parents for the very important role that they play in our Club. We do, however, ask that they abide by the same high standard of behaviour we set for the playing group. In particular we ask that they:

Positively encourage the participation of their children and other people’s children.
Focus on the efforts and performance of the team, not whether they win/lose.
Encourage their children to play by the rules.
NEVER ridicule or yell at their child (or anyone else’s) for making a mistake.
Always be a good example – appreciate good performance and skilful plays by ALL participants, always respect coaches and officials’ decisions and NEVER speak or behave in an aggressive or abusive manner at the football/netball.
If you feel the need to discuss grievances with the coaches please arrange a time to meet privately after the game.
Please feel more than welcome to attend training sessions.
Again, we know you will be very supportive and positive around our Club, and we sincerely thank you for this.

CHILD SAFE

Euroa Junior Football Netball Club is a Child Safe organisation. EJFNC abide by the AFL Victoria Child Safe Guidelines.

The nominated Child Safety Officers for the Club are;

Andrew Hill, Steve Hicks, Jenny Jager and Sam Davidson.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Try to resolve issue directly with the person involved at a mutually suitable time.
If not resolved and further action is required address the issue in writing to the Executive Committee of the Club.
The Executive committee will meet to decide an appropriate course of action.
The Executive committee will seek to address an issue in a timely, fair manner, which is both confidential and in the interests of all parties and the integrity of the Club.
Resolution may include mediation/meetings between the parties and members of the Executive.
Any decision, action or recommendation by the Executive Committee will be final.

(The Executive Committee is made up of the elected Club President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer)

CLUB DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Registering your child as a participant implies that yourself, your child and associated spectators have read and understood the code of conduct policies of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club and agree to abide by the policies set out and endorsed by the committee of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club.

In deciding any disciplinary action for a breach in the Code of Conduct, consideration will be given to the seriousness of the act, the impact on the victim, the impact on the Club and League and the prior good history or otherwise of the person.

Any person in breach of the Code of Conduct in the first instance or for a subsequent time risks a range of penalties including, suspension, deregistration and or expulsion from the Club.

At the commencement of each season the Club will require a signed undertaking from the Players and Parents/Guardians as to having read and accepted to abide by the policies adopted by the Committee of the Euroa Junior Football Netball Club.

Any breach of the policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action being taken by the Club’s Executive Committee.

CONTITUTIONAL ORDER

The Code of Conduct and it’s policies are created to support the objectivesof Euroa Junior Football Netball Club’s Constituting Order (Statement of Rules) as endorsed by the General Committee of the Club.

CONTACTS

Postal Address

P.O Box 68 EuroaVic 3666

Committe

Club President – Courtney Hamill

Club Secretary – Lisa Crowe

Club Treasurer Clarissa Pittock

Coaches

Football Coaches for 2021

Under 9 - Brett O'Bree

Under 11 - Brenton Hoare

Under 13 - Daniel Godsmark and Gerard Hamill