CODES OF BEHAVIOUR
The AFL Vic Country is committed to a Fair Go for all participants in football where individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
The AFL Vic Country is committed to providing an environment focused on the rights of young people to enjoy themselves and develop social and physical skills.
The AFL Vic Country is committed to a football environment, which is free of verbal and physical abuse.
The AFL Vic Country is committed to providing a supportive environment for administrators, coaches, officials, umpires and volunteers to enable them to do their jobs.
The AFL Vic Country is committed to establishing standards of behaviour expected of members and procedure for dealing with breaches of the Codes of Behaviour.
ADMINISTRATORS
Make your club environment more user friendly by providing equal opportunities for all to participate.
Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
Provide quality supervision and instruction for players and ensure volunteers are adequately trained.
Distribute Codes of Behaviour to coaches, players, parents, spectators, officials and volunteers and encourage them to follow it.
Ensure that everyone emphasises fair play, not winning at all cost.
Direct coaches and officials to highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development.
Ensure that the equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of the players.
Create pathways for young people to participate in football not just as a player, e.g. as umpire, administrator, etc.
Adopt and implement relevant safety policies and practices.
Implement policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol and in relation to recreational and performance-enhancing drugs.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
COACHES
Keep up to date with coaching practices and qualifications and the principles of physical growth and development.
Operate within the rules and spirit of football and teach players to do the same.
Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.
Give players the chance to try out different playing positions.
Create opportunities for participants to learn appropriate behaviour as well as basic skills.
Help young people understand that playing by the rules is their responsibility.
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.
Avoid over-playing talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.
Never swear, or use abusive language during the game or when addressing the players. Be mindful of the presence of young people and other spectators.
Treat umpires and opposition sides with respect.
PLAYERS
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
Never argue with an official. If you need clarification, have your captain, coach or team manager approach the official during a break or after the game.
Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of coaches, officials, umpires, spectators or other players is not acceptable or permitted.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
Ensure that both on and off field behaviour is consistent with the principle of good sportsmanship.
Treat all participants as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another person. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment and winning is only part of it.
Show respect to and acknowledge opponents and officials (e.g. shake hands before and after the game and say things like ‘good luck’, ‘thanks for the game’, ‘thanks ump’, three cheers for…).
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
OFFICIALS
Apply rules and regulations to make participation more fun.
Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
Compliment and encourage all participants.
You are a role model and a source of a young person’s confidence building.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people.
Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
Be familiar with and know your role in safety policies and practices.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
Promote a culturally tolerant environment.
Implement policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, to child protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance-enhancing drugs.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
PARENTS & SPECTATORS
Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage players always to play according to the rules and settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.
Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants regardless of the game’s outcome.
Condemn the use of violence, verbal abuse or vilification in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
Respect official’s decisions and encourage players to do likewise.
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials, administrators.
Support policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, child protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance-enhancing drugs.
Support involvement in modified rules games and other junior development programs.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
The Bairnsdale Football Netball Club requests that parents and spectators do not congregate around the coach’s box.