Code of Conduct

Weston Molonglo Football Club has endorsed and adopted both the Australian Sports Commission Codes of Behaviour and the Football Australia Member Protection Framework. These "Codes of Conduct" outline the procedures the club has adopted, as a registered member of the FFA, in its commitment to provide an environment safe for children, as well as the club's commitment to eliminate discrimination, harassment, child abuse and other forms of inappropriate behaviour from the sport. Adherence to this policy is a condition of registration and membership with the club. The policy applies to players, coaches, managers, officials, club volunteers and to the fullest extent possible, to parents and guardians of players and to spectators at matches.

Social Media

The club encourages members to use social media to promote football in a positive way including sharing stories about "fair play", respect for the referees, respect for your team mates, respect for the players of the other team, respect for coaches, managers and supporters. These stories are the biggest "win" for your team, our club and football in general. Please think about the following common sense guidelines before posting on social media:

always ask for a person’s permission before posting their picture on a Social Media platform
do not include personal information of yourself or others in Social Media channels
do not use offensive, provocative or hateful language or attempt to bully other people in Social Media channels
use your best judgment – do not publish something that makes you the slightest bit uncomfortable, and never write/ publish if you are feeling emotional or upset (or are intoxicated)
never comment on rumours, do not deny or affirm them or speculate about rumours in Social Media channels

Players, Coaches, Managers, Parents and Spectators

Anyone associated with the club attending a match, training or any team or club event must:

respect the decisions of match officials. Your positive behaviour will show younger players how to do the same
never ridicule or undulty scold a child for making a mistake
respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin
not use violence in any form, whether it is against players, other spectators, Team Officials (including coaches) or match officials
not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting
comply with any terms of entry of a venue, including bag inspections, prohibited items that have potential to cause injury or public nuisance
conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of FFA and football generally.

Coaches and Managers

Coaches and managers are to hold a current Working With Vulnerable People card. This is a mandatory requirement by ACT Government . The club may be audited and if Coaches or Managers are found to not have the WWVP card, the club will be fined. Application for the card is free and lasts for three years. Further information can be found here: Access Canberra WWVP How to Apply. Our club member protection information officer will need to sight and make a record of the card.

Be reasonable in your demands of young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
Teach your players that rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break
Whenever possible, group players to give a reasonable chance of success
Avoid over-playing the talented players. The “just-average” players need and deserve equal time
Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches
The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the children
Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children