The Club relies on volunteers from families to fill vital roles on match day that ensure games are run smoothly, are played safely and start and finish on time. The club actively encourages family involvement on match day because the more parents are involved in their child’s sport, the more the family will enjoy the season.
Each game day as many as 10 volunteer roles need to be filled. For each team the Club appoints the Coach/es and Team Manager, and each week the following positions are required to be filled by parent/guardian volunteers:
- Runner
- Trainer
- Boundary Umpire
- Goal Umpire
- Umpire Escort
- Water Person (1 or 2 depending upon age group)
- Timekeeper
- Club Umpire (Modified rules only)
Normally the Team Manager will organise a roster for the season to fill these important roles each week.
Club Umpires are only required for age groups with modified rules (Under 10 and below). If you are interested in volunteering to be a Club Umpire, the club will arrange for you to attend an official umpiring course run by the SMJFL.
Working with Children Check (WWCC) Requirements
The SMJFL requires that volunteers must hold a valid Victorian Working with Children Check prior to commencing certain volunteer roles – which includes most of the volunteer roles listed above.
As a club we encourage at least one member of a family (and not necessarily the dad/male guardian) to have a WWCC. It is free and can be done online via www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.
Many of you may already have a WWCC through volunteering at kindergarten, primary school or other junior sports clubs - however, you will need to ensure it is linked to our club.
The WWCC website lists several exemptions, including VIT registered teachers, police officers and anyone under the age of 18. Please note that for the purposes of working or volunteering at an SMJFL club, the only exemption that applies is if the person is under 18 years of age. As such, personnel who would normally fall under another exemption category must still obtain a WWCC to perform their role at the club.
Below is a PDF document prepared by the SMJFL that outlines how to go about getting a WWCC.
Please help the club and your child’s team by obtaining a WWCC.
Last Modified on 02/03/2020 10:10