Code of Conduct

Parents, Guardians & Spectators

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. 3. 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 Football/Netball 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 rather than questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior sporting activities.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give 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 involvement will give both yourself and your child far more satisfaction.
Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of the gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Agree to abide by your League’s policies as listed on the website and in the information booklet and operations manual.
Do not take part in any form of bullying including via the use of social media. For more information they should see their state, league or national Member Protection Policy.
Be prepared to be responsible for your actions. As a member or supporter of my club, I/we agree to abide by these principles. We will ensure that we understand the expected behaviour of a member or supporter of our club.

We support the club in its undertakings and encourage the club to take any necessary disciplinary actions including the suspension and banning where warranted of any Parents/Guardians and/or Supporters for repeated or serious breaches to this Code of Conduct. We acknowledge that it is our responsibility to ensure that family or friends attending events are made aware of and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Players

Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, club and league.
Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, 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 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.
Avoid the use of rude language. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of the gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Agree to abide by your League’s policies as listed on the website and in the information booklet and operations manual.
Do not take part in any form of bullying including via the use of social media.
Be prepared to be responsible for your actions.

Coaches

I understand that as an integral component of my accreditation, I must maintain a standard of behaviour and conduct in the best interests of the game and the players/staff in my care. In representing myself in an honest manner, and without bringing the coaching profession or the Game into disrepute, I will endeavour to uphold the following to the best of my ability:
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Football, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background, or special ability/disability.
I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of my Club and League/Association.
I will be reasonable in the demands I make on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and well-being.
I will refrain from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
I will have due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, practice activities and involvement in competition.
I will avoid overplaying the talented players, aiming to maximise participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability. Where I am responsible for players in the 5-12 year old age group, I will ensure that all players gain equal playing time.
I will stress and monitor safety always.
In recognising the significance of injury and sickness, I will seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training.
I will endeavour to keep informed with regard to sound principles of coaching and skill development, and to factors relating to the welfare of my players.
I will at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play.
I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
I will ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill learning and development as priorities are not overshadowed by a desire to win.
I reject the use of performance-enhancing substances in sport and will abide by the guidelines set forth in the AFL DRUG POLICY.

Note:

This “Coaches Code of Conduct” is to be signed and conformed to as part of the accreditation requirements of the AFL. Coaches should be aware that, in addition to this Code, they may be obliged to sign a further Code of Conduct/Ethics with their Club and/or League.