Code of conduct
To assist in meeting the aims of the club, a range of guidelines have been created in liaison with the AFLBJ, regarding the conduct of players, officials, and parents. Each ‘Code of Conduct is provided at the rear of this book to assist in ensuring the best environment and enjoyment for our members. Note: The registration process for all players contains requirements that each player and their parent or guardian sign to acknowledge acceptance of their respective Code of Conduct (as detailed on the back of the registration form).
Codes of Conduct - Players
o Play by the rules.
o Never argue with any club or AFL official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach after the game.
o Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.
o Work equally hard for yourself and for you team. The performance of yourself and your team will benefit greatly.
o Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team, opponent or another team.
o Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
o Co-operate with your coach, manager, umpire, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition and you would not get to enjoy this great game.
o Play for the fun of it. Not just to please parents and coaches.
o Avoid using derogatory language.
o Players must attend training on a regular and consistent basis throughout the season.
o Attendance at training will be recorded by coaches or managers, and will be one of a number of criteria for used for team selection at finals time, if required.
o If you are reported during a game resulting in a suspension and dispute the decision, you will be required to front the Tribunal Panel to explain your actions in Brisbane AFLQ Headquarters Tribunal.
Codes of Conduct – Parents, Guardians and Spectators
o Encourage children to participate, if they are interested.
o Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
o Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
o Remember that children learn best from examples. Applaud good play by all teams.
o On game day, if you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channel/s rather than questioning the officials’ judgement and honesty in public.
o Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
o Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches.
o Remember that children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of the spectators, nor are they miniature professionals.
o Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
o Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
o Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
o Complaints are to be directed in writing to the club Secretary and not coaching staff or individuals.
Codes of Conduct - Coaches
o Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
o Avoid over-playing the talented players, all players need and deserve equal time.
o Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment.
o Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
o Take into consideration the maturity level of the children, when scheduling and determining the length of practice time and competition.
o Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
o Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
o Keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
o Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well as basic skills.
o Ensure that skill learning and appropriate sports behaviour have priority over highly structured competitions for young children.
o Help children understand the responsibilities and the implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair play.
o Appropriate Personal Contact and Language http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3928-0-0-0&sID=85919
o Must abide by AFLBJ Rules http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3928-0-0-0&sID=70205
Codes of Conduct Administration and Officials
o Ensure that equal opportunity for participation in sports is made available to all children, regardless of ability, size, shape, sex, age, disability or ethnic origin.
o Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are taken into consideration for the age, ability and maturity level of participating children.
o Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and skill technique.
o Remember that children participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.
o Provide clinics aimed at improving the standards of coaching and officiating, with an emphasis on appropriate behaviour and skill technique.
o Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibility regarding fair play.
o Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs.
o Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
o Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participants for fun and enjoyment.
o Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour.
o Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
o Must abide by AFLBJ Rules http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3928-0-0-0&sID=70205
