CODES OF CONDUCT

The major objective of Junior Football is to provide an opportunity for all children to play Australian Football in a safe environment designed to maximise the acquisition of skill and provide enjoyment (Fun). The following Codes of Conduct, if followed by all people involved in our junior game, should ensure the fulfilment of this important objective. The West Australian Football Commission Football Affairs Committee strongly advises that all persons involved be issued with copies of the appropriate code of conduct. WA Football supports acts of sportsmanship (hand shaking etc.) between players, coaches, administrators, umpires etc.

 ADMINISTRATOR’S AND VOLUNTEERS CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’.
  2. Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in sports are made available to all children, regardless of ability, size, shape, gender, age, disability or ethnic origin.
  3. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating children.
  4. Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behavior and skill technique.
  5. Remember that children participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.
  6. Provide clinics aimed at improving the standards of coaching and officiating, with an emphasis on appropriate behavior and skill technique.
  7. Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, trainers and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.
  8. Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs.
  9. Condemn unsporting behavior and promote respect for all opponents.
  10. Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
  11. Ensure that your behavior is consistent with the principles of good sporting behavior.
  12. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
  13. Ensure promotion, well-being and safety of umpires and encourage good sportsmanship before, during and after matches.
  14. Ensure positive player/umpire relationships are continually developed.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

It is imperative that coaches understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’. As a coach, 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:

  1. 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.
  2. I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of my Club, District and League/Association.
  3. 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.
  4. I will be supportive at all times and I will refrain from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
  5. I will have due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedule, practice activities and involvement in competition.
  6. 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 5-18 year old age group, I will strive to ensure that all players gain equal playing time.
  7. I will stress and monitor safety always.
  8. 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.
  9. I will endeavour to keep informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development, and of factors relating to the welfare of my players.
  10. I will at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play.
  11. I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
  12. I will ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill learning and development are priorities and are not overshadowed by a desire to win.
  13. 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/Ethnics with their Club and/or

League or State Sports Association (WAFC). 

PARENT’S & SPECTATOR’S CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’.
  2. Encourage children to participate, if they are interested.
  3. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
  4. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
  5. Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all teams.
  6. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public.
  7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
  8. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, managers and helpers
  9. Remember that children play organized sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
  10. Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
  11. Encourage players to follow the rules and the umpire’s decisions.
  12. Demonstrate appropriate social behavior by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches, umpires or volunteers.

 PLAYER’S CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’.
  2. Play by the rules.
  3. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach or teacher after the game.
  4. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.
  5. Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will you
  6. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team, opponent or the other team.
  7. Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
  8. Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would no competition.
  9. Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
  10. Avoid using derogatory language.
  11. Be prepared to take responsibility for your actions.

 RUNNER’S/WATER STEWARDS CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’.
  2. The runner SHOULD BE AN ADULT.
  3. The runner must be clearly identified.
  4. The runner’s name must be entered in both team books.
  5. No abusive language or swearing.
  6. Support the decision of the umpires at all times and never question decisions.

 UMPIRE’S CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’.
  2. Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs.
  3. Compliment all participants on their efforts.
  4. Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions.
  5. Condemn unsporting behavior and promote respect for all opponents.
  6. Ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost by using common sense and not over emphasizing errors.
  7. Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
  8. Ensure that your behavior is consistent with the principles of good sporting behavior. Actions speak louder than words.
  9. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
  10. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender.