This policy has been formed to protect the Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club Players and Officials.
- The welfare of the Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club children is the primary concern
- All children have the right to play and learn of their own pace
- All players will be involved in a team environment and encouraged to play as a team
- All Officials, Parents and Supporters will encourage a team environment
- All Officials, Parents and Supporters have the duty of core to report a "Code of Conduct" breach
Players, Parents & Guardians
As a Player, Parent or Guardian of the Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club, I acknowledge the fallowing principles and will adhere to them throughout the year for all players and officials (including the opposition players and officials).
I will also abide by the Zero Tolerance Policy (appendix B).
Players
- Play by the rules
- Never argue with on official. lf you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
- All players, officials and spectators acknowledge that Junior Umpires (“Greenshirts”) follow the “Greenshirt Program Training Guidelines”. Each Club is to nominate an official from each Stream to be the Junior Umpire Liaison Officer. The Junior Umpire Liaison Officer shall communicate the Junior Umpire’s (Greenshirt) decided course of action in response to issues of behaviour or conduct. All players, officials and spectators shall abide by the directed course of action
- Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
- Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
Parents & Guardians
- Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
- Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather thon winning or losing.
- Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Respect officials' decision and teach children to do likewise.
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- I will not encourage any behaviours or practices that would endonger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.
Conflict Resolution
We are sometimes faced with conflict on and off the field. Below are tips for resolving conflict.
- Be professional: Speak clearly and stay composed in heated situations.
- Avoid argument or debate.
- Remain calm: Don’t over-react. Stay relaxed and adopt a low-key posture/body language. Use objective, neutral language.
- Report the conflict: You have a duty of care to players, umpires, coaches & supporters to report any breach of the Code of Conduct to a member of the Poowong-Loch JFC Executive Committee who will investigate the matter.
Remember that 90% of conflict occurs not because of what was said, but the tone in which it was said!
Sanctions & Penalties
If you are a player, coach, supporter thought to have violated this Code; the Club’s Committee will investigate your case.
You may then be required to appear before a panel (made up by current Committee members). This panel may decide (amongst other sanctions) to revoke your membership and expel you from the Club. The Club’s Committee will administer penalties for any breach in the Code of Conduct as appropriate, and can include:
- Reprimand
- Direction to make a verbal or written apology
- Direction to undergo Counselling
- Suspension
- Cancellation of Membership
- Such other sanction as deemed appropriate
Your responsibility
By registering my child with Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club I agree to abide by these principles. I will ensure that my child understands the expected behaviour of a PLJFC player.
I support the PLJFC in its undertakings and encourage the PLJFC to take any necessary disciplinary actions including the suspension where warranted of any player's, parents'/guardian's and/or supporters for breaches of these Codes of Conduct via the PLJFC Grievance Dispute Resolution Procedure.
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to ensure that family or friends attending events are made aware of and adhere to the Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy.
Download the Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club Code of Conduct & Grievance Reporting Form below:
