BDJFA By-laws & Codes of Behaviour

(Revised July 22nd 2009)

GUIDELINES

Clubs are encouraged to follow these guidelines in order to

promote a healthy environment for their members:

Clubs are encouraged to counsel or impose an In Club

suspension on a player, administrator or parents for inappropriate

behaviour.

Participation particularly at Under 12 and Under 14 level is

important and positive encouragement towards both teams by

Club coaches is paramount.

Each Club is responsible for the behaviour of its spectators,

coaching staff, players and administration. Sledging of umpires

and opposition clubs is not acceptable.

All players should be made aware not to leave valuables in

clubrooms whilst they are playing football. It is advisable that

valuables not even be brought to the game or a property steward

should be appointed at each club to look after these possessions.

It is also important that Club Officials from both sides remain at

the clubrooms until all players have left so that the players

themselves are not left unsupervised for any period of time, as

Clubs will be held responsible for the behaviour of players before

and after matches.

INDEX

SECTION             CLAUSE

Match Rules          1 - 18

Administration      19 - 31

Registrations          32 - 40

Inter League         41 - 44

Finals                      45 - 48

Safety Issues        49 - 53

Tribunal                  54 - 55

Under 16 Players     56

MATCH RULES

1. BDJFA Modified Rules

Under 12 and Under 14

no deliberately kicking the ball off the ground

one bounce of the ball only

no slinging or barging

15 metre penalty

distance from mark at discretion of umpire

U12 size 4 all weather ball to be used

U14 size 4 leather or all weather ball can be used

Under 16

no kicking in danger

no slinging or barging

30 metre penalty

full size leather ball to be used

(a) Percentage cap rule Under 12 and Under 14 level is set at 30 points and at Under 16 level

set at 60 points.

(b) All clubs, coaches and officials observe a sense of fair play in regards to a large

differential in final scores between any two opposing teams. That 60 points be

used as a guide only as to where a sense of fair play has been breached.

(c) If team officials have not signed off on agreement of the final score, and that

both coaches acted observing a sense of fair play, then both coaches and team

officials must front the tribunal to explain the reasons why the breach

occurred. If found guilty the following penalties will occur:-

First Penalty fine $100 and loss of match points

Second Penalty fine $300 and loss of match points

2. Equal player numbers per side on the ground at all times (except for players

sent off), i.e. 16 per side, 18 per side, 20 per side.

3. Any player sent off by the central umpire cannot be replaced during the

period for which he is sent off, with the exception of a player who is issued with a 'red card' who may be

replaced after 20 minutes of playing time.

4. Minimum number of players to have a match is 14. If a game is played with

less players, coaches must sign score cards to agree to play for premiership

points; otherwise the match is considered a forfeit. The Association

discourages forfeits as an option.

5. Extra numbers of players from both teams may be put on the ground provided

player numbers are equal.

6. Players should be encouraged to play for opposing Clubs on match day if

player numbers are unequal.

7. There are no points awarded, no ladder and no finals for the Under 12

competition.

8. Only one coach and one runner per club may remain on the ground during the playing quarters of Under 12 matches. The coach/runner are permitted to carry water bottles for the players if required, no other water carriers permitted during the playing quarters. Trainers are permitted on the ground at any time to attend injured players. In the event of exceptional heat, with the agreement of both teams coach/officials and consultation with the umpires, up to 2 extra water carriers per team will be permitted.

9. No audible abusive language. A player using audible abusive language shall

be reported and sent off by the field umpire. This offence carries an automatic

suspension of one week.

10. East Gippsland Umpires Association appoints under 16 umpires for each home

and away game. Under 12 and Under 14 umpires are appointed by the home

club. Club umpires should be made aware of BDJFA Modified Rules along with

the send off rules and notice. Umpires should take the time to check the boots

of both teams prior to the start of the match and at the same time take this

opportunity to instruct both players and coaches as to the nature of the

modified rule and their personal interpretations.

11. Only four adults are to be in the vicinity of the coaches box during a game,

unless prior arrangement is reached with the opposing coach and umpire to

allow extra person(s), i.e. another trainer or interchange assistant for Under 12

and Under 14 if large number of players. The only officials who should cross

the line drawn about one and a half metres in front of the coaches box are the

team runner or trainer.

12. Clubs must appoint an Advocate for each game played (this may be the same

person for all games). Only the club advocate may approach the umpire at

intervals to query decisions, player numbers, etc. The club advocate must be

an official of the club other than the team coach, and must be named on the

official team sheet.

13. All players must wear football shorts, jumpers and socks applicable to their

club. No basketball shorts, boxers, etc. to be worn. Points may be deducted

from teams who do not comply with the normal standards of dress, and the

Executive may impose a fine on the offending club.

14. Umpires report form to be the responsibility of the home team. Both club

advocates to complete the report.

15. Games shall commence at 11:15am (Under 12), 12:30pm (Under 14) and 2:00pm

(Under 16) unless both teams agree to change match times. The Association

Executive must be notified of changes of match times. Quarters shall consist of

12 minutes for Under 12, 15 minutes for Under 14 and 20 minutes for Under 16

with no time on. Under 12 games may be played over 6 x 12 minute periods at

the discretion of the competing teams with play commencing at 10:45 am.

Breaks between quarters are at the discretion of match day umpires and team officials.

16. Interchange of Under 12 and Under 14 players may be made by having the

runner accompany the player to be interchanged into the position and

returning to the bench with the other player.

17. The Association adopts the VCFL Section 11.0 ORDER OFF RULE as set out in

the VCFL Handbook 2009 (and as amended from time to time) and especially

encourages the use of part (E). For under age matches, field umpires may

order a player off the ground for 15 minutes without reporting him.

Therefore, the Association operates with a three card system being:

A GREEN card indicates the player is ordered off for 15 minutes of elapsed

match playing time with no report (as a cooling off period).

A YELLOW card indicates the player is ordered off for 15 minutes of elapsed

match playing time in accordance with Section 11 parts B and C of the VCFL

Handbook and is reported.

A RED card indicates the player is ordered off for the remainder of the match

in accordance with section 11 part A of the VCFL Handbook and is reported.

This player may be replaced after 20 minutes playing time has elapsed.

Note: Audible abusive or obscene language must be a yellow or red card.

The Association adopts VCFL automatic suspension of reported players rules as

laid out in section 12 of the VCFL Handbook. Yellow card indicates one week,

with a Red card being required to face the tribunal.

Send off notices to be completed on match day, are to be filled out by the

umpire(s) and timekeepers. Both clubs are to forward send-off notice to the

Match Secretary in the match day envelope. If the player wishes to accept the

minimum set penalty, the club must include this decision in the match day

envelope.

18. All team sheets must include the names of the Team coach, Advocate, Goal

Umpire, Boundary Umpire, Timekeeper, Runner and any other official.

ADMINISTRATION

19. A Club or team shall be eligible to participate in the Bairnsdale & District

Junior Football Association only if they can field teams in each of the Under

12, Under 14 and Under 16 age groups. This by-law may be varied at the discretion of the Association.

20. All coaches and delegates shall attend an information evening prior to the commencement of the season.

No team coaches to be delegates.

21. All Clubs to pay affiliation fee set by the Association before the

commencement of the season; otherwise a fine of $200 shall be imposed by the Association for late

payment. The amount of affiliation fee and any levies are to be set at a

properly constituted meeting of the Association.

22. The home Club is responsible for ensuring all required paperwork is returned

to the Match Secretary on match day. This includes the Code of Conduct

reports, Under 16 Association Best and Fairest votes, send-off notices (if any),

correct team sheets (no nicknames), goal umpire cards (with goal-kickers and

six best players) and Under 16 umpire assessment report forms.

23. (a) Field Umpires shall award Fairest and Best votes on the 3, 2, 1 system for

Association Under16 games only.

(b) There is no Association Fairest and Best Award for the Under 12 and

Under 14 age groups.

24. (a) Under 16 vote count is to be held prior to Grand Final Day as determined

by the delegates.

(b) Any player suspended during the season shall be ineligible to win the

Association Fairest and Best award.

25. Fairest and Best Player (Under 16), Runner-up Fairest and Best Player (Under

16) and Association Leading League Goal Kicker (Under 16) to be presented

with trophies on Grand Final Day. Players must be dressed in their correct Club

colours to receive awards.

26. No cash incentive shall be paid to any player.

27. All team officials entering the playing field will wear identifying clothing

either supplied by the Association or the Club (must be endorsed by BDJFA).

Boundary umpires must wear white shirts.

28. A fine of $20 is imposed for non-attendance by delegates at Association

meetings, unless an adequate apology is given.

29. All monies levied by way of fines from the Clubs shall be paid to the

Associations general revenue account.

30. The Association, upon the vote of 75% majority of delegates present, may

dismiss any delegate or official and restrict them from holding any position

within the Association including coaching, training, advocate duties or

delegate duties.

31. Each club is expected to provide the Association President on a rotational basis,

whereby the current President (if nominated) may elect to continue in this

position or if another person seeks to nominate (and is elected), the rotation is

put back a year.

REGISTRATIONS

32. For registration in the Under 12 competition a player must be under 12 years

of age as at 1st January of the current football season. Under 14 competition a

player must be under 14 years of age as at 1st January of the current football

season. Under 16 players must be under 16 years of age as at 1st January of

the current football season.

33. It is the clubs responsibility that all players have completed the VCFL

Clearance/Registration form and are playing in the correct age group. There

are no excuses for playing over-age players. All players must complete a

registration form each season. Registration can only be held for one season.

The registration must be lodged with the Match Secretary no later than the

day upon which the player plays their first game. (The form must be lodged

with a club official before the player takes the field). All players must be

properly cleared from previous club or leagues as per the VCFL clearance

procedures. Breaches of these rules will attract the standard penalties as set

out in the VCFL Handbook.

34. Any unintentional violation of the registration rules that have been brought to

the attention of the offending club by a league official (e.g.: match Secretary)

that is not rectified before the unregistered player takes the field again, will

be deemed an intentional violation of the registration rules.

35. Clubs are only permitted to register 22 players in the Under 16 age group. The

exception to this rule being that a Club may register more players if they have

all played at the Club in the previous year, or if ALL Clubs in the area already

have 22 registered players. No Club is to register extra players without the

approval of the Association. At Under 12 level the limit is 28 players. At Under 14

level the limit is 24 players. The same exemptions apply to this rule. Any

Club that has enough players to form a team should not register any players

under the age of 10 years, and Clubs should give older players preference over

younger players when fielding their teams.

36. In exceptional circumstances an application can be made by a club, in writing,

to the Association for special permission to play an over-age player in the

lower-age group. Matters to be considered include the proximity of the

players birth date to the age limit cut-off, general football ability and

number of playing seasons by the player, number of players registered by the

said club, current medical conditions and general physical size of the player.

37. Any over-age permit player shall be on probation for the season in which they

are permitted to play. Any over-age player who receives a Red or Yellow card

will have their permission to play revoked immediately. The player in question

may appeal to the executive of the Association for reinstatement of such

permission.

38. Interchange or Area Agreements may be negotiated each season with the East

Gippsland Football Netball League, the West Gippsland Latrobe Football League

and the Omeo and District Football League.

Clubs are responsible for ensuring that players comply with the terms of any

such agreement.

39. (a) A player is permitted to play two (2) games with his club on the one day.

(b) A player may play two (2) games on the same weekend if allowed under

any Interchange or Area Agreement.

40. A player must play three (3) games in an age group to be eligible for finals in

that age group.

INTER LEAGUE/JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT

41. Coaches The Association shall appoint appropriate coaches.

42. Each club is to nominate a number of players to represent their Club in interleague

teams. The number of players to be nominated is to be determined by

Club strength and set by the Association Executive each year. If possible each

Club is to be represented in the final squad.

43. Players may not be considered if they are deemed inappropriate to represent

our Association.

44. Team managers, trainers, runners, etc, are to be appointed by the Association.

FINALS

45. The Finals venue will be set by the Association each year.

46. Semi-finals will be played on the same day, but not necessarily at the same

venue.

47. Each Club is to provide manpower at finals on a roster basis. Non attendance

will result in the standard fine of $100.

48. Umpires for all finals matches will be appointed by the East Gippsland Umpires

Association at the direction of the Association.

SAFETY ISSUES

49. Clubs are responsible for the safety of its players.

50. Safety padding on goal and point posts is mandatory.

51. The Association recommends that all players wear an appropriate mouth guard.

52. (a) Any injury must be notified to the VCFL Insurer by completing the

Injury Report form.

(b) Clubs must obtain medical and/or parental permission before a player

resumes playing.

53. No alcohol is to be consumed at any game or function of the Bairnsdale &

District Junior Football Association.

TRIBUNAL

54. Persons to sit on the Tribunal shall be nominated at the AGM and the

Executive of the Association shall have the power to appoint such persons as

they deem appropriate to sit on the Tribunal during the currency of the

season.

55. An Investigations Officer shall be appointed at each AGM.

56. Mediation. In the event that the Association deems it appropriate a mediator

may be appointed to resolve any matter in dispute. In the event that the matter

in dispute cannot be resolved by mediation then the Association has the power

to refer the matter to the league Investigation Officer or to take such action as

it deems appropriate.

 

UNDER 16 PLAYERS PLAYING WITH THE SENIOR CLUB

UNDER 16 PLAYERS PLAYING WITH THE SENIOR CLUB

RULES:

i)        That prior to each match played, the player shall obtain written permission to do so from his parent club using Form A. The BDJFA club president/secretary must sign the acknowledgement along with the player, his parent(s) and BDJFA coach. Form A must specify which EGFNL grade the player will be playing. Form A shall be forwarded in the Match Day envelope. Should the paperwork not be completed correctly the player shall be deemed an unregistered player and the EGFNL club shall be deemed as having played an unregistered player.

ii)      That a player from the BDJFA may play with one club only of the EGFNL during the season, (except for players from West Bairnsdale, who may play with any EGFNL club.)

OTHER PROVISIONS

1)      For the purpose of this Agreement each BDJFA Club will be aligned to the following EGFNL Club

Bairnsdale and District Junior FA	East Gippsland Football Netball League
Bairnsdale JFC	Bairnsdale FC
Lakes Entrance JFC	Lakes Entrance FC
Lindenow JFC	Lindenow FC
Lucknow JFC	Lucknow FC
Orbost Snowy Rovers JFC	Orbost Snowy Rovers FC
Paynesville JFC	Paynesville FC
West Bairnsdale JFC
Wy Yung JFC	Wy Yung FC

a.       Except in the case of West Bairnsdale JFC players, a BDJFA player can only play with an aligned club under this agreement.

b.      West Bairnsdale Junior Football Club players may nominate any EGFNL club to Interchange with. A maximum of 4 West Bairnsdale players are able to interchange per weekend.

2)      An EGFNL registered player must be played before a BDJFA registered player. (Where there are 18 EGFNL Under 18 players they must start the game and any B&DJFA player must start on the Interchange bench.)

3)      Under 16 players will not be permitted to play in any EGFNL Inter-league/Representative matches.

4)      A maximum number of 8 EGFNL home and away games can be played by a BDJFA U/16 player during a players BDJFA season. When a BDJFA player completes his BDJFA season he is eligible to play for his EGFNL club. (West Bairnsdale players may play for any EGFNL club they have played for in that season.) The qualifying requirement for EGFNL finals will be three (3) EGFNL games with the senior club.

5)      An U/16 player is deemed to be a player who is 14 years or older on or after 1^st January 2009.

6)      A BDJFA club may only permit 4 players per weekend to play with its aligned EGFNL Club. West Bairnsdale may only permit 4 players to play in the EGFNL each week. Thus it is possible to play 4 from the aligned club and all 4 possible from West Bairnsdale, making a total of 8 BDJFA Under 16 players who can play with any EGFNL Under 18s team in any one week. An EGFNL club may only play up to 4 BDJFA players in each final’s match, as long as they have met the eligibility criteria under this Agreement. However the player cannot play for an EGFNL club if his BDJFA club is participating in finals on the same weekend (weekend includes Friday night).           

7)      The player cannot play with the EGFNL on the same weekend when he is selected to play an Inter league match for the BDJFA (weekend includes Friday night)

8)      Under 16 players who are reported for a field offence shall have the charge heard by the Independent Tribunal. In the event of finding the player guilty, this Tribunal shall determine the penalty, the duration of which is to be served in the Under 16 team in which the player is registered. The suspended player is ineligible to play in either the senior or junior club during the term of his suspension.

FORM A

PLAYER:

VCFL Player Registration Number

		M
First Name	Surname	Gender	Date of Birth

Street Address	Suburb	Postcode

Home Phone	Mobile / Work Phone		Email Address

DO HEREBY apply for permission to play with the _______________________ FC for

Round:______________ to be played on the ______/______/2009.

EGFNL Grade that the player has been selected to play: Seniors/Reserves/Under 18s. (Circle one)

Are you presently under disqualification for a misdemeanour or financial reasons? _______ (Yes/No)

Players Signature ___________________________________         Date ______/______/2009.

Parent /Guardian Signature ____________________________         Date______/______/2009.

(Parents Signature is required)

CLUB (with which the Player is currently registered)

The Applicant is a registered player of the __________________________________ Football Club

affiliated with the Bairnsdale District Junior Football Association and IS / IS NOT (Circle) under disqualification for any misdemeanour or financial reasons.

AND THIS CLUB hereby APPROVES this application.

BDJFA Club Coachs Signature: (Required) ________________________________ Date: ________

BDJFA Club Presidents/Secretarys Signature: (Required) ___________________________________ Date: _________
On completion this form is to be placed in the Match Day envelope.  

VICTORIAN COUNTRY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

The Victorian Country Football League is committed to a Fair Go for all participants in

football where individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

The Victorian Country Football League is committed to providing an environment

focused on the rights of young people to enjoy themselves and develop social and

physical skills.

The Victorian Country Football League is committed to a football environment, which

is free of verbal and physical abuse.

The Victorian Country Football League is committed to providing a supportive

environment for administrators, coaches, officials, umpires and volunteers to enable

them to do their jobs.

The Victorian Country Football League is committed to establishing standards of

behaviour expected of members and procedure for dealing with breaches of the

Codes of Behaviour.

ADMINISTRATORS

Make your club environment more user friendly by providing equal opportunities for

all to participate.

Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive

and supportive.

Provide quality supervision and instruction for players and ensure volunteers are

adequately trained.

Distribute Codes of Behaviour to coaches, players, parents, spectators, officials and

volunteers and encourage them to follow it.

Ensure that everyone emphasises fair play, not winning at all cost.

Direct coaches and officials to highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development.

Ensure that the equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to

suit the age, ability and maturity level of the players.

Create pathways for young people to participate in football not just as a player, e.g.

as umpire, administrator, etc.

Adopt and implement relevant safety policies and practices.

Implement policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol and in

relation to recreational and performance enhancing drugs. Respect the rights, dignity

and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background

or religion.

COACHES

Keep up to date with coaching practices and qualifications and the principles of

physical growth and development.

Operate within the rules and spirit of football and teach players to do the same.

Ensure that any physical contact with a young person is appropriate to the situation

and necessary for the players skill development

Remember that young people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the

fun.

Give players the chance to try out different playing positions.

Create opportunities for participants to learn appropriate behaviour as well as basic

skills.

Help young people understand that playing by the rules is their responsibility.

Remember that the players involved play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is

only part of it. Emphasise the importance of the learning and development of skills

and positive attitudes. Never ridicule or yell at your players for making mistakes or

losing a competition.

Avoid over-playing talented players. The just average players need and deserve

equal time.

Never swear, or use abusive language during the game or when addressing the

players. Be mindful of the presence of young people and other spectators.

Treat umpires and opposition sides with respect.

PLAYERS

Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and

coaches.

Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would

be no competition.

Never argue with an official. If you need clarification, 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 coaches, officials, umpires, spectators

or other players is not acceptable or permitted.

Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the

opposition.

Ensure that both on and off field behaviour is consistent with the principle of good

sportsmanship.

Treat all participants as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage

of another person. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment and winning is

only part of it.

Show respect to and acknowledge opponents and officials (e.g. shake hands before

and after the game and say things like good luck, thanks for the game, thanks

ump, three cheers for        ).

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender,

ability, cultural background or religion.

OFFICIALS

Apply rules and regulations to make participation more fun.

Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.

Compliment and encourage all participants.

You are a role model and a source of a young persons confidence building.

Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.

Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and

development of young people.

Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.

Be familiar with and know your role in safety policies and practices.

Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to

the age and ability of all players.

Promote a culturally tolerant environment.

Implement policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, to child

protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender,

ability, cultural background or religion.

PARENTS & SPECTATORS

Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Encourage players always to play according to the rules and settle disagreements

without resorting to hostility or violence.

Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.

Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate

all participants regardless of the games outcome.

Condemn the use of violence, verbal abuse or vilification in any form, whether it is by

spectators, coaches, officials or players.

Respect officials decisions and encourage players to do likewise.

Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials, administrators.

Support policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, child

protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance enhancing drugs.

Support involvement in modified rules games and other junior development

programs.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender,

ability, cultural background or religion.

The Australian Sports Commission has generously permitted the reproduction of

many of the codes from its National Codes of Behaviour resources.

Any player given three (3) Green cards during the season will automatically

be given a one week set penalty. (Added 22^nd July 2009.)