BAIRNSDALE AND DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CODE OF BEHAVIOUR.
Preamble: We live in what is an increasing litigious world, that is, people in all walks of life are quick to resort to legal action to seek redress of what they see as a wrong done to them. With greater awareness of their rights and a greater access to legal aid, this greater readiness to go to law will continue to increase. One of the adverse aspects of this tendency is that well-meaning, honorary and amateur league and club officials are at greater risk of finding themselves unwittingly engaged as Defendants in traumatic, time-consuming, and costly, Supreme Court litigation. So it behoves those in our community who give of their time and goodwill in accepting honorary positions to take care and to become aware of what is expected of them. Likewise it is the responsibility of players, parents and spectators to behave in a manner that is at all times exemplary and does not bring the game of Australian Rules Football into disrepute. It is important that the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association regularly reviews its Rules and By-laws to ensure that they are set up in the correct way, giving the League wide powers so it can effectively execute its powers, responsibilities and duties accordingly. The Law does not expect League officials to be expert in the intricacies of criminal law, contract law or administrative law. What the Law expects is that those in a position to administer the game of Australian Rules will act fairly and responsibly and in accordance with what are commonly called the rules of natural justice. These rules of natural justice are not enshrined in any Act of Parliament which can be read and understood. They have evolved over centuries of our law and basically can be summed up as meaning that all parties who appear before the League Executive must be given proper opportunity to be heard, to call all witnesses they desire to call, to question evidence called against them and to have the questions before such bodies determined only on the evidence before it and determined without bias or prejudice. It is important to ensure that any official, player, parent or supporter be asked if they are satisfied that they have been given the opportunity to lead and give all evidence in the matter. It is the responsibility of the League to enforce the Rules under which the sport is administered and therefore it is imperative that League and club officials, players, parents and spectators become familiar with the VCFL Rules and the Rules and By-laws of the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association , in so far as they affect issues both on and off the field. It is the Clubs who have joined together to make the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association. Both the League and clubs are affiliated with the VCFL. By their own Constitutions and Rules, they have decided how they will be governed. Just as the Courts of Law must interpret the laws which are made by our elected Parliament, and then enforce those laws as they apply to the facts of a case as determined by the Court – so also must the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association decide the facts contested before it, and then apply the Rules and By-laws of the League and VCFL, which can then, if necessary, be adjudicated upon by the League Executive or referred to the Independent Tribunal or League Investigations Officer. The VCFL Rules and the Rules and By-Laws of the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association lay down the procedures to be followed in the hearing of complaints. To ensure that all League and club officials, players, parents and spectators are aware of their responsibilities the Bairnsdale and District Junior Football Association has adopted the VCFL Code of Behaviour as a By-law. Sanctions: (To be set by the Association or the Independent Tribunal, if deemed appropriate the the Association.)

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.

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 policy 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.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

COACHES

Keep up to date with coaching practises 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 player’s 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 the 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 your people and other spectators. Treat umpires and opposition sides with respect.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

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 back ground or religion.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

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 person’s 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 policy 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 land worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

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 game’s outcome. Condemn the use of violence, verbal abuse or vilification in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players. Respect official’s decisions and encourage players to likewise. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials, administrators. Support policy and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, to child protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance enhances 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.