Player Development

Commencing with the U14 Squad and continuing through to the U18 Squad, players will be provided with expert advice and coaching in the following areas:

* Skill Technique and Correction
* Performing Skills at Pace and Under Pressure
* Strength and Fitness
* Team Play and Tactics
* Positional Play
* Decision Making
* Game Sense
* Character

Player Characteristics

Being part of the Western Taipans Development Squad will give you the opportunity to achieve your goals in football. We are looking for players who possess the following characteristics, which will enable us to build a successful Club:

* Coachable
Willing to listen and learn, take on board constructive criticism

* Disciplined
Willing to make sacrifices, do extras, desire to improve, follow rules

* Competitive
An intense desire to succeed, a never say die attitude, whatever it takes

* Selflessness
Team Orientated, prepared to sacrifice own performance for the team

* Sportsmanship
Gallant in defeat and humble in victory

* Concentration
Make correct decisions under pressure, stay switched on

Player Objectives

- To develop a physical and mental approach to perform at a consistently high level
- To develop yourself to the best possible personal skill and fitness level
- To display a desperate desire to succeed and make the most of the opportunity
- To display loyalty, honesty, discipline and respect during and after the program
- Be able to complete the program knowing you have given it your best effort

Player Responsibilities

- Attend all training sessions. If not, must contact Development Manager or Team Manager
- Committed to give everything to the Program
- Respect for teammates, opposition, all officials, property and self
- Listen to instructions and ask questions
- No player is to play Club football during a State Championship regardless of game time

Player Code of Conduct

The Western Taipans AFC wish to maintain a culture for our Club, which is to ensure the continued personal development of individuals and increase the awareness of the Club itself. Players, parents and support staff should all be proud to be a part of this program.

It is expected that all players adhere to the following Codes of Conduct for the 2005 season:

- Play for the "fun of it" and not just to please parents and coaches.

- Play by the rules.

- Never argue with an official.

- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and throwing equipment is not acceptable or permitted.

- Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will you. "We not Me".

- Co-operate with and show respect for your coach, team mates and all Club officials.

- Dress appropriately and be proud to wear the Western Taipans attire.

- Be responsible for all of your actions and prepare yourself appropriately.

- Further to the above the Western Taipans does not condone the following:

- Racism of any nature.

- Underage drinking.

- The taking of non-prescription drugs or illegal substances.

- Smoking.

If any player is found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, the Club reserves the right to disqualify or penalize that person.

Mouth Guard Policy

It is compulsory for all players to wear a mouth guard during games and competitive contact activities conducted at training. All players are expected to abide by this policy; however consideration will be given to individual circumstances upon written request.

Insurance Policy

All insurance does not provide cover for any accounts which are partly covered by Medicare. The Australian Health Insurance Act does not permit our insurer to contribute to any charges covered by Medicare (Including the Medicare Gap). This means bills for Surgeons, Anesthetists, Doctors, x-rays are not covered. The main claims that are accessible are physiotherapists and hospitals.

Training Policy

Attendance:
- All players must have their name checked on attendance record before training.
- Training starts at 4.45pm sharp! Don't be late!
- All players are to complete an assigned workout before or after each session.
- If you arrive late you must first see the Head Coach.
- If you are unable to attend training, you (not your parents) must contact the taipans office before training.
- Failure to attend without an acceptable reason will result in penalties.
- Failure to wear appropriate training attire will also result in penalties.
- Three non-attendances without acceptable reason will result in de-listing.

Injured Players:
- All injured players must still attend training for rehabilitation purposes.
- If you are injured during training you must report to Head Coach before leaving the training track and then report to the medical staff for appropriate treatment.
- You must follow up with the appropriate rehabilitation program.
- Injured players will be required to assist in some training drills.

Uniform:
- The training singlet must be worn to all training sessions.
- No jewelry, hats or other gear is to be worn. Football shorts and socks only.
- Football boots to be worn at all skill sessions.
- Always pack runners/sandshoes in your bag.
- Mouth guards to be worn for games and competitive drills (most sessions).

Zero Tolerance Policy

The State Championships have a Zero Tolerance Policy in relation to self discipline in place to ensure that all participants act within the spirit of the game. This is for the benefit of not only creating a good environment for personal development, but also to represent the game in a manner that will encourage others to participate.

Players who are reported and subsequently found guilty and suspended either at Club level or during State Championships will not be considered for State selection or allowed to participate in any football games or activities conducted by his regional team or AFL Queensland during the time period of that suspension. At the completion of his suspension he will be eligible again for talented program activities.