Gordon Football Club - Code of Conduct

PURPOSE

The purpose of this document if to set out the standards of behaviour expected of the Gordon

Football Club community – players, parents, spectators, coaches, managers, committee members.

By being a member of our club, or attending a game, these codes must be adhered to. Creating a

positive and safe environment for our community is essential.

PLAYERS

· Play by the rules.

· Never argue with an official. - if you need clarification, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.

· Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team’s performance will benefit — so will you.

· Be a good sport - applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.

· 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 ref’, ‘three cheers for ...’).

· Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents - without them there would be no competition.

· Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit - not just to please parents and coaches.

· Play fair — treat all players and officials as you would like to be treated.

· Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants - regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

· Speak to an adult you trust if you have an issue, feel unsafe or are concerned about someone else.

· Adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Club

PARENTS & SPECTATORS

· Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.

· Encourage participation, but don’t force it.

· Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning.

· Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support not downgrade.

· Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.

· Recognise all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time.

· Never publicly criticise match officials (game leaders / referees / linesperson) – raise personal concerns with club officials in private.

· Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability

· Adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Club

COACHES & MANAGERS

· Player’s enjoyment of the game, and developing a love of football is always more important than winning.

· We don’t ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.

· We ensure that the time players spend with us is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities

· Payer safety is always a priority, including helping players manage their energy levels, required equipment as well as hygiene.

· We operate within the laws and spirit of the game and teach the players to do the same.

· We display control, respect and professionalism – in both word and deed - to all involved with the sport including all players, match officials, coaches, club officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. We always encourage the players to do the same.

· We do not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind from anyone, including coaches, managers, parents, and players. If any such behaviour occurs, we report any occurrences to a Coaching Coordinator.

· Any physical contact by the coach with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.

· Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion

· Where possible obtain the appropriate qualifications required and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.

· Adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Club

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS

· Be diligent in their role

· Attend Committee meetings or forward their apology prior to the meeting

· Treat all people associated with the Club, including members, volunteers, partners, external stakeholders, and other Committee Members with respect

· Always consider the welfare of the Club’s members above on field success

· Attend to their fiduciary responsibility and make decisions based on what is best for the Club, not for individual interest or gain

· Not take advantage of their position on the Committee in any way

· Declare any Conflicts of Interest as they arrive and act to ensure that these conflicts do not pose a risk to the organisation

· Be open to feedback from members and respond appropriately

· Be honest at all times

· Act as a positive role model with respect to good sporting behaviour

· Adhere to the policies and procedures established by the Club

· Adhere to the legislative requirements of the Club

· Respect the equipment and resources of the Club and only use these in Club related business

· Not receive gifts that result in personal financial benefit

· Always represent the Club in a professional manner