Codes of Conduct

CODES OF CONDUCT


The Park Orchards Football Club fully supports the Codes of Conduct as introduced by the AFL, AFL Victoria and the Eastern Football League.

COACHES:

  • Coaches are required to sign and abide by the AFL Code of Conduct as part of their accreditation requirements.
  • They should also:
  •  Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and escalate any issues requiring equipment maintenance or damage occurred
  • Develop and demonstrate team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
  • Follow the advice of a physician and training staff when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
  • Keep informed of the sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
  •  Help players understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair play and instruct them on how to deal with issues and instances of these matters.
  •  ‘Best Interests Duty’ – Ensure that all decisions undertaken are made and performed with the best interests of the POFC and that all officials place the club’s interests above that of their own when acting as a representative of the club.

ADMINISTRATORS/OFFICIALS:

  •  Ensure that spectators, coaches, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.
  •  Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents; playing or non playing.
  •  Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour.
  •  Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
  •  Ensure promotion, well-being and safety of umpires and encourage good sportsmanship before, during and after matches.
  •  Ensure positive player/umpire/relationships are continually developed.
  •  ‘Best Interests Duty’ – Ensure that all decisions undertaken are made and performed with the best interests of the POFC and that all officials place the club’s interests above that of their own when acting as a representative of the club.


SPECTATORS:

  •  Encourage players to always participate according to the rules.
  •  Never ridicule or yell at a player on either team for making a mistake or losing the game.
  •  Applaud good plays by all teams.
  •  If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public.
  •  Do not approach directly an official or player from an opposing club at any time
  •  Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
  •  Recognise the value and importance of volunteers and if possible offer your serves also.
  •  Do not take or consume alcohol on the playing arena at any time
  •  Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
  •  Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
  •  Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.

PLAYERS:

  •  Play by the rules.
  •  Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach.
  •  Do not approach an official from an opposing club or interfere with officials during the course of match days
  •  Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.
  •  Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
  •  Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team.
  •  Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
  •  Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
  •  Avoid using derogatory language.
  •  Be prepared to take responsibility for your actions.
  •  ‘Best Interests Duty’ – Ensure that all decisions undertaken are made and performed with the best interests of the POFC and that all players place the club’s interests above that of their own when acting as a representative of the club.

The Club reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any individual, including suspension and banning, where warranted, for repeated or serious breaches of the relevant Code of Conduct.
This action may be undertaken irrespective of whether the EFL initiates such action.