CODE OF CONDUCT

The Avondale Heights Football Club has adopted a set of Mandatory and Enforceable Codes of Conduct for all players, coaches, parents and spectators to ensure that they behave and promote the best possible environment.
Codes of conduct are an important tool designed to enable people involved within a football club, whether as player, coach, official or supporter, to understand behavioural expectations contributing to an enjoyable quality sporting environment.
All players, coaches and officials, parents, supporters and committee members have a responsibility at all times when representing the Avondale Heights Football Club to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner consistent with these values and those outlined in the following codes of conduct.
The Code of Conduct includes Avondale Heights Football Club games and events, all EDFL sanctioned games and events, any person wearing Avondale Heights Football Club garments and uniforms in public and any persons speaking publicly on behalf of the club

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
    1    Play by the rules – the rules of Avondale Heights Football Club and the laws of the game
    2    Never argue with an umpire or other official – without these people you can’t play football
    3    Control your temper-verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games
    4    Be a team player – It’s a team game, treat it that way
    5    Treat all players as you would like to be treated - fairly
    6    Co-operate with your coach, the umpires and team-mates
    7    Play for your own enjoyment & to improve your skills
    8    Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your coach, team-mates and family if you do. Many such comments are actually now illegal. Also refer to AHFC Racial & Religious Tolerance Policy

PARENTS, SUPPORTERS & OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT
    1    Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game and that children should be involved for their enjoyment, not yours
    2    Encourage participation, but don’t force it, recognize your child’s limitations
    3    Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning
    4    Never ridicule mistakes or losses, including opposition players and supporters – supporters are there to support not downgrade.
    5    Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated, applaud good play by both your team and by members of the opposing team.
    6    Recognise all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time.
    7    Never publicly criticise umpires – raise personal concerns with club officials in private. 1st point of call being Team Manager, Junior Coordinator
    8    The Avondale Heights Football Club will not tolerate ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your family and yourself if you do. Many such comments are actually now illegal. Also refer to AHFC Racial & Religious Tolerance Policy. 
    9    We expect the highest level of junior behaviour both on and off the field and in any instance where this is not the case, severe action will be taken.
    10    Parents are always welcome match days and to training, but are expected to let players focus on the Coaches instructions.
    11    Do not contradict the Coaches instructions
    12    Do not belittle or abuse umpires or approach them at any stage of the game including intervals. As your child is starting his/her football career so too in most instances are the umpires. Don’t expect AFL level umpiring. Be tolerant and treat them the same way you would want your own child treated.

PROCEDURE FOR CODE OF CONDUCT NON-COMPLIANCE

The following five step non-compliance strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the Avondale Heights Football Club’s Code of Conduct policy. 
    1.  Assume that the person is unaware of the Code of Conduct Policy.
    2.  A club representative will approach the person breaching the policy and politely ask them to refrain from behaving in such a manner and remind them about the Code of Conduct Policy. 
    3.  If the offence continues, then the most senior club representative will verbally warn them again and make them aware that if they don’t stop behaving badly then they will be required to leave the club’s facility. 
    4. Those that breach a Code of Conduct may be required to front a disciplinary panel established by the Executive and liable to disciplinary action. Any penalty imposed is at the discretion of the panel and repeated breaches may result in expulsion from the club.
    5.  Under no circumstances should the Avondale Heights Football Club’s Code of Conduct Policy be breached: No matter who the offender is.