Our Club takes the Code of Conduct issue very seriously and as a result we will ensure that an appropriate action is taken to protect our Club’s excellent reputation built up over so many years by hundreds of players and officials.

The Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport outlines behaviours that are expected of every person involved in community sport and active recreation, as well as identifying the types of behaviours that will not be tolerated.

Every person: spectator, player, club member, official, participant, administrator, coach, parent or member of the community involved with the sport, should work to ensure:

• inclusion of every person regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation
• inclusion of every person regardless of their race culture or religion
• opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in the sport and develop to their full potential
• respect is shown towards others, the club and the broader community
• a safe and inclusive environment for all
• elimination of violent and abusive behaviour
• protection from sexual harassment or intimidation

The Code applies to community sport, training and club sanctioned activities.

It is clear that referees for all competitions have been instructed to come down hard on breaches of the FFV’s Code of Conduct for players, coaches, officials and spectators. Red card for all levels of competition, senior, women and juniors attract an automatic $100 fine, charges against coaches, officials and spectators are lodged against the club and have fixed fines starting at $500. Avenues for appeal are expensive.

To protect the Club from the financial impact of such fines the Club has determined that all players, coaches, officials, parents and supporters will be held personally liable for any fines they incur. Naturally, the Club will support anyone wrongly accused or accidental punishments (eg red cards for handball), however Tribunal hearings are rarely adjudicated on the side of the accused club.

PLAYERS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR (ALL LEVELS)

1. Play by the Rules and within the spirit of the game;
2. Do not argue with the match official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the match official during a break in play or after the match is concluded;
3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking another person is not acceptable or permitted in any sport;
4. Maintain your focus and work hard for yourself and your team;
5. Be a good sport and be prepared to acknowledge good play whether it is from your team or the opposition;
6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player;
7. Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition;
8. Play for your own enjoyment, and not just to please parents and coaches;
9. Remove all jewellery prior to training and match play, as it is a hazard to you and those around you;
10. Do not accept or use any banned or unauthorised drug(s), including the consumption of alcohol at any time.

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

1. Remember that children play the sport for their enjoyment, and not yours;
2. Encourage all children to participate, do not force them;
3. Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than the result of the activity (that is, winning or losing);
4. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules;
5. Never ridicule, yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game;
6. Remember that children learn best by example, so applaud good play by both teams;
7. Support all efforts to remove racial and religious vilification, verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities;
8. Respect and accept the match official’s decisions and teach your child to do likewise;
9. Show respect and appreciation to Club officials, including coaches, officials and administrators. Ensure any issues are raised through the correct channels;
10. Do not smoke or consume alcohol near the team bench (Technical Area) or sideline.

COACHES’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

1. Remember that players participate for the fun of it and that winning is not everything;
2. Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or being in a losing team;
3. Be reasonable in your demands on younger players time, energy and enthusiasm,
4. Teach your players to abide by the Rules and Laws of the Game;
5. Whenever possible, alternate the group of players to ensure everyone has a reasonable chance of success;
6. Avoid overplaying the talented players as all players deserve equal time on the playing field;
7. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet a reasonable safety standard and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players;
8. Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players;
9. Develop and enhance respect between players, opposition coaches and the decisions of the match official;
10. Follow the advice of a physician when determining the extent of a player’s injury and beyond that, when players are returning from injury to training and match play;
11. Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices (refer to Coach Accreditation Criteria);
12. Take time out to teach players (& others) the Laws of the Game, hence raising their awareness;
13. Remind all players to play within the spirit of the game at all times;
14. Ensure players are good sports and ensure each team member shakes the hand of their opponents at the conclusion of every match;
15. Do not smoke or consume alcohol from the team bench (Technical Area) or sideline;
16. Remember the actions of yourself and your team is reflective of the perception others take away with them.

SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

It is important that all spectators at a Football Federation Victoria (FFV) approved fixture are able to enjoy the match in a safe and comfortable environment. Accordingly, each person present at a FFV fixture must:

1. respect and accept the decisions of the Match Officials at all times;
2. respect the rights, dignity and wroth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin;
3. not engage in the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other Spectators, Team Officials (including coaches) or Players;
4. not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form whether lawful or otherwise, including but not limited to the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting;
5. comply with FFV’s “Conditions of Entry” at all venues, and any ticket conditions;
6. not carry, light or throw flares or missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators);
7. not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority; and
8. conduct themself in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of FFV, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and football generally.

MATCH OFFICIALS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

1. Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players;
2. Praise and encourage all participants;
3. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions;
4. Do not tolerate unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents;
5. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than focus on negative aspects;
6. Encourage and promote rule changes to all players and members;
7. Be a good sport yourself, as actions speak louder than words;
8. Keep up to date with the latest trends in refereeing;
9. Remember that you set the example on the park, therefore, your behaviour and comments should always be positive and supportive;

ADMINISTRATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

1. Involve young people in the planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making process in the club network;
2. Give all children equal opportunities to participate;
3. Ensure the rules, equipment, length of games and training principles suit the age, ability and maturity level of participants;
4. Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players;
5. Remember that children will only continue with football, provided they enjoy their experience, so do not over-emphasise awards;
6. Help coaches and match officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and assist in raising the standards of coaching and officiating;
7. Ensure everyone involved in football emphasises fair play, and not a winning at all costs approach;
8. Be tolerant and calm under pressure and approach problem solving in a supportive manner as members and players will expect you to set an example for others;
9. Support the implementation of the National Junior Sport Policy;
10. Make every effort to educate persons who breach these guidelines from time to time.

Any person who does not comply with this Code or who in the opinion of the Club and/or FFV causes or attempts to cause or is reasonably likely to cause a disturbance may be evicted from the venue and banned from attending future matches held on behalf of FFV. Any offender who then breaches the ban order against them may be charged with trespass and subject to further penalties and sanctions, including the possibility of further legal action.

If you have any concerns or questions about this code of conduct then please speak to one of our committee members.