CODE OF CONDUCT – COACHES
The East Fremantle Junior Football Club (EFJFC) fully supports the codes of conduct as introduced by the AFL and supported by Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) and East Fremantle District Football Development Council’s (EFDFDC). The Codes of Conduct apply to all of our officials, volunteers, members, players and supporters.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Rules Football, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnic background or special ability/disability.
I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the rules of my club and league/association.
I will be reasonable in the demands I make on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and well-being.
I will be supportive at all times and I will refrain from any form of personal or physical abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
I will have due consideration for the varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, practice activities and involvement in competition.
Where I am responsible for players in the 5-17 year old age group, I will strive to ensure that all players gain equal playing time. I will avoid overplaying the talented players, aiming to maximise participation, learning and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability.
I will stress and monitor safety always.
In recognising the significance of injury and sickness, I will seek and follow the parent and /or physician’s advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training and/or match day games.
I will endeavour to keep informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development, and of factors relating to the welfare of my players.
I will at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play.
I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
I will ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill learning and development are priorities and not overshadowed by a desire to win.
I reject the use of performance-enhancing substances in sport and will abide by the guidelines set forth in the AFL Anti Doping and Illicit Drugs policies.
Acceptance that the EFJFC is based on the principle of a quality teaching and learning philosophy, the foundation of which is a commitment to individual success through, team and club success.
The coach shall introduce the concept of team rules and ensure they include strong overall discipline with a focus on team commitment as the foundation of their team management philosophy.
The coach must be willing to accept full responsibility for the team’s operations including:
- On field performance, discipline and behaviour
- Off field behaviour of players and team officials
- Full compliance to club codes of conduct
- Attendance at all Coaches/Manager meetings and Committee meetings when requested.
Coaches shall be well presented at all times, including training sessions and game days. This is also a requirement for Assistant Coaches, Managers, etc.
Auskick, Junior Rules and Youth coaches need to be able to work together as a team, passing on knowledge, and assisting each other to strengthen the club and help to ensure that all players get the best training possible, and to enhance the Club’s profile in the community.
Junior Rules is the natural progression from the Auskick program. Therefore the focus must still be on enjoyment as well as skill progression, whilst Youth football continues this focus and also requires additional focus on skill extension, competitiveness and Game Sense training.
Coaches must seek and accept assistance as required (parents on training nights, Assistant Coaches, etc), as the job can be too big for one person to continually focus on several players at one time. A Coaching Coordinator will be appointed to cover both Junior Rules and Youth groups. If you have any questions, or require assistance with training, please to not hesitate to contact him or her.
All Coaches must be fully accredited to the appropriate level for their age group, and be willing to seek additional experience and training.
No coach will use abusive, insulting, or obscene language, while instructing players or partake in any form of unacceptable behaviour towards any player.
Coaches shall undertake appropriate judgement and refrain from making inappropriate comments about players in public. In addition, inappropriate comments towards other EFJFC teams, or other clubs players, coaches, supporters, etc, will not be tolerated.