Code of Conduct

For the benefits of all participants and their enjoyment of the game of football, all players, managers, coaches, club officials, club volunteers and spectators must exhibit good behaviour and comply with this Code of Conduct when they participate in competitions of the Northern Suburbs Football Association or carry out their duties for their team or Willoughby Dalleys Football Club.

It is an offence to:
A. Use offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures.
B. Use inflammatory language or gestures.
C. Make unsporting remarks.
D. Publish inflmmatory, defamatory, or unsporting remarks via any written or electronic media (e.g., newsletter, website, facebook or email).
E. Bring the game into disrepute.
F. Act in a manner that is prejudicial to any other participant, the Club or the Assocation (NSFA).

Offenders will be cited to appear before the Club's disciplinary committee, and/or the relevant competition sub-committee or MC of the Association.

Players:
A. Play by the rules of football. 
B. Never argue with an official. No player is to approach the referee. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
C. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviors in any sport.
D. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will benefit, and so will you.
E. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays. If you are upset about the game still go and shake opposition’s hands. This directly effects the reputation and the positive culture in your club. 
F. Treat all participants in your sport, as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
G. Cooperate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
H. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
I. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion. Racial, gender, sexual or religious abuse will not be tolerated from this club.
J. Never abuse the coach, either on and off the field. This includes swearing, gestering rudely or acting in a disrespectful way.
K. Never spit, punch, kick, physically assult or verbally threaten violence to an official, volunteer, coach, spectator, fellow team-mate or opponent.

Coaches:
A. Remember that people participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun. 
B. Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not coming first.
C. Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
D. Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same.
E. Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
F. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.
G. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.
H. Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
I. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
J. Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.
K. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.

L. No one is to stand on or behind the goal line.

Parents/Guardians:
A. Remember that children participate in sport for their own enjoyment, not yours.
B. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
C. Focus on your child's efforts and performance rather than whether they win or lose.
D. Encourage children to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hositity or violence.
E. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game / competition.
F. Remember that children learn by best example. Appreciate good performance and skilful plays by all participants.
G. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
H. Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.
I. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them your child could not participate.
J. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.

Spectators:
A. Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not just yours.
B. Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game's outcome.
C. Respect the decisions of officials and teach players to do the same.
D. Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
E. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
F. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
G. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials' decisions.
H. Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.
I. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.
J. No one is to stand on or behind the goal line.

Officials & Volunteers:
A. Compliment and encourage all participants.
B. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
C. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
D. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.
E. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
F. Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of people.
G. Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.
H. Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
I. Give all people a "fair go" regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, sexuality or religion.

 
FFA Code of Conduct:
The FFA’s Code of Conduct applies to all members and governs:
A. Bringing the Game into disrepute.
B. Liability for spectator and supporter conduct.
C. Betting, match-fixing and corruption.
D. Disparaging public or media statements.
For further information refer to
https://www.ffa.com.au/sites/ffa/files/2017-09/National%20Member%20Protection%20Policy.pdf

By registering with Willoughby Dalleys Football Club, you agree to be bound by our Code of Conduct, as well as the FFA's Code of Conduct.

Willoughby Dalleys Football Club reserves the right to determine an appropriate penalty for breaches of the Code of Conduct, and these may range from formal warnings, fines, suspensions (including being banned from future fixtures), to deregistration from the Club.