Background

The purpose of this code of conduct is to support the aspirations of New Lambton Football Club in the creation of a supportive culture in which the playing and watching of football (soccer) is desirable, enjoyable and rewarding for all participants and to provide an environment where all participants can have fun, develop skills and learn sportsmanship and team play.

The New Lambton Football Club will use this code of conduct as a primary, but not only, reference when making decisions about the appropriateness of player, official or spectator behaviour.

By resolution of the NLFC committee, coaches, players and parents must agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct as a prerequisite to achieving membership of the NLFC. All committee members, coaches and officials are obliged to observe and enforce this Code of Conduct.

By registering with the club, attending club games or functions or volunteering for club activities participants are accepting the conditions of this code of conduct which is to be used in conjunction with the Club’s grading policy.

Club Philosophy

Players participate in football to have fun. If players don’t have fun playing football they are not likely to stay at the club.

Football is just a game. Having fun and playing the game are more important than how many wins and losses are accumulated or how many trophies are collected. The coaches’ role is to help all players to enjoy the game and to learn and develop football and life skills.

Football development requires that children and youth play age appropriate activities so they are able to experience, comprehend, and execute the game as it relates to where they are at their own stage of physical and mental development. Coaches should aim to teach the techniques of the game through a variety of fun activities in which players have as much contact with a ball as possible and learn at their own rates.

Coaches should encourage players to try different positions so that each player learns all the skills necessary to develop in the game. Players can expect to receive equal playing time and be given equal opportunity to learn when they are abiding by the club’s code of conduct.

Should a player, coach or manager receive sanction during a match, the Club will determine through investigation as to whether it will support an appeal through the NSW judicial system.  However, this support does not extend to financial support – i.e. payment of appeal costs.

Code of Conduct

Players:

• I will learn and play by the rules.
• I will play for enjoyment, work hard to improve my skills and be a fair team player.
• I will respect, encourage and get along with my teammates.
• I will make every effort to be on time for training and games.
• I will respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers and spectators.
• I will not openly or repeatedly argue an official’s decision.
• If I have a grievance or concern I will raise this firstly with my coach or my team manager.
• If resolution cannot be achieved at this level I will inform the coach of my intention before raising any issue directly with the committee.
• I understand and respect that the coach and team manager are responsible for the team and I agree to listen to them and to follow reasonable directions from them.
• I will wear the correct footwear, club uniform and shin guards.

Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct

• I will display good sportsmanship, and always respect players, coaches, officials, volunteers and other spectators.
• I will act appropriately at all times and encourage, in a positive manner, fair play from all participants.
• I will be supportive after the game, regardless of the score, and I will recognise good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.
• I will resolve to conduct myself in a manner consistent with the culture and aspirations of the club even under the most trying circumstances.
• I will not use obscene or vulgar language on the field or in my role as a spectator.
• I will not taunt players, coaches, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, making negative comments, threat of violence or actual violence.
• I will not boo or jeer players or officials.
• I will not speak directly to or openly challenge the work of an official.
• I will not openly object to an official’s call or yell at an official.
• I understand and respect that the coach and team manager are responsible for the team and my child while he/she is playing and I undertake to follow reasonable directions from them.
• I will not consume drugs or alcohol on the playing fields.
• I will respect the facilities and grounds when playing at home or when playing away.
• I will encourage my child to speak to the coach or manager about any concerns or difficulties.

Coach and Manager Code of Conduct

• I will ensure that the players and parents are aware of their obligations under the NLFC code of conduct.
• Winning is a consideration, but not the only nor the most important one. I will care more about the child than winning the game.
• I will remember players are involved in soccer for fun and enjoyment and a player’s safety is of the utmost importance.
• I will give all players an equal opportunity to participate.
• I will be a positive role model to my players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
• I will be generous with my praise, consistent, honest, fair and just.
• I will not criticise players publicly.
• I will adjust to personal needs and problems of players, be a good listener and never verbally or physically abuse a player, official, parent or other club member.
• I will give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem.
• I will organise training that is fun and challenging for my players.
• I will familiarise myself with rules of football, training techniques and the strategies of football.
• I will encourage all players to be team players.
• I will maintain an open line of communication with players and parents and I will explain our goals and objectives.
• I will be concerned with the overall physical and social development of players and stress the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
• I will not dispute or argue an official’s decisions.
• I will not use obscene or vulgar language in my dealings with players, officials, spectators or other club members.
• I will make every effort never to be alone with players under 18 (other than my own children).
• I will NOT do things for children that they can do for themselves. This includes things of a personal nature.
• I will take reasonable measures to avoid placing myself or my players in situations where there could be a risk of or an accusation of abuse or neglect.
• I will be respectful in all dealings with the club’s committee members

Club Administrators & Officials.

• Respect the diversity and range of skills that all volunteers bring to the club.
• Be honest and careful in all dealings with the clubs property and reputation.
• Ensure that all players are given an equal chance to participate.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules suit the age, ability and maturity of the players.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Provide quality supervision and instruction for coaches and managers.
• Remember that players participate for enjoyment.
• Encourage coaches and officials to highlight appropriate behaviours and skill development, and help improve the standards of coaching.
• Ensure that everyone involved in club football emphasises fair play above winning.
• Take reasonable measures to avoid placing myself or members of the club in situations where there could be a risk of or an accusation of abuse or neglect.

Penalties for Non-compliance

Players:

In addition to any penalties assessed during the game, any violation of the above code may result in a one game suspension. A second violation may result in a three game suspension. Any additional violation may result in a possible season suspension. When a player is under suspension the player will not be allowed to participate in competition games, practice games or tournament games.

The committee reserves the right to immediately suspend or discharge a player from the club for extreme breaches of the code of conduct or any behaviour that the committee finds to be in stark contrast to the culture and aspirations of the club.

Parents and Spectators:

If a parent violates any part of the code the committee may rule that they cannot attend another game, practice, practice game or tournament game for two weeks. In the case of subsequent violations the parent may be subjected to further disciplinary action by the Conduct Review Committee, which may include a permanent ban on attending games or, in the worst case scenario, suspension of the child for the parent’s failure to adhere to the Code and/or comply with the sanctions.

All penalties will be assessed and determined by the full committee with following the recommendations of a Conduct Review Committee.

Coaches and Managers:

Coaches shall be subject to penalties as assessed and determined by the Conduct Review Committee and the full committee.

Club Administrators and Officials:

These will be decided on a case by case basis by a full meeting of the committee in the absence of the committee member alleged to have breached the code.