CODE OF CONDUCT POLICIES

The Parade St Damians Junior Football Club is proud of its history and it’s contribution to the development of Australian Rules Football. The past 40+ years have witnessed significant achievements and created lifelong memories for thousands of people. To ensure that the Parade St Damians JFC continues to be part of the football landscape we need to be smarter about the way in which we preserve the traditions and values of the game and the club.

One of the most critical components of our club and game is the passion that people show for the Parade St Damians team which they support. Whilst this passion is usually harnessed and used to support our game, it can sometimes boil over to create negative situations. The aim of these policies is to ensure that we all work together in an attempt to eliminate this negative passion.

Code of conduct is an integral component of sporting activities and the following codes compliment the good work of Parade St Damians, Football Victoria and the YJFL over several years. The Parade St Damians JFC will adopt these specific codes and will be vigilant in enforcing the codes whether via support for those who constantly abide by the codes and/or harsh penalties for those who fail to act in accordance with the codes.

In cases where players, spectators or officials fail to abide by the code they may be subject to internal action by the Parade St Damians JFC Committee and/or if the matter is of a serious nature action by the YJFL or other bodies as deemed necessary.

As part of our commitment to these codes we will be expecting all players, coaches, parents and officials to sign and abide by them.

MANDATORY & ENFORCEABLE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS, PARENTS & SUPPORTERS

The Parade St Damians Junior Football Club fully supports the codes of conduct as introduced by the AFL, Football Victoria and the YJFL. In order to play football at Parade St Damians you will need to strictly abide by the following codes.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Play by the rules – the rules of your club and laws of the game.
Never argue with an umpire or other officials, without these people, you can’t play football.
Control your temper – verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games.
Be a team player – It’s a great game, treat it that way.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly.
Cooperate with your coaches, the umpires and teammates.
Play for your own enjoyment and to improve your skills.
Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your coach, teammates and family if you do – and many such comments are actually now illegal.

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

Perhaps the most important people when it comes to abiding by codes of conduct are the parents and supporters. They are the ones who set the example that the children will follow therefore the Parade St Damians JFC expect that parents and supporters will model good behaviour and abide by their code of conduct.

Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.
Encourage participation but do not force them.
Teach that enjoyment is more than winning.
Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support not downgrade.
Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires, and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
Recognise all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time.
Never publicly criticise umpires – raise personal concerns with club officials in private.
Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let your family down and yourself if you do – and many such comments are actually illegal now.
Parents must not direct any complaints directly to the Coach (particularly directly after a game). The complaint must be brought to the attention of the Team Manager in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Team Manager, and the Coach, then it will be directed to the Football Manager to address. If the complaint cannot be resolved by the Football Manager it will be brought to the attention of the Committee to address.

By registering your child with the Parade St Damians JFC you agree to abide by these principles. You agree to support the Club in its undertakings and encourage the Club to take any necessary disciplinary actions including the suspension and banning where warranted of any players, parents or spectators for repeated or serious breaches of these Codes of Conduct.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches are required to sign the AFL Code of Conduct as part of the Level 1 Accreditation requirement. All coaches must be accredited to coach in the Yarra Junior Football League. Coaches should be aware that in addition to signing the code when they complete their Level 1 AFL coaches accreditation they will also be required to sign a further Code of Conduct/Ethics with the Parade St Damians JFC. They follow these basic principles.

I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Football, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background, or special ability/disability.
I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of the Parade St Damians JFC.
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 refrain from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
I will have due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, practice activities and involvement in competition.
I will avoid overplaying the talented players aiming to maximize participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability. To this end I will abide by the Parade St Damians JFC playing policy.
I will stress and monitor safety always.
In recognizing the significance of injury and sickness. I will seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training.
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 behavior, ensuring that players understand and practice 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 are 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 DRUG POLICY.
I will attend and encourage players to attend all official club social functions, including Garvey Nights, Nights back at the rooms and any other functions as deemed necessary by the Club.
I will Endeavour to rotate players positions during games to ensure that players are constantly involved.
I will be responsible for all players until they are picked up by their parents after training.
I will be responsible for any property that is issued to me by the club. I will return all club property including, playing kits, first aid kits and keys at the end of the season.
In line with the Victorian Department of Justice Legislation I will submit to a Police Check to ensure the safety of the children who will be under my control.

GAME DAY FOOTAGE – VEO CAMERA POLICY

PSDJFC have invested in VEO cameras to film games. The VEO camera records the whole
ground and records sound. It is primarily a tool for coaches to be able to
review and assist their teams.

It may act as a deterrent to any negative behaviour from both our teams and
opposition teams.

It may assist in accurately covering incidents that have occurred so that the
facts of any incident are captured.

Policy:
PSDJFC owns the footage it takes with its camera. PSDJFC incurred a significant
expense to purchase this resource and incurs an ongoing expense to store the
footage.

PSDJFC own this footage and will determine, on the merits of any request, whether we
release this to a third party or club.

If the PSDJFC executive committee agree to provide the footage to a third party
then a charge to the third party may be incurred at an expense determined by
the executive committee.

The footage must not be shared by any member of the PSDJFC to another club or any
other organisation without the express consent of the PSDJFC executive
committee which must be in writing.

TRAINING IN HEAT POLICY

- On training days when the Ambient Temperature is 30 Degrees Celsius or above ( as per The Bureau of Meteorology BOM) www.bom.gov.au at 3.30pm, Coach’s will be required to modify training so that no High Intensity drills (including running and physical contact) will be carried out. Suitable substitute drills should be implemented and could include, basic skill drills such as handball and kicking.

- Drink breaks will be held at 15 minute intervals, with coach’s ensuring that an adequate supply of drinking water is available.

- Broad Spectrum Water Resistant SPF 30Plus sunscreen must be made available for use by all participants.

- Suitable headwear should be worn by all participants.

- Spray bottles containing water should be made available so as to allow participants to douse themselves, thereby assisting in the cooling process.

- On Training days were the Ambient Temperature is 36 Degrees Celsius or above at 3.30pm (as per the Bureau of Meteorology BOM) www.bom.gov.au All training sessions will be cancelled.

- Under No Circumstances will training sessions be held or continue during any Thunderstorm Activity.

GRADING POLICY

Age Group Training Policy

Where two or more sides exist in one age-group for the same gender or mixed gender, all players are to do training and warm-ups together for the first 20 minutes of training during the season. This is recommended for all levels, however, applies as a requirement for all years up to Under 12’s to bring greater collaboration between players and teams.

Competitive Balance & Grading Policy

Club Policy & Guidelines

This document outlines the Competitive Balance & Grading Policy for the Parade St Damian’s Junior Football Club (PSDJFC)

Competitive Balance & Grading Policy

Under 8 to Under 12 age groups inclusive, the PSDJFC encourages all players to play with friends and schoolmates, subject to ensuring adequate numbers on all team lists. The PSDJFC will adopt a “Competitive Balance Policy” for these age groups.

Under 13 to Under 17 (Colts) age groups inclusive, the PSDJFC reserves the right to grade teams and players to the best of its ability to provide an environment in which players can be both competitive and continue to develop their football skills. The PSDJFC will adopt a “Grading Policy” for these age groups.

Under 8 to Under 12 Age Groups

In these age groups the PSDJFC will adopt a “Competitive Balance Policy” where the emphasis will be placed on participation with friends and enjoyment. Additional goals are the acquisition of football skills and playing in a team environment.

Where there are two or more sides in the same age group the sides will be spread across the divisions of the YJFL. The clubs Football Department will assist the Coaches in selecting the appropriate division. The aim is to have all sides competitive in the Division in which they play.

Under 13 to Under 17 (Colts) Age Groups

The PSDJFC will provide all players from Under 13 to Under 17 (Colts) the opportunity to develop their football skills and play at the highest level within the YJFL. The PSDJFC will do this by grading players and teams to ensure they play at the most appropriate level.

A greater emphasis is placed upon individual and team performances.

Where there is a single side in any age group selection of the side is the responsibility of the appointed Coach, Age Group Manager and the Football Department. The club’s Football Department will assist in placing the team in the most appropriate division within the YJFL.

Where two sides are formed in the same age group there should be even numbers selected for these teams. Team selection will be based on the PSDJFC Grading Policy.

Whilst one team may have a more advanced list of players the Club will endeavour to ensure that both teams will be as competitive as possible in their respective divisions.

Information Session

Information sessions for players and parents will be conducted at the start of each season to clarify both the PSDJFC Grading Policy and Grading Process. This is important for the Under 13 teams as it will be their first year of grading.

Selection Panel

A selection panel will be formed for each year level from Under 13 to Under 17 (Colts) where there is more than one team in the same age group. The panel will consist of team Coaches, Age Group Managers, the Football Department plus one or two experienced / qualified persons that are independent from the team. A person can be on more than one Selection panel.

Training Sessions

Training sessions will be made available for players who wish to be considered for selection to higher level teams. The selection panel will observe and assess areas such as football skills, attitude, work ethic, attendance to training sessions along with the player’s performances during the previous season and seasons. Other criteria may be used as required.

Match Practice

Match practice will be used to assess and observe the players football skills, ability to read the play, work ethic, ability to follow instructions and playing within a team.

Players will be played in a variety of positions to determine the best options for both player and team. Other criteria may be used as required.

Initial Team Selection

The initial Team selection will be made after consideration to the player’s performance at the training sessions and practice matches. The selection panel may also use other information that will assist selection like previous years performances.

Communication to Players

Players will be formally advised in writing or via a meeting which team they have been selected in.

If a player is unhappy with the selection process, they can raise the issue in writing to the club’s Football Department.

Movement of Players

Subject to YJFL Policy, players may be rotated between sides during the season, if it is agreed by the coaches. Where a dispute arises, or a parent raises an issue, the Football Department will mediate.

Final Team Selection

The Club appreciates that there may be extenuating circumstances, and that some players may wish to be in a particular side. Such requests should be made in writing to the appropriate selection panel or to the club’s Football Department. The final team list will be provided to the executive committee for final approval and endorsement.

ROTATION AND FINALS POLICY

Throughout the rostered season player selection is fair and player rotations are attempted to be as even as practicable to ensure the focus remains on children participation and enjoyment of the game.

Finals Policy – process during final games:

For teams with 24 players or less

The team selection will include 18 players named on the field and 6 players on the bench.
Coaches have the discretion to provide more game time during finals to those players who performed more predominantly within that team throughout the season.
For players that are likely to have less game time during finals, the coach needs to advise the player and their parent that this will occur, prior to the game. This needs to be done in a sensitive and thoughtful way.
Players from a lower age group that have been regularly filling in for a team may be eligible to play in finals if it does not take the place of an existing player in that team. The team cannot exceed 24 players. This needs to be in line with rules set by the YJFL.

For teams with 24 players or more

Where there are 24 or more players in a team, there is a maximum of 18 players on the field, and 12 players on the bench.
In the unlikely event that there are more than 30 players in a team, some players will be asked to sit out of the finals game. The coach will determine who these players are.
The coach is able to use their discretion to allow some players more game time than others if it is likely to achieve a winning result.
For players that are not included in the final team or are likely to have less game time during finals, a discussion with the player and their parent should occur prior to the game to advise them of this decision.
Where there are 24 or more players in an existing team who are available to play finals, players registered in the lower age groups who have been regularly filling in during the season cannot be selected.

Raising Grievances with Finals selections

Should parents have a grievance with the finals team selection for their child’s team, please refer to the Parent Policy and follow the process to raise the grievance through the official channel.

CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING POLICY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to educate all members, staff, supporters and spectators of the Parade St Damian’s Junior Football Club on their responsibilities when interacting with children and young people at our Club and to familiarise members, staff, supporters and spectators with the Club’s processes for its response to any concerns, incidents or allegations of harm or abuse to children and young people.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Parade St Damian’s Junior Football Club:

is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and young people who participate in football and umpiring activities at our Club;

is committed to implementing child safe practices in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards (Appendix 1);

has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm and will act quickly to protect children and young people should an incident occur. All complaints will be treated seriously, fully investigated and handled confidentially;

is committed to the active participation of children and young people at the Club, ensuring all children and young people know their rights, have their views taken seriously and involve them in decisions that may directly affect them and their peers at the Club;

recognises the important role families play in supporting children and young people to participate in Australian football and values the input of families in decision making at our Club;

recognises the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and will promote their cultural safety within the Club environment;

All children and young people have equal rights to protection from harm and abuse regardless of their race, religion, age, disability cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or family/social background. Our Club considers that the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people take priority over all other competing considerations.

The safety and wellbeing of all children and young people at our club is a shared responsibility between the Club, its staff, contractors, associates, parents/carers, coaches, spectators, volunteers and members of our Club community.

SCOPE

This Policy applies to everyone involved at our Club including (but not limited to) participants, parents, spectators, contractors, officials, coaches, and board/committee members.

This Policy should be read in conjunction with Club’s related policies and procedures, the Victorian Child Safe Standards (Appendix 1) and Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and (Appendix 2).

Our Club is committed to continually reviewing its policies and practises to protect the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis in consultation with all Club participants including children, young people, parents/carers, board/committee members and other interested parties.

DEFINITIONS

Child and Young Person means a person under the age of 18 years.

Child Abuse includes all forms of physical, emotional, psychological, verbal and/or sexual abuse. Child abuse also includes sexual exploitation, neglect or negligent treatment, grooming, harassing behaviour, bullying or other exploitation of a child or young person and includes any actions that results in actual or potential harm to a child or young person. Child abuse can be a single incident or take place over time.

Child protection means any responsibility, measure or activity undertaken to safeguard children from harm.

Club is the name of the Club outlined in the header of this Policy document.

Family violence occurs when children and young people are forced to live with violence between adults in their home. Family violence includes violence between members of a family, or extended family, or those fulfilling the role of family in a child or young person’s life. It can include witnessing violence or the consequences of violence. Exposure to family violence places children and young people at increased risk of injury and harm and has a significant impact on their wellbeing and development.

Grooming is a term used to describe what happens when a perpetrator builds a relationship with a child or young person with the intent to abuse or harm them. Perpetrators may also groom parents/carers by forming relationships of trust with parents/carers before harming a child or young person. Grooming can take place over a long period of time before abuse occurs or the abuse can happen relatively quickly. Grooming can take in physical (face-to-face) environments or online.

Harm can be any action that may have a significant impact on a child or young person’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing. Harm can be caused by:

Physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect;

Sexual abuse or exploitation;

Family violence;

a single act, omission or circumstance; and

a series or combination of acts, omissions or circumstances.

Sexual abuse or exploitation is any act which exposes a child or young person to or involves them in sexual acts beyond their understanding or contrary to accepted community standards. Sexual offence behaviours can include the fondling of genitals, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, finger or any other object, fondling of breasts, grooming, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and exposing the child to or involving the child in pornography. It also includes engaging a child or young person to participate in sexual conversations online.

Concerns and complaints include any issue that an adult or peer considers may negatively impact on the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR AT OUR CLUB
All participants, parents, spectators, contractors, officials, coaches, and board/committee members have responsibilities in relation to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people at our Club and are expected to:

understand the definitions of child abuse and harm and act on anything that they hear or see;

understand the rights of children, as appropriate to their role and cause no harm to a child or young person;

value equity and diversity at the club and treat all children and young people with respect regardless of their race, religion, age, disability cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or family/social background;

at all times, know and follow this Policy and related child safety and wellbeing guidance (including but not limited to our Club’s Child Safe Code of Conduct and Complaints Handling and Reporting procedures);

co-operate with police and/or other formal investigations to the best of their ability.

All third-party contractors are expected to abide by our Club’s Child Safe Code of Conduct, and where they may engage with children or young people, sign an agreement requiring them to comply with this Policy and our Club’s Child Safe Code of Conduct, prior to delivering any services.

Our Club will appoint a Member Protection Officer/ Child Safeguarding Officer or equivalent role that will be the primary point of contact for all concerns and complaints related to child safety and wellbeing.

RECRUITMENT AND SCREENING

Our Club seeks to implement screening practices that reduce the risk of harm or abuse to children and young people by:

Recruiting people suitable to work and interact with children and young people (e.g. by requiring Working With Children Check or other State equivalent and/or Police checks). No adult will be allowed to work in a child related role at our Club until a valid Working with Children Check and/or Police Check has been obtained.

Undertaking background checks of staff, contractors and volunteers who interact with children and young people such as two referee checks with specific child related questions.

Our Club also requires that all board/committee members hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Once engaged, staff, volunteers, board/committee members and contractors must read this Policy and related documents (such as those outlined in Appendix 2) and familiarise themselves with child safe practices at our Club.

SUPPORTING CLUB STAFF, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Our Club is committed to supporting all staff, board/committee members and volunteers to understand how to create a child safe and child friendly environment at our club.

Our Club recommends that staff, board/committee members and volunteers familiarise themselves with the following online training in child safe practices – AFL Safe Footy Safeguarding webinars and resources, Play by the Rules training (child protection, cultural awareness, LGBTI+ inclusive clubs, Let Kids be Kids, Complaint handling) and eSafety Commissioner (safe online environments) (Appendix 3)

RISK MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Our Club recognises the importance of identifying and managing risks to children and young people in physical and online environments and will implement a risk management plan to address risks.

The risk management plan will be updated on a regular basis in consultation with staff, volunteers, parent representatives and children and young people to ensure it is fit for purpose.

COMPLAINTS AND REPORTING

Our Club will take all concerns and complaints seriously, whether they are raised by an adult, child or young person. All child related concerns and complaints will be responded to promptly and confidentially.

Our Club has a complaint handling policy in place and a child friendly complaints poster to help children and young people to understand how they can raise a concern or a complaint with the Club.

If there is concern for the immediate safety of a child or young person, immediately call the Police ‘000’.

If a child or young person is not in immediate danger but any person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child or young person is in need of protection from any form of child abuse or harm, may disclose that information to the Police, Child Protection or the Commissioner for Children & Young People.

If a concern or complaint includes an allegation or incident of child abuse or harm, Club staff and volunteers must report it in accordance with our Club’s Complaint Handling Policy.

Any Club staff member, board/committee member or volunteer who is the subject of a child or young person related concern or complaint may be requested to stand down from their position in the Club during an investigation, have their duties altered so they do not engage with children and young people and/or have their access to the Club’s IT system/database removed.

Our Club will investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct against a child or young person in accordance with procedural fairness and will handle the allegations in a confidential and sensitive manner.

Our Club will keep a register of any allegations regarding inappropriate conduct.

REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE

If a person receives information that leads them to form a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed, that person has a legal obligation to disclose that information to the Police as soon as it is practicable. Individuals who fail to comply with this obligation under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) may be subject to a penalty of imprisonment.

A number of professions in the community (including but not limited to teachers, nurses and doctors) are also required by law to report to Child Protection where they have formed a belief, on reasonable grounds, that a child is in need of protection because they have suffered (or are likely to suffer) significant harm due to physical or sexual abuse.

This report must be made as soon as practicable, and on any occasion where they become aware of other allegations and have reasonable grounds for belief.

POLICY BREACHES

It is a breach of this Policy for any person or organisation subject to this Policy to have been found to have done anything contrary to this Policy. Any person who breaches this Policy is subject to a discipline process and grievance procedure.

RECORD KEEPING AND INFORMATION SHARING

Our Club is committed to making and retaining accurate records of reports of child safety related concerns and complaints.

Our Club will maintain records and outcomes of investigations and resolutions of concerns and complaints. In maintaining records of reports about child safety, our Club will maintain confidentiality and privacy for children and families in accordance with legislation.

As part of our Club’s commitment to continuously improve our children and young people safety practices, the Club will review identified risks to child and young people through the incident management and record keeping process and will incorporate those risks into the risk management plan.

From time to time, our Club may share relevant information to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people where appropriate and in their best interest. This may include sharing information with external authorities to comply with the law or to prioritise the safety of a child or young person.

Victorian Child Safe Standards
1	Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
2	Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
3	Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
4	Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
5	Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
6	People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
7	Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
8	Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
9	Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
10	Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
11	Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Appendix 2

RELATED DOCUMENTS & LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

This Policy should be read in conjunction with:

the laws of the Commonwealth and Victoria (as amended from time to time) including but not limited to:
Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)
Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safe Standards) Act 2015 (Vic)
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) Failure to Disclose Sexual Offence Committed Against a Child Under 16 (section 327); Failure by a Person in Authority to Protect a Child from a Sexual Offence (section 49 O);
Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic); and
Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) Organisational liability for child abuse.
the Club’s policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
Privacy Policy;
Constitution;
Child Safe Codes of Conduct;
Member Protection Policy;
Complaints and Reporting procedures;
Photography and Videography Policy; and
Social Media Policy

Appendix 3

RELATED CHILD SAFETY EDUCATION RESOURCES AND LINKS

AFL Safe Footy Safeguarding webinars and resources

www.afl.com.au/clubhel/safeguarding-children

Play by the Rules training (child protection, cultural awareness)

www.playbytherules.net.au

eSafety Commissioner (safe online environments and sporting organisations)