GRIEVANCES
In the event that you wish to raise an issue regarding football, netball or team related subject, this should be discussed firstly with the coach or team manager. If a reasonable resolution has not been achieved through this means and if the matter is of a general nature, it can be raised with the club president or in writing to the board.
The matter will be dealt with appropriately and confidentially taking into consideration what is best for the player, the club and other personnel.
INJURY PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
Through a range of measures including the provision of appropriate facilities, conducting of warm-up activities before training and matches and requiring the use of mouth guards by players, the club will endeavour to reduce the probability and incidence of injuries amongst the playing group.
Notwithstanding this fact, inevitably in a contact sport such as Australian Rules, injuries will arise from time to time. The following policies have been framed in relation to injury prevention and management.
EXISTING ILLNESSES, INJURIES ETC.
Players/ Parents / guardians are responsible for advising the coach, head trainer or team manager of any illness, injury or other such condition of which a coach should be aware when selecting, playing or positioning a player at training or in matches.
All players are required to complete a medical advice (duty of care) form via the medical staff upon any injury sustained whilst playing, training or other means.
MOUTHGUARDS
Wearing of a mouth guard is highly recommended for all players in matches and training sessions.
CONCUSSION
Identifying concussion is very important. The SMSC adheres to the AFL’s guidelines for the management of concussion in Australian football.
Under the guidelines, there is a clear process to be followed for players who have suffered a concussion to return to play, which includes a period of rest, symptom-limited activity, gradual increase in physical activity and a medical clearance prior to full-contact training. The guidelines also outline the process for clubs and players to follow when someone is suspected of having suffered a concussion.
In following these guidelines, the minimum timeframe in which a player can return to play in community football is on the 12th day after the day on which the concussion was suffered, based on successfully completing the phases to return to play following a concussion and receiving a medical clearance as outlined in the guidelines.
Club trainers will be present at all home & away games are trained in the AFL concussion identifying process.
Further information regarding these guidelines can be found at https://www.afl.com.au/news/603238/statement-guidelines-for-concussion-management-in-community-football
AMBULANCE MEMBERSHIP
It is all players’ responsibility to have a paid ambulance membership. The club will not under any circumstances, pay expenses owed by any player that does not have membership.
More details can be found at; www.ambulance.vic.gov.au or speak to the football manager for further assistance.
UNDER AGE ALCOHOL POLICY
The club’s policy is that we are clearly opposed to underage drinking and that players under 18 years of age are not to be drinking alcohol at any club functions.
If parents are told by their children that they are attending a function involving alcohol, be aware that such functions may not be a club function approved by the club. Parents are advised to check before their child attends if unsure. The club will not be responsible for unofficial functions, and while a club person maybe in attendance for their own personal reasons, the function will not be supervised in anyway by official committee members, coaches or staff of the club.
Further to this, under age persons can attend official club functions where alcohol is being consumed if they are with a guardian. However, they are not permitted to consume alcohol. The club’s policy in consultation with the police is that the guardian must be a parent, not an older brother, sister or family friend. Unless written notice has been provided to the club president prior to the event, including an afterhours contact number.
Official club functions will be posted on the South Mildura Sporting Club Website –
www.southmildurasc.com.au
Some of our junior teams may participate in the finals and we hope that any celebrations will be enjoyable and reflect well on the players and the club.
DRUG USE
The club will not tolerate the use of illicit and illegal drugs.
Any player found to be participating or dealing in the use of such drugs will be immediately expelled from the South Mildura Sporting Club.
CYBER POLICY
Examples of cyberbullying include teasing, spreading rumours, unwanted messages, defamation or threats – any action which humiliates and distresses someone.
If the SMSC executive receives a complaint the allegations of cyber bullying instigated by club members, it will be forwarded to the Club Investigation Officer.
If there is evidence supporting the claim, possible suspension will apply.
ADMINISTRATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
ENSURE EQUAL PARTICIPATION FOR ALL: Provide equal opportunities for all regardless of ability, size, shape, sex, age, disability or ethnic origin.
SUITABILITY OF PROGRAM: Ensure that the rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of the participants.
ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION: Adequate supervision must be provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and skills.
STRESS ENJOYMENT: Remember children participate for enjoyment. Play down the importance of rewards.
ARRANGE ADULT EDUCATION: Develop improved standards of coaching and officiating with an emphasis on appropriate behaviour and skills.
PROMOTE FAIR PLAY: Ensure parents, coaches, officials, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.
MODIFY TO SUIT VARIOUS LEVELS: Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of Participants and their needs.
PROMOTE RESPECT FOR OPPONENTS: Condemn unsporting behaviour.
MAXIMISE ENJOYMENT: Publicly encourage rule changes that will reinforce the principle of Participating for fun and enjoyment.
KEEP UP TO DATE: Make a personal commitment to stay informed of sound principles of administering recommended football programs for junior players.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
All SMSC football and netball coaches are required to sign the AFL/Netball Victoria Code of Conduct as part of the Level 1 Accreditation and abide to terms documented within.
For more information on the terms of the AFL code of conduct refer to www.afl.com.au and www.netballvic.com.au
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
PLAY BY THE RULES: They are there for the good of all.
NEVER ARGUE WITH AN OFFICIAL: If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach after the game.
CONTROL YOUR TEMPER: Verbal abuse, racial or religious vilification of other players, and provoking an opponent or the other team are never appropriate.
BE A GOOD SPORT: Applaud all good plays by your team, opponent or the opposition team.
TREAT ALL PLAYERS FAIRLY: Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
COOPERATE WILLINGLY: Cooperate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
PLAY FOR FUN: Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.
In addition to the provisions of various codes of conduct applying to all SMSC members and supporters, players are required to conduct themselves in a manner befitting Club principles and ethos when attending any club-sanctioned event.
CLUB SANCTIONED EVENTS INCLUDE:
In the event of a player behaving inappropriately or in an unacceptable manner, the matter may be referred to the Club Committee for review. Inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour is any behaviour or action that contravenes any club Code of Conduct, policy or rules, that is illegal or immoral, or that a reasonable person would generally consider inappropriate or unacceptable within the community or society at large.
Repeated or serious offences warranting referral to the Club Committee may result in various forms of sanctions including, but not limited to; warnings, suspension/Bans of players, parents/guardians and/or spectators.
Any disciplinary action taken by SMSC is separate from any additional penalties applied by league, Police, or any other body.
PARENT/GUARDIAN/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
