CODES OF BEHAVIOR

The Australian Sports Commission has produced the following ‘Codes of Behaviour’, which have been adopted not only by football, but also by most sports in Victoria. These codes are deemed to be incorporated into these Rules of Competition and are outlined below.

General

It is vital that everyone involved in sporting activities, whether they are athletes, coaches, parents, officials or supporters, understand their responsibilities to ensure that all participants enjoy the sport.

It is strongly recommended that all players, parents, officials, coaches and members be given a copy of these codes by their Club, and that each Club ensures the codes are clearly displayed in their Clubrooms.

As well as reading and seeking to understand the instructions contained in the codes, FFV asks all participants to recognise that there are underlying principles which extend beyond those specific instructions.

Players’ Code of Conduct

• Play by the Rules

• Do not argue with the Match Official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the Match Official during a break in play or after the Match is concluded

• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking another person is not acceptable or permitted in any sport

• Maintain your focus and work hard for yourself and your team

• Be a good sport and be prepared to acknowledge good play whether it is from your team or the opposition

• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player

• Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition

• Play for your own enjoyment, and not just to please parents and coaches

• Remove all jewellery prior to training and Match play, as it is a hazard to you and those around you

• Do not accept or use any banned or unauthorised drug(s), including the consumption of alcohol at any time

7.3. Coaches’ Code of Behaviour

• Remember that players participate for the fun of it and that winning is not everything

• Be reasonable in your demands on younger players time, energy and enthusiasm

• Teach your players to abide by the rules and Laws of the Game

• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet a reasonable safety standard and is appropriate to the age and ability of the players

• Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players

• Develop and enhance respect between players, opposition coaches and the decisions of the Match Official

• Follow the advice of a physician when determining the extent of a player’s injury and beyond that, when players are returning from injury to training and Match play

• Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices (refer to Coach Accreditation Criteria)

• Take time out to teach players (& others) the Laws of the Game, hence raising their awareness

• Remind all players to play within the spirit of the game at all times

• Ensure players are good sports and ensure each team member shakes the hand of their opponents at the conclusion of every Match

• Do not smoke or consume alcohol from the team bench (Technical Area) or sideline

• Remember the actions of yourself and your team is reflective of the perception others take away with them

Administrators’ Code of Behaviour

• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and assist in raising the standards of coaching and officiating

• Ensure everyone involved in football emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs

• Be tolerant and calm under pressure and approach problem solving in a supportive manner as

members and players will expect you to set an example for others

• Make every effort to educate persons who breach these guidelines from time to time

Match Officials’ Code of Behaviour

• Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players

• Praise and encourage all participants

• Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions

• Do not tolerate unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents

• Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than focus on negative aspects

• Encourage and promote rule changes to all players and members

• Be a good sport yourself, as actions speak louder than words

• Keep up to date with the latest trends in refereeing

• Remember that you set the example on the park, therefore, your behaviour and comments should
always be positive and supportive

Spectators’ Code of Behaviour

 • Respect the decisions of the Match Officials;

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, Language, political views, national or ethnic origin.

• Not engage in the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other Spectators, Team Officials (Including coaches) or Players;

• Not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form whether lawful or otherwise, including but not limited to the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting;

• Comply with FFV’s ‘Conditions of Entry’, at all venues, and any ticketing conditions (Premier League and State League 1 only).

• Not carry light or throw flares or missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators);

• Not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority; and

• Conduct them self in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of FFV, Football Federation Australia (FFA), and football generally.

Any person who does not comply with this Code or who in the opinion of FFV causes or attempts to cause or is reasonably likely to cause a disturbance may be evicted from the venue and banned from attending future matches held on behalf of FFV, for a period of up to 2 years from when the eviction occurred. Any offender who then breaches the ban order against them may be charged with trespass and subject to further penalties and sanctions, including the possibility of further legal action.