CODE OF CONDUCT

Hepburn Football Netball Club Code of Conduct

At Hepburn Football Netball Club, we are governed by the guidelines and policy as outlined by the Central Highlands Football League, AFL, and Netball Victoria. In addition, the club operates under the guidelines of the Victorian Government’s Fair Play Code by encouraging appropriate standards of behaviour to enable everyone to be involved in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

As its guiding principles, the club believes that at all times, its people should act with integrity, respect, responsibility, fairness, and safety. The purpose of the code of conduct is to provide guidance to all players, members, spectators, and officials as to the standards of behaviour that are expected at our club and to make it clearly understood that breaches of these codes can result in disciplinary action.

HFNC COACHES are required to:

  • Comply with the CHFL, AFL and Netball Victoria Coaches behavioural guidelines;

  • Comply with relevant government Child Safety requirements at all times;

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion;

  • Support, encourage and involve all players regardless of their talent level;

  • Never ridicule or yell at players for errors or poor performance;

  • Always consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before performance and results;

  • Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results;

  • Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour both on and off the field;

  • Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with all participants;

  • Ensure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability, and experience of participants. - Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg fair play);

  • Always respect the official’s decision and support them in carrying out their role;

  • Display consistently high standards of good sporting behaviour and appearance;

  • Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the Club;

  • Hold appropriate valid qualifications before commencing to coach;

  • Never condone rule violations, unfair or unduly rough play or the use of prohibited substances;

  • Actively discourage the use of performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances;

  • Never smoke or drink alcohol whist in an official capacity;

  • Never use offensive language or behaviour; and

  • Always act as a positive role model.

HFNC SENIOR PLAYERS are required to:

  • Comply with the CHFL, AFL Victoria, and Netball Victoria player behavioural guidelines;

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion;

  • Play by the rules and respect the umpire’s decisions.;

  • Display good sporting behaviour at all times;

  • Never use offensive language or behaviour towards anyone or engage in sledging or bullying of any person;

  • Cooperate with your coach;

  • Adhere to Club policies, including smoke-free areas and liquor license requirements; and

  • Never behave in a manner that would damage the reputation of the Club, either on or off the field.

HFNC JUNIOR PLAYERS are required to:

  • Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, club and league

  • Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach, or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition;

  • Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires, spectators or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent, is not acceptable or permitted.;

  • Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team's performance will benefit, and so will you;

  • Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays, whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team. Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that you have given your best effort and never involve yourself in an argument with opposing players, umpires or officials;

  • Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it;

  • Cooperate with your coach and teammates and respect the ability of your opponent. Without them, there would be no game;

  • Always show respect for Umpires and respect decisions made, even if you disagree with the outcome.  Without them, there would be no game.;

  • Play for the fun of it and not just to please parents and coaches;

  • Avoid the use of derogatory language based on gender or race. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.;

  • Do not take part in any form of bullying, including via the use of social media; and

  • Be prepared to be responsible for your actions

HFNC VOLUNTEERS and SPECTATORS are required to:

  • Comply with the CHFL, AFL and Netball Victoria player behavioural guidelines;

  • Always act as good role models and ambassadors for the Club;

  • Always welcome opposition players, spectators, officials, etc. to the Club;

  • Never use offensive language or behaviour;

  • Treat everyone, including the opposition, with respect regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion;

  • Display consistently high standards of good sporting behaviour by respecting officials and their decisions at all times;

  • Adhere to the smoke-free policies of the Club;

  • Not to consume alcohol in any place other than where the Club’s license allows;

  • Adhere to and support the Club policies; and

  • Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility, especially when dealing with persons under 18 years of age, as your words and actions are an example.

Compliance with Government & Sporting Bodies’ Codes of Conduct

The Hepburn Football Netball Club, its officials, coaches, players, volunteers and supporters abide by and comply with the following relevant government and sporting bodies’ Codes of Conduct and Regulations:

  1. Victorian Government Fair Play Code

  2. AFL National Community Football Policy Handbook

  3. Netball Victoria Codes of Conduct

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the club committee to ensure it remains relevant to club operations and reflects community expectations and legislation.