Code of Conduct

Updated 1 February 2018.

1.  Introduction

The EDSFC operates in accordance with “The Essence of Australian Sport Code of Behaviour”, developed by the Australian Sports Commission.  Guidelines regarding “The Essence of Australian Sport Code of Conduct” can be found here.

It is a condition of registration or membership that all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters adhere to the EDSFC Code of Conduct. Any breaches of the code of conduct will not be tolerated and will be addressed by the EDSFC committee in accordance to the discipline provisions within the EDSFC constitution.

2.  Players Code of Conduct

All players are expected to uphold the values and reputation of the EDSFC by:
* Giving their best at all times.

 * Playing within the rules of the game, the rules of the club and the rules of the league.

 * Respecting the decisions of their coaches, team officials, club administrators and umpires at all times.

 * Treating opposition players, officials and supporters with respect at all times. Never hand out treatment that you would not like to have handed out to you.

 * Ignoring spectator’s comments towards them or their team mates.

 *  Not making derogatory or insulting remarks in reference to another person’s gender, race or religion under any circumstances. Discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated and, at times, may be considered illegal.

 * As a representative of the club, ensuring that their actions and decisions are within the best interest of the club.

 * Acting with integrity and objectivity and accepting responsibility for their decisions and actions.

3.  Coaches Code of Conduct

An integral component of any coaching appointment is a commitment to maintaining a standard of behaviour and conduct that is at all times in the best interests of the players in their care, the club and the game.

All coaches are expected to uphold the following principles and values:

* Abiding by the policies and procedures of the EDSFC and the rules of the EDFL.

* Respecting the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of their involvement in Australian Rules Football.

* Refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background, or special ability/disability.

* Being reasonable in the demands made on the time commitments of the players in their care, having due consideration for player health and well-being.

* Refraining from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in their care.

* Having due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of all players when designing practice schedules, practice activities and involvement in competition.

* As far as practical, maximising participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability.

* At all times stress and monitor safety.

* Recognising the significance of injury and sickness, by seeking and following registered trainers and any professional medical advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training and or games, as applicable.

* As far as practical, ensuring that all players participate in general warm-up and warm-down sessions prior to and after training and matches.

* Maintaining a current knowledge and keeping informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development, and of factors relating to the welfare of their players.

* Committing to attaining a Level 1 coaching accreditation as a minimum during the course of season.

* At all times display, model and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play. Respecting the decisions of their coaches, team officials, club administrators and umpires at all times.

* Treating opposition players, officials and supporters with respect at all times. Never hand out treatment that you would not like to have handed out to you.

* Ignoring spectator’s comments towards them or their players.

* Not making derogatory or insulting remarks in reference to another person’s gender, race or religion under any circumstances. Discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated and, at times, may be considered illegal.

* As a representative of the club, ensuring that their actions and decisions are within the best interest of the club.

* Acting with integrity and objectivity and accepting responsibility for their decisions and actions.

* Rejecting the use of performance enhancing substances in sport and support the EDSFC Club policies and recommendations on drug use, no smoking and responsible use of alcohol.

4.  Parents Code of Conduct – Junior Teams

Parents are expected to conduct themselves and behave to a standard that is at all times in the best interests of the players, the EDSFC club and the game.

All parents are expected to uphold the values and reputation of the EDSFC by:

* Assisting the coach and team officials on both match day and training with any assistance they may require. In the event where there are insufficient volunteers, the coach may put in place a roster system that incorporates every parent who has a child in the team, into a role throughout the season.

* Respecting the decision of the coaches, team officials, umpires and club administrators at all times. Importantly, parents are not to contradict the coach’s instructions, especially in public. A private conversation will go a lot further in clarifying any points of confusion.

* Respecting the decisions of umpires at all times. Parents are not to belittle, abuse or approach umpires at any time, including pre game, during intervals or post game. Many umpires are learning the trade in a similar fashion to your children learning theirs.

* Providing positive encouragement for their child and their child’s team at all times.

* Focusing on the children’s efforts rather than the result. With positive reinforcement and support, the desired results will eventually follow.

* Refraining from engaging in conflicts with opposition spectators and players at all times.

* Not making derogatory or insulting remarks in reference to another person’s gender, race or religion under any circumstances. Discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated and, at times, may be considered illegal.

* Not entering the field of play, under any circumstances, whilst a game is in progress. In the event that a child is injured on the field, trust the trained medical trainers and allow them to use their knowledge to assist the child to the best of their ability. Interference will only hinder the child’s treatment.

* Acting with integrity and objectivity and accepting responsibility for their decisions and actions.

* Refraining from the use of obscene language or swearing. Such language will not be tolerated regardless of whether it is directed at an individual or not.

5.  Supporters Code of Conduct

Supporters are expected to conduct themselves and behave to a standard that is at all times in the best interests of the players, the Club and the game.

All supporters are expected to uphold the values and reputation of the EDSFC by:

* Respecting the decision of the coaches, team officials, umpires and club administrators at all times.

* Respecting the decisions of umpires at all times. Supporters are not to belittle, abuse or approach umpires at any time, including pre game, during intervals or post game.

* Refraining from engaging in conflicts with opposition spectators and players at all times.

* Not making derogatory or insulting remarks in reference to another person’s gender, race or religion under any circumstances. Discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated and, at times, may be considered illegal.

* Not entering the field of play, under any circumstances, whilst a game is in progress. In the event that a player is injured on the field, trust the trained medical trainers and allow them to use their knowledge to assist the player to the best of their ability. Interference will only hinder the player’s treatment.

* Acting with integrity and objectivity and accepting responsibility for their decisions and actions.

* Refraining from the use of obscene language or swearing. Such language will not be tolerated regardless of whether it is directed at an individual or not.

6.  Officials / Volunteers Code of Conduct

EDSFC Officials and Volunteers are expected represent the EDSFC and fulfil the duties of their designated role by being fair, honest and transparent. At all times decisions made by EDSFC Officials and Volunteers must be ethical and withstand scrutiny.

In addition to abiding by the code of conduct already outlined, EDSFC Officials and Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves and behave to a standard that is at all times in the best interests of the players, the Club and the game.

All EDSFC Officials and Volunteers are expected to uphold the values and reputation of the EDSFC by:

* Placing the safety and welfare of the players above all else.

* Compliment and encourage the players with positive and supportive feedback.

* Being honest, impartial, fair and consistent when making any decisions associated with their role or responsibility.

* Addressing any unsporting behaviour.

7.  Social Media Policy

The Essendon Doutta Stars Football Club (the Club) is a highly respected organisation with a long and successful history. It is important that its reputation is not tarnished by inappropriate use of social media.

We are a progressive Club and communicate openly with our members and on a number of different social media platforms.  Our members are encouraged to interact in a positive manner through these platforms.

For the avoidance of doubt, this policy includes any Club sanctioned social media channels and private social media platforms in which the Club, its teams or its members are referenced.

Member – means any player, parent, social member, volunteer, supporter, sponsor or committee member.

Social media platform – means any form of social media which may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TeamApp, Flickr, YouTube, Pinterest, BigFooty, any blogs and any messenger services.

 7.1  Objective

To clarify how our members are expected to behave when using social media in relation to the Club, its teams or its members.

7.2  Content

Members should assume that the internet is a permanent record of online actions and opinions and is by no means anonymous. All-encompassing persons of this policy must follow the principles that the policy is designed to uphold and should be aware that they are individually responsible for their own actions and social media accounts. Comments made on social media must not racially vilify, be libellous, sexually explicit, defamatory or harassing in content (including illustrations and nicknames) and must not bring EDSFC into disrepute. Information that is considered to be confidential or sensitive to the EDSFC is not to be published or commented on. Any trademarks belonging to the EDSFC such as the club logos, images or slogans are not to be used in personal social media applications. Except for publications issued by EDSFC where by these may be forwarded or shared to promote the club members should not share photographs, videos and comments that may be considered private and not for the public domain relating to EDSFC that may breach the Privacy Act or make EDSFC or its members in breach of copyright. Members should be considerate to others in these circumstances and not post information when they have been asked not to or consent has not been sought and given. If asked to remove a comment or image etc by the person in question, the user shall do so immediately. Under no circumstances should offensive comments be made about EDSFC members, players, families or officials online. Contact can be made with the Club Executive of the EDSFC prior to posting on social media if there is uncertainty as to whether the comments will be appropriate in regard to this policy.

7.3  Approved Social Media Platforms

The Club runs and manages their official sites which include Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TeamApp. Individuals are not permitted to set up any official sites without the express permission of the Committee.

7.4  Authorised Club Personal

The following EDSFC personal are authorised to speak with the media:

7.4.1  General Club Communications

The President (Vice President if President is unavailable), Senior Coach and Football Director are authorised to communicate on entire club matters. No other committee member, player, volunteer or staff member may discuss club matters with the media unless authorised by the above mentioned persons.

7.4.2  Football Communications

• The Football Director and Senior Coach may speak on all routine football matters including but not limited to; team selection, tribunal, injuries or training.
• Players can be interviewed only on approval from the Football Director.
• Club Directors, Media Manager and other club personal should only talk to the media when authorised by the President (Vice President if President is unavailable), Senior Coach and Football Director and then only on an approved subject(s) matter.

7.4.3  Media Releases

Club statements or announcements will be via press releases drafted by the Marketing and PR Manager and approved by the President (Vice President if President is unavailable) and Football Director. The final press release will be published on the club website, social media platforms or designated releases.

7.4.4  Press Conferences (if applicable)

When appropriate, a press conference will be called to make Club announcements and the key personal will be made available to the media. At these press conferences, a club media screen must be used and appropriate club apparel must be worn at all times.

Social Media

When communicating on social media, authorised Club representatives should:

• Exercise care and discretion with their use of online communication. We should work on the assumption that content may be viewed by, sent, forwarded, or transmitted to someone other than who was intended to view the communication;
• Take care not to disclose other people’s personal information or publish images of others without permission. Be aware that people may be readily identifiable even when names are not used;
• Use common sense and respect others in posts and discussions. If a team member disagrees with the opinion of another, they should keep responses appropriate and inoffensive;
• Adopt the simple practice of stepping back, re-reading and thinking about what they post before doing so.

Authorised use of pictures and images

Apart from abiding to all other areas of this policy, individuals’ photos may be posted on social media. The club cannot control every photo that is placed on social media. If an individual does not want to be published on social media or other media – please contact your Team Manager or a Committee member immediately.

Management of inappropriate content

Administrators of Club media platforms will immediately delete inappropriate posts, comments, images or any other content that is considered a breach of this policy. The Club has systems in place to monitor real-time behaviour on our media platforms and to retain records of behaviour even if this is later deleted.  Administrators may also block users from accessing one or more of our social media platforms.

Policy Breaches

Breaches in policy, if detected, will result in a review by the Committee and disciplinary action as appropriate.  Penalties could include written warnings, suspension, fines or expulsion from the Essendon Doutta Stars Football Club.

It is further noted that a breach of this policy may also be deemed to be illegal under the relevant legislation in relation to sexual harassment, racial vilification or other law.

8.  Child Safe Standards

All children who are a part of the Club have a right to feel and be safe. The welfare of the children in our care will always be our first priority and the Club has a zero tolerance to child abuse. The Club aims to create a child safe and child friendly environment where children feel safe and have fun and the Club’s activities are always carried out in the best interests of the children.

Our full Child Safe Policy can be downloaded here.

Where do you seek assistance?

• Club Secretary
• secretary@essendondsfc.com.au  OR   secretary.edsfc@gmail.com