AFL NSW ACT Code of Conduct
All players, officials and supporters are requested to familiarise themselves with the AFL NSW ACT Code of Conduct.
AFL NSW ACT Code of Conduct 2014 (click here to download as a PDF)
1.0 CODE OF CONDUCT
All players, officials and spectators are bound:
(A) To take all reasonable steps to prevent the game from being brought into disrepute.
(B) Not to engage in any Doping Practice as defined by the AFL’s Anti Doping Code (refer to AFL Anti Doping Code).
(C) Not to do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult or humiliate another player on the ground of the religion, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the person (refer to Vilification and Discrimination Policy).
2.0 PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
A player must:
(A) Play by the rules – the rules of your Club and the laws of the game.
(B) Attend training sessions and matches at times advised by the Club. If unable, for a valid reason to do so, players will inform the Club as soon, as is practical.
(C) Act respectfully toward the officials and players of their own and opposing Clubs.
(D) Respect and follow the directions of coaching staff, match and club officials.
(E) Treat all players with respect, as you would want them to treat you.
(F) Act respectfully towards match officials at all times. Abusive language is unacceptable.
(G) Avoid individual or collective behaviour, which may reasonably be held by spectators to be offensive.
(H) Avoid all acts likely to incite spectators to violence or disorder.
(I) Make no detrimental statements in public (radio, television, print or electronic media) in respect to the performance of any match officials, players, or any policy decisions of the Club or the League. Abide by the By-Laws, (Rules & Regulations) and the Competition Rules of the League.
(J) Respect the facilities and equipment of their own and opposing Clubs.
(K) Do not use remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability as many such comments are politically incorrect and it is your coach, team-mates, Club and family that are let down with such remarks.
(L) Do not use information technology to make or post inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials or the League which is discriminatory or offensive. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs).
3.0 PARENTS & SUPPORTERS CODE OF CONDUCT
(A) Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.
(B) Encourage participation, but don’t force it.
(C) Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning.
(D) Never ridicule mistakes or losses Supporters are there to support not downgrade.
(E) Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires, administrators and spectators. Physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
(F) Recognise all volunteers who give up their valuable time.
(G) Never publicly criticise umpires, rather raise personal concerns with club officials in private
(H) Do not use remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability as many such comments are politically incorrect and it is your coach, team-mates, Club and family that are let down with such remarks.
(I) Respect the facilities and equipment of their own and opposing Clubs.
(J) Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any player, official, umpire or supporter. Such actions are totally unacceptable.
(K) Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
(L) Abusive language is unacceptable.
(M) Do not use information technology to make or post inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials or the League which is discriminatory or offensive. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs).
4.0 COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
(A) Set a good example and display utmost honesty and integrity in all dealings.
(B) Teach fair play and good sportsmanship
(C) Never place the value of winning above that of instilling the highest possible ideals and character.
(D) Be reasonable in demands, setting goals and expectations at an attainable level.
(E) Maintain a current knowledge of the rules of the game.
(F) Teach and interpret the laws of the game to the players.
(G) Never ridicule players.
(H) 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) Encourage and create opportunities to develop individual as well as team skill.
(J) Ensure that all players understand the importance of regular attendance at training and positive attitude at training and that team selection throughout the season, including the finals, may be influenced by their training attendance and attitude.
(K) Ensure that injured players are given prompt and competent medical attention and that doctor’s orders are strictly adhered to.
(L) Endeavour to keep informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development and of factors relating to the welfare of my players.
(M) Display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practice fair play.
(N) Display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
(O) Abide by the By-Laws, (Rules & Regulations) and the Competition Rules of the League.
(P) Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any player, official, umpire or supporter. Such actions are totally unacceptable.
(Q) Respect the facilities and equipment of their own and opposing Clubs.
(R) Make no detrimental statements in public (radio, television, print or electronic media) in respect to the performance of any match officials, players, or any policy decisions of the Club or to the League.
(S) Do not use information technology to make or post inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials or the League which is discriminatory or offensive. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs).
5.0 ADMINISTRATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
(A) Involve others in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to Australian Football.
(B) Create pathways for people to participate and develop through the sport not just as players but also as coaches, umpires and administrators.
(C) Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ability level of the participants.
(D) Establish that qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and specific skill technique provide adequate supervision.
(E) Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating.
(F) Assist all participants in Australian Football to know and understand the rules.
(G) Set a conduct example for others to follow.
(H) Make it clear that abusing people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
(I) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
(J) Make no detrimental statements in public (radio, television, print or electronic media) in respect to the performance of any match officials, players, or any policy decisions of the Club or the League.
(K) Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any player, official, umpire or supporter. Such actions are totally unacceptable.
(L) Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
(M) Ensure on and off the field behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.
(N) Ensure all parents, coaches, sponsors, administrators, officials, medical staff and players, understand their responsibilities regarding fair play in sport.
(O) Abide by the By-Laws, (Rules & Regulations) and the Competition Rules of the League.
(P) Do not use information technology to make or post inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials or the League which is discriminatory or offensive. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs).
6.0 OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT
(A) Display fairness and uniformity in applying the rules.
(B) Be honest in your assessment of situations.
(C) Be consistent and courteous in calling all infractions.
(D) Condemn deliberate fouls as being unsporting and promote fair play and appropriate sports behaviour.
(E) The health and safety of the players must be the most important reason to be weighed in during the decision making process.
(F) Use common sense to ensure the ‘spirit of the game’ for players is not lost by being too pedantic when applying the rules.
(G) Be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance.
(H) Ensure you remain up to date with any rule changes and/or interpretation of rules as laid down by the AFL
(I) Seek continual self-improvement through study, performance appraisal and regular updating of competencies.
(J) Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any player, official, umpire or supporter. Such actions are totally unacceptable.
(K) Do not use information technology to make or post inappropriate comments against players, clubs, club officials, match officials or the League which is discriminatory or offensive. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messaging, text messages, phone messages, digital images, website postings (including social media such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs).