Statement of Purpose and Values

The Surrey Park Junior Football Club aims to provide an opportunity for the youth of our area to participate in Australian Rules Football and enhance their health and well-being through organized sport. The Club, will at all times, endeavour to provide for the health, welfare and well being of its players, supporters and spectators. This aim will be achieved by promoting and developing the following values and objectives:

• A sense of social and community values
• An environment to nurture the physical and mental development of our youth
• Respect for officials, opposition players and supporters
• The virtues of fair and disciplined play
  
• Equal opportunities for everyone

They will be realized by providing as far as reasonable:

• Competent coaches and assistants
  
• Adequate facilities, amenities and equipment
  
• Supervised social functions encouraging family participation
  
• Regular communication and consultation with players and parents
  
• Active leadership and management of the Club
  

All players, Coaches and Officials, parents, supporters and Committee members have a responsibility at all times when representing the Surrey Park Junior Football Club to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner consistent with these values and or Codes of Conduct.

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Team Selection Policy

This document has been produced to clarify the team selection process. It is Club policy to support our Coaches in any reasonable decisions they make. The Club requires our Coaches to adhere to the following guidelines as far as practicable:

Age Groups U/13 and below
In these age groups the emphasis is placed on participation and enjoyment. Additional goals are the acquisition of football skills and the nurturing of physical and emotional development and well-being.

Where registrations provide for two teams in the same age group, it is the policy of the Club that the two team lists will be developed by the Coaches based on friendship groups – not graded by ability. The Coaches Coordinator will assist the coaches select the sides if required.

The League policy allows for 24 players to play in an under-age match in these age groups. The Club expects that all players be permitted to play a minimum of a half game as far as is practicable.

Age Groups U/14 through to Colts
The Club aspires to provide players in these age groups the opportunity to play in the highest level within the league. The Club’s standing is determined by the performance of these age group teams in matches over the season. A greater emphasis is placed upon individual and team performances.

Where two sides are formed in the same age group it is Club policy to grade/stream team lists and to enter teams in different divisions. The 2 coaches are empowered to select teams - this is to be based on the coaches’ judgment and perception of the players abilities, potential, development, attitude, commitment and the need for team balance. The Coaches Coordinator will assist the coaches with the selection of the sides if required.
The League policy allows for 24 players to play in a match in these age groups. The Club expects that all players be permitted to play a minimum of a half game as far as is practicable. Coaches must endeavour to provide the maximum number of players an opportunity to participate.

Appropriate Age Group
It is the intention of the club to ensure that each player participates in the team most appropriate to their age. If a lower age group has an excess of players and the age group above are short, players may play in the higher level at the discretion of the Coaches Coordinator.

Special Needs
The Club appreciates that there may be extenuating circumstances, and that some players may wish to be in a particular side. Such requests should be made through the Coaches and Team Managers of the respective teams, and in accordance with the club conflict resolution process.

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Codes of Conduct

MANDATORY & ENFORCEABLE CODES OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES,
PLAYERS, PARENTS, SUPPORTERS AND OFFICIALS
The Surrey Park Junior Football Club fully supports the codes of conduct as introduced by the AFL and Football Victoria.

Players

• Play by the rules – the rules of your club and the laws of the game
  
• Never argue with an umpire or other official – without these people, you can’t play football
  
• Control your temper – verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games
  
• Be a team player – it’s a team game, treat it that way
  
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly
  
• Co-operate with your coach, the umpires and team-mates
  
• Play for your own enjoyment & to improve your skills
  
• Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your coach, team-mates and family if you do – and many such comments are now illegal
  

Parents/Supporters

• Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game
  
• Encourage participation, but don’t force it
  
• Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning
  
• Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support not downgrade
  
• Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be
  tolerated
  
• Recognize all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time
  
• Never publicly criticize umpires – raise personal concerns with club officials in private
  
• Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your family and yourself if you do – and many such comments are now illegal
  

Coaches

To become an Accredited Level 1 coach, which is the minimum requirement of all junior coaches, your coach will have signed and submitted the AFL Coaches Code of Conduct in which they have outlined their commitment to uphold the following values to the best of their ability:

1. To 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 disability/ability.
2. To abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of the Club and League.
3. To be reasonable in the demands made on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and well-being.
4. To refrain from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with players in my care
5. To have due consideration for the varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, practice activities and involvement in competition.
6. To avoid overplaying the talented players aiming to maximize participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability. Where I am responsible for players in the 5-12 year old age group, I will ensure that all players gain equal playing time.
7. To stress and monitor safety always.
8. In recognizing the significance of injury and sickness, to seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training.
9. To endeavour to keep informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development, and of factors relating to the welfare of my players.
10. To at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behavior, ensuring that players understand and practice fair play.
11. To display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
12. To ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill learning and development are priorities and are not overshadowed by a desire to win.
13. To reject the use of performance enhancing substances in sport and abide by the guidelines set forth in the AFL DRUG POLICY.

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