KSFC CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of this code of conduct is to support the aspirations of Kotara South Football Club in the creation of a supportive culture in which the playing and watching of football is desirable, enjoyable and rewarding for all participants and to provide an environment where all participants can have fun, develop skills and learn sportsmanship and team play.
The Kotara South Football Club will use this code of conduct as a primary, but not only, reference when making decisions about the appropriateness of player, official or spectator behaviour.
By resolution of the KSFC Committee, coaches, players and parents must agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct as a prerequisite to achieving membership of the KSFC. All Committee members, coaches, managers, and officials are obliged to observe and enforce this Code of Conduct.
By registering with the club, attending club games or functions or volunteering for club activities participants are accepting the conditions of this code of conduct.
Players’ Code of Conduct
• I will learn and play by the rules.
• I will play for enjoyment, work hard to improve my skills and be a fair team player
• I will respect, encourage, and get along with my teammates
• I will make every effort to be on time for training and games
• I will respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers and spectators.
• I will not openly or repeatedly argue an official’s decision
• If I have a grievance or concern, I will raise it firstly with my coach or team manager. If resolution cannot be achieved at this level, I will inform the coach/manager of my intention before raising any issue directly with the committee.
• I understand and respect that the coach and team managers are responsible for the team and I agree to listen to them and to follow reasonable directions from them
• I will wear the correct footwear, club uniform and shin guards.
Penalties for Players
In addition to any penalties assessed during the game, any violation of the above code may result in a one game suspension. A second violation may result in a three-game suspension. Any additional violation may result in a possible season suspension.
When a player is under suspension the player will not be allowed to participate in competition games, practice games or tournament games. The Committee reserves the right to immediately suspend or discharge a player from the club for extreme breaches of the code of conduct or any behaviour that the Committee finds to be in stark contrast to the culture and aspirations of the club.
Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct
• I will display good sportsmanship and always respect players, coaches, managers, officials, volunteers, and other spectators.
• I will always act appropriately and encourage, in a positive manner, fair play from all participants.
• I will be supportive after the game, regardless of the score, and will recognise good effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• I will resolve to conduct myself in a manner consistent with the culture and aspirations of the club even under the most trying circumstances.
• I will not use obscene or vulgar language on the field or in my role as a spectator.
• I will not taunt players, coaches, managers, officials by means of baiting, ridiculing, booing, jeering, making negative comments, threat of violence or actual violence.
• I will not openly or directly challenge the work or decision of an official.
• I understand and respect that the team coach and manager are responsible for the team and my child while he/she is playing and I undertake to follow reasonable directions from them.
• I will not consume drugs, alcohol, or smoke on the playing fields.
• I will respect the facilities and grounds when either at home or at away games.
Penalties for parents and spectators
In addition to any penalties that come from officials, if a parent violates any part of the code the Committee may rule that they cannot attend another game, practice, practice game or tournament game for two weeks. In the case of subsequent violations, the parent may be subjected to further disciplinary action by the Committee, which may include a permanent ban on attending games or, in the worst-case scenario, suspension of the child for the parent’s failure to adhere to the Code and/or comply with the sanctions.
Coaching Philosophy
KSFC is a grassroots community club with a mission to foster the love of football in an inclusive environment, balancing increasing skills, promoting fun, and creating a competitive team. It is the Coach and Managers roles to help all players feel included and achieve this mission.
Football development requires that children and youth play age-appropriate activities so they are able to experience, comprehend, and execute the game as it relates to where they are at their own stage of physical and mental development. Coaches should aim to teach the techniques of the game through a variety of fun activities in which players have as much contact with a ball as possible and learn at their own rates.
Coach and Managers should encourage players to try different positions so that each player learns all the skills necessary to develop in the game. Players can expect to receive equal playing time and be given equal opportunity to learn when they are abiding by the club’s code of conduct.
Coach and Manager Code of Conduct
• I will ensure that the players and parents are aware of their obligations under the KSFC code of conduct and endorse Club communication around expected behaviour.
• Winning is a consideration, but not the only nor the most important one. I will care more about a player than winning the game, remembering all aspects of a player's safety is of the utmost importance.
• l will be concerned with the overall physical and social development of players and stress the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
• I will be a positive role model to players, displaying emotional maturity, consistency, and fairness. I will be generous in my praise, encouragement, and be ready to listen and adjust to player, parent, and club member concerns.
• I will take reasonable measures to avoid placing myself or my players in situations where there could be a risk of or an accusation of abuse or neglect.
• I will give all players an equal opportunity to participate, improve skills, gain confidence, and develop self-esteem.
• I will organise training that is inclusive, engaging and challenging.
• I will familiarise myself with the appropriate football rules, training techniques, and strategies.
• I will maintain an open line of communication with players and parents and discuss goals and objectives for the season.
Penalties for Coaches and Managers
Coaches shall be subject to penalties as assessed and determined by the Committee, in addition to any penalties issued by officials. The penalties can include suspension from the Coach or Manager role for a prescribed period.
Club Committee Members and Volunteers
• I respect the diversity and range of skills that all volunteers bring to the club.
• I will be honest, careful, and considerate in all dealings with club members, club property and the club’s reputation.
• I will ensure all players are given an equal chance to participate.
• I will ensure the club operates within the football rules and requirements for all age groups.
• I will attend Committee meeting, when available, and be ready to appropriately question any actions of the club.
• I will provide supervision, training, and support when required, assisting the club to continually improve its policy and procedures.
• I will encourage and adhere to a high level of appropriate behaviour in all club activities.
• I will take part in and encourage teamwork, supporting all volunteers, to ensure there is a positive club culture.
• I will take reasonable measures to avoid placing myself or other club members in situations where there could be a risk of an accusation of abuse, neglect or financial misconduct
Penalties for Club Committee Members and Volunteers
These will be decided on a case-by-case basis by a full meeting of the Committee in the absence of the Committee member/Volunteer alleged to have breached the code. It can be appropriate to seek assistance from Newcastle Football if the investigation is of an Executive Member.
Appeals
Any person sanctioned by the Committee has the right to appeal in writing (including email) to the Executive. This appeal should state their reasons for appealing the decision and any mitigating factors or other evidence that they believe would potentially change the decision of the Committee.
Once an appeal has been considered by the Executive a final decision will be made and no further appeals will be considered.