Kogarah Waratah Football Club

Fair play is our goal!

Codes of Conduct

The Kogarah Waratah Football Club operates under the St George Football Association and our aim is to promote the game of Football and provide a safe environment in which the game can be learnt and enjoyed. Team coaches’ focus on the development of both individual and team skills by providing positive encouragement and guidance within a wholesome sportsmanlike environment. Enjoying the game of Football is seen as the most important priority for the Club teams.

The following Codes of Conduct have been established to set a framework of behaviour expected of players, coaches and spectators representing the Kogarah Waratah Football Club. Failure to comply with the standards set out in these documents may lead to the forfeiture of the right to represent the Club. The Kogarah Waratah Football Club has a zero tolerance policy towards violence in sport, whether it be physical or verbal.

 

Smoking Ban (NSW LEGISLATION)

Smoking is now banned in NSW in spectator areas of all sports grounds during organised sport events. Clubs should refer to the information provided in the No Smoking Factsheet as issued by NSW Health.

  • Fines of up to $550 apply for breaches by individuals who fail to comply.
  • Fines of up to $5500 apply for venue operators who fail to comply.
  • NO SMOKING SIGNS must be displayed at sport venues.
  • NO SMOKING VENUE advice should also be included in event information.
  • FINES FOR NON COMPLIANCE Penalties apply under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000. Fines are issued by NSW Health to individuals and venue operations who fail to comply with the legislation. Random venue checks will be conducted by inspectors and particularly where it is reported that a venue is non-compliant with the requirements.

Penalties for patrons

The maximum penalty for a person smoking in a smoke-free area is $550.

 

Coaches Code of Conduct

The coach should set an acceptable standard of behaviour for both the players and spectators. A coaches positive attitude and behaviour towards his/her team, the opposing team and referee creates a sportsmanlike environment under which Football can be played and enjoyed. Team coaches appointed by the Club shall assist all players to adhere to the Players Code of Conduct and are charged with the following responsibilities and delegations:

  • The coach has the sole responsibility for coaching and training the team, but may be assisted by others, including an assistant coach or manager.
  • The coach shall select the players and their positions for every match
  • Coaches of junior teams shall as far as possible ensure each player receives an equal number of games during the season, except for sickness, holidays or disciplinary reasons.
  • The coach should insist on fair play and not tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour, fighting, foul language by any player. The coach is authorized to remove any player from the field whose behaviour is considered unacceptable or may bring the Club into disrepute.
  • The coach, assisted by the team manager, is responsible for managing the sideline including his/her teams players, spectators and equipment. Coaches/Managers should control their team’s spectator’s behaviour on the sidelines.
  • The coach is not permitted to argue or express dissent with the referee either verbally or by action. Coaches may not enter the field of play unless signaled to do so by the referee.
  • Coaches should recognize and reward achievements by all players not just those scoring goals. They should be generous with praise when it is deserved and ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are acknowledged.
  • Coaches should be selective in their instructions given from the sideline/field. Coaches must ensure that they never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game.

 

Players Code of Conduct

Team players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship and behaviour at all times to players, referees, coaches and spectators of both teams. The Club has a proud tradition of good sportsmanship both in victory and defeat, with the following points providing sound guidance in this regard:

  • The Coach will determine your position on the field and when you are to substituted. Remember that he/she has you and your teams best interest at heart in making these decisions.
  • The coach is authorized to remove players from the field should their behaviour fall below the acceptable standard or bring the Club in disrepute — you must respect such decisions.
  • You should play Football for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skill and contribute to a team environment.
  • Play to the rules of the game.
  • Work equally hard for yourself and your team — your teams’ performance will benefit and so will your own.
  • Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
  • Co-operate with your Coach, Manager, teammates, referee and opponents for without them you do not have a game.
  • Control your temper. Never use foul, offensive, blasphemous or insulting language or behaviour in a racist, sexist or harassing manner. Players who behave in this manner can expect to be cited by the referee, removed from the field and will face subsequent match suspensions. Repeat offenders shall be banned from playing for the Club and/or Association.
  • Never argue with the referees’ decisions. His/her decision is final and must be respected whether you agree with it or not.
  • Any player sent off the field by any person refereeing may not play again until he/she has served any penalty imposed by this Club or the Association.
  • At the end of each game good sportsmanship shall be shown by shaking hands with the opposing team whether you win, lose or draw.
  • Remember to play Football for the enjoyment, accepting defeat by a better team on the day with dignity shows great maturity and sportsmanship. Treat defeat, as an opportunity to improve your skills — there will always be another opportunity to win a game.

 

Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct  

Parents and spectators are very positive influences of the game of soccer and are encouraged to attend as many games as possible to support their children/team. Your support from the sideline will inspire the players to perform well, and greatly enhance the enjoyment of the game for all. Being a Club team spectator carries with it the responsibility of behaving in a manner appropriate to the Club and Association. The following points provide guidance to parents and spectators in this regard:

  • Spectators must not be disrespectful to referees, other spectators, players or coaches nor should they disrupt the game.
  • Spectators should exhibit good sportsmanship and provide encouragement to players, referees and coaches of both teams.
  • Spectators should not enter onto the playing fields unless advised by the referee or at the completion of the game.
  • Spectators should conduct themselves at all times in a respectable manner as they also represent the Club.

 

Treatment of Referees

In line with the spirit of good sportsmanship, referees must be treated with respect atall times.  Their decisions are final and should not be argued with by players, coaches or spectators. Referees may cite people, teams or clubs before or after a game, including non-players.
If you have any concerns or complaints about a referee, these concerns should be put in writing to the Club Secretary. All correspondence between the Club and the Association is strictly on a Secretary-to-Secretary basis only.

 

Language and Behaviour

The use of foul, offensive, blasphemous or insulting language, or the involvement of racist, sexist or harassing behaviour at any ground, venue or function is strictly prohibited under the Club and Association rules. Players and spectators who breach these rules may be cited by a referee or club official and be required to appear before the relevant committee of the Club or Association. Repeat offenders will be banned from playing and attending games.

 

Child Protection Policy

NSW child protection laws govern the conduct of club including parents, coaches and managers, towards our members, members of other clubs and most importantly the children. These laws apply in conjunction with our own code of conduct. Our club adheres to these laws. Further information is available on Football NSW website at footballnsw.com.au and click on the links to child protection.