Club Codes and Policies

Code of Behaviour

Dear Parent/Guardian

The Onkaparinga Valley Football Club is committed to providing an environment safe for children that is free from harassment, discrimination and abuse for everyone, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values.  As such the club has developed a Child Safe Policy and appointed a Child Safe Officer.  

The Child Safe Officer is Jane Pool (wife of Mark West) and can be contacted on 0412 210 324.  
A copy of the Child Safe Policy is available to any person by either speaking to a Committee Member or emailing Jane on westpool@bigpond.com

The Codes of Behaviour outlined below have been derived from the AFL Next Generation Junior Match Policy, and are also contained in the Child Safe Policy.  It is the expectation of OVFC that these codes will be adhered to by players and parents/spectators.

Players
  • Play by the rules: they are there for the good of all.
  • Never argue with an official: if you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach or teacher after the game.
  • Control your temper: verbal abuse, racial or religious vilification of other players, and provoking an opponent or the other team are never appropriate.
  • Be a good sport: applaud all good plays by your team, opponent or the opposition team.
  • Treat all players fairly: treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
  • Cooperate willingly: cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
  • Play for fun: Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.

Parents/Spectators
  • Remember children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
  • Encourage children to participate, do not force participation upon them.
  • Focus on your children’s efforts and self-esteem rather than whether they win or lose
  • Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
  • Never ridicule or yell at children for making a mistake or if their team loses a game.
  • Remember children learn best by example – applaud the efforts of all players in both teams.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
  • Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators – without whom your child could not participate.
  • Respect umpires’ decisions and teach children to do likewise. Never argue with or abuse an official: if you disagree, discuss the matter with your team coach after the game.

Restrict smoking and the consumption of alcohol in the vicinity of children at junior sport.

Coaches
  • Remember children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
  • Encourage children to participate, do not force participation upon them.
  • Focus on the player’s efforts and self-esteem rather than whether they win or lose.
  • Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
  • Demonstrate support for all club policies and codes.
  • Be reasonable in your demands on player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
  • Encourage other adults to participate in roles such as team manager, umpires etc.
  • Encourage players abide by the appropriate codes of behaviour.
  • Ensure player safety is a priority concern at all times.
  • Submit any issues and concerns to the junior committee straight away.
  • Ensure appropriate language and communication methods are maintained.