Codes of Conduct

BYLAW #1 Spirit of Junior Football in WA

Every participant understands that Junior Football in Western Australia is delivered to the Community with the Spirit of the Game in mind.

It is incumbent on every participant irrespective of their place in the game, to ensure that they will,

  • Not focus on winning at all cost and understand that the role of Junior Football is to foster the development of Junior Players, Volunteers, Umpires, Coaches and Officials. Learning to win and lose is part of the developmental journey of a participant but must remain secondary to the primary focus of junior player development.
  • Maximise the enjoyment and development of junior footballers.
  • Provide our children with a game environment that is safe, fun and fair.
  • Ensure that the values which add to the spirit of our game, which include fairness, equality, respect and teamwork are encouraged and celebrated.
  • Uphold, promote and protect the Rules, Laws, Codes, Policies and Spirit of the game.
  • Not accept poor behaviours around our game and deter practices that undermine our games environments (Coaching, Playing, Volunteering, Spectating and Umpiring).
  • Adhere to any directive issued by the games controlling bodies in the best interests of achieving the above.

Codes of Conduct

The major objective of Junior Football is to provide an opportunity for all children to play Australian Football in a safe environment designed to maximise the acquisition of skill and provide enjoyment (Fun). The following Codes of Conduct, if followed by all people involved in our junior game, should ensure the fulfilment of this important objective. The West Australian Football Commission Football Affairs Committee strongly advises that all persons involved be issued with copies of the appropriate code of conduct. WA Football supports acts of sportsmanship (handshaking, etc) between players, coaches, administrators, umpires, etc. 

Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct

  • Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’. 
  • Encourage children to participate, if they are interested. 
  • Encourage children to always participate according to the rules. 
  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. 
  • Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all teams. 
  • If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public. 
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. 
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, managers and helpers 
  • Remember that children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals. 
  • Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
  • Encourage players to follow the rules and the umpire’s decisions. 
  • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches, umpires or volunteers. 

Players Code of Conduct

  • Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’. 
  • Play by the rules. 
  • Never argue with an umpire or an official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach or teacher after the game. 
  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable. 
  • Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will you 
  • Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team, opponent or the other team. 
  • Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. 
  • Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would no competition. 
  • Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches. 
  • Avoid using derogatory language. 
  • Be prepared to take responsibility for your actions. 

Runner/Water Carriers Code of Conduct

  • Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’. 
  • The runner SHOULD BE AN ADULT. 
  • The runner must be clearly identified. 
  • The runner’s name must be entered in both team books. 
  • No abusive language or swearing. 
  • Support the decision of the umpires at all times and never question decisions. 

Umpires Code of Conduct

  • Understand and adhere to BYLAW #1 ‘The Spirit of Junior Football’. 
  • Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs. 
  • Compliment all participants on their efforts. 
  • Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions. 
  • Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents. 
  • Ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost by using common sense and not over emphasizing errors. 
  • Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment. 
  • Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour. Actions speak louder than words. 
  • Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children. 
  • Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender.