De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club (DLSOCAFC) is committed to providing men and women with the opportunity to play an enjoyable and competitive game of Australian Rules football in a safe and supportive environment. This Code of Conduct has been developed to give coaches an understanding of their responsibilities to ensure these objectives are met.

Every Coach will:

• set a good example and display utmost honesty and integrity in all dealings

• uphold the AFL Coaches’ Code of Conduct.https://play.afl/sites/default/files/2023-10/coaches-code-of-conduct-2018.pdf

• maintain an AFL Coach Accreditation appropriate for the level of players that are being coached

• comply with all Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Policies and Guidelines
  including but not limited to: Team selection and Game Day guidelines

• display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, othe officials,
  parents and spectators

• comply with all reasonable and appropriate instructions from the DLSOCAFC Committee

• Consider the safety, physical and mental wellbeing of their players and abide by the
  judgement of any suitably qualified training staff as to the welfare of a player, including the
  concussion policy of “if in doubt, sit them out”.

AFL Coaches’ Code of Conduct

I understand that as an integral component of my coaching accreditation, I must maintain a standard of behaviour and conduct in the best interests of the sport of Australian football and the players and/or staff in my care. I understand and agree that:

• I will respect all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Football, by refraining from any discriminatory practices including, but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnic background, special ability/disability or sexual orientation, preference or identity.

• I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of my Club and League/Association.

• I will be reasonable in the demands I make on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and wellbeing

• I will be supportive at all times and will refrain from any form of personal or physical abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care

• I will have due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, activities and involvement in football competition

• I will monitor and ensure the safety of players in my care.

• In recognising of injury and sickness, I will seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning the participation and/or return to training of injured or ill players to training.

• I will keep up to date with principles of coaching and skill development, and factors relating to the welfare of my players.

• I will at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play.

• I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, officials, parents and spectators.

• I will ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill-learning and development are priorities and not overshadowed by a desire to win.

• I reject the use of performance-enhancing substances in sport and will abide by the guidelines set forth in the AFL Anti-Doping and Illicit Drugs policies.

Breach of the DLSOVAFC Coaches Code of Conduct

Any complaints or instances alleging a breach of the Code of Conduct will be treated very seriously and investigated in accordance with the grievance process endorsed by the De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club Committee.