Updated 29 January 2024

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Australians are justifiably proud of the place sport has in their daily lives. But what is equally important to us all is the way the “game” is played and the manner in which our sportsmen and sportswomen conduct themselves.

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Young people involved in sport have a right to participate in a safe and supportive environment. Overzealous parents, coaches, officials and players sometimes need to be reminded of appropriate standards of behaviour.

 

Hornsby Heights Football Club is a community based club which provides children and adults alike the opportunity to participate in a sport that can provide a fit and healthy lifestyle, social interaction, an understanding of teamwork and a first hand look at what can be achieved through the spirit of volunteering.

 

The privilege of membership and participation with the Hornsby Heights Football Club also comes with a set of responsibilities. If a person’s conduct is inconsistent with our Code of Behaviour the Committee reserves the right to terminate that’s person’s membership with our club.

 

We have adapted our code of behaviour from the Australian Sports Commissions Junior Sport Codes of Behaviour document and believe that the following guidelines will create an environment where everyone enjoys their football and realises their potential:

​Players

• Adhere to the principles of fair play and always play by the rules, respecting the traditions of the game and the spirit of competition.

• Respect the rights and dignity of every person including teammates, opponents, coaches and officials and never engage in behaviour that abuses, provokes or harasses others.

• Respect the decision of coaches and officials and never argue with them.

• Always play to the best of your abilities and participate for enjoyment not results.

• Never engage in inappropriate conduct including the use of offensive language and gestures that are demeaning to others.

• Care for the equipment and facilities made available during training and competition.

• Always consider the safety and wellbeing of other participants before performance and results.

• Never engage in inappropriate conduct including drinking or smoking whilst in the presence of junior participants.

Coaches and Managers

• Respect the rights and dignity of every person regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

• Promote a safe and inclusive environment, in which every person is protected and free from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

• Ensure every person has equal opportunity to participate regardless of age, ability or experience.

• Ensure that all equipment and activities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and abilities of every person.

• Promote the principles of fair play and discourage foul play and/or unsportsmanlike behaviour.

• Always consider the safety and wellbeing of participants before performance and results and follow the advice of a physician/medical officer in determining when an injured participant may return to training and competition.

• Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with every person, especially to participants to which you owe a duty of care.

• Never engage in inappropriate conduct including the use of offensive language, drinking or smoking, whilst in an official capacity.

• Ensure coaching qualifications are up to date and accredited by the appropriate sporting body.

• Follow the guidelines and rules set down by the club and governing body.

• Call out and refer to club authorities all acts of unethical behavior, whether from players, officials, parents or spectators.

• At all times act as a role model for others, displaying high standards of good sporting behavior.

​Parents and Spectators

• Never engage in inappropriate conduct including the use of offensive language, drinking or smoking whilst in the presence of junior participants.

• Encourage players to play by the rules and to show respect at all times to coaches, officials and opponents.

• Respect the rights and dignity of every person including players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators; and never engage in behaviour that abuses, demeans, provokes or harasses others.

• Understand that sport is designed to be fun and that participating for enjoyment and wellbeing should always come before performance and results.

• At all times act as a role model for others, displaying high standards of good sporting behavior.

• Call out and refer to club authorities all acts of unethical behavior, whether from players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.

• Participate in positive cheering that reinforces and encourages participant efforts.

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​The Hornsby Heights Football Club reserves the right to determine an appropriate penalty for breaches of the Code of Conduct. These penalties may range from formal warnings and suspensions to deregistration from the Football Club and exclusion from future participation.

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Registering with the Hornsby Heights Football Club implies that you agree to be bound by our Code of Conduct.