Updated 26 January 2022

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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

• Show respect to your coaches, and managers and club volunteers. They volunteer their time to help you enjoy your football. They should be treated with courtesy at all times. 

• Never argue with a referee. Accept their decisions and move on with the game.

• Be a good sport and be in control of your temper.

• Be respectful of other players and play fair in both your actions and words.

• Do not bring the sport of Football into disrepute.

• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.

• Remember that all that is ever requested of you is to BE YOUR BEST!​

Coaches and Managers

• Remember that young people participate in football for fun and enjoyment and winning is only part of their motivation.

• Be reasonable in your demands on the player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.

• Operate within the rules of Football and encourage your players to do the same.

• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All junior players are deserving of equal game time.

• Display control, respect and professionalism at all times.

• Junior coaches should communicate with the player’s parents and explain what they are aiming to achieve and why.

• Show concern and caution toward injured athletes.

• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all competitors.

• Ensure that your behaviour and comments are always positive and supportive.

• Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else.

​Parents and Spectators

• Remember that primarily the players are involved for their enjoyment, not yours.

• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

• Focus on the child’s efforts rather than winning or losing.

• Encourage players to always participate according to the rules.

• Respect the decisions made by referees and teach young people to do likewise.

• Applaud good performance from players of both sides.

• Recognise and value the importance of being a volunteer – try and assist your club in any small way that you

• Show appreciation for Volunteer Coaches and Managers. They freely give their time and effort for your child’s involvement and enjoyment.

• Do not use bad language or obscene gestures at any time.

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The principles of natural justice will be observed when making decisions on breaches of the Code of Behaviour and in deciding any penalties for such breaches. Any penalties that are imposed are to be appropriate to the seriousness of the breach.

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The Hornsby Heights Football Club reserves the right to determine an appropriate penalty for breaches of the Code of Behaviour. 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.