A group of Alamein soccer players in blue uniforms celebrate on a field.

Code of Behaviour

At Alamein FC, we’re proud to be part of a sport that brings people together and inspires players of all ages. That’s why it’s important that everyone involved, whether they are players, parents, coaches, spectators, officials or volunteers, helps create a positive experience for all.

To protect the spirit of the game and the reputation of our club, Football Victoria, Football Australia, and the wider football community, we ask everyone to follow a few simple codes of behaviour. These help ensure that every match is safe, respectful and fun, just the way football should be.

Players

  1. Play by the Rules.

  2. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition

  3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of Club officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport and will not be tolerated at Alamein.

  4. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team s performance will benefit and so will you

  5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.

  6. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor or teammate.

  7. Bullying in any form will not be tolerated at Alamein.

  8. Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.

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

  10. Respect the right, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coaches

  1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all players and ensure that everyone is treated equally.

  2. Ensure that the players are involved in a positive environment, and that the game and training is a positive and enjoyable experience.

  3. Respect all players individuality and help them reach their own full potential.

  4. Be fair, considerate and honest with all players.

  5. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions and encourage players to demonstrate the same qualities.

  6. Make a commitment to your team, and yourself, that you will continue to improve your own knowledge of the game through coach education and various training programs.

  7. Coach your players to play within the rules and in the spirit of the game of Soccer (Football).

  8. Avoid any physical contact with the players. Should it be required, ensure it is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player s skill development.

  9. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your players. Be aware of any forms of abuse directed towards players from other sources while they are in your care.

  10. Refrain from any form of harassment towards your players.

  11. Provide a safe environment for training and competition, by ensuring the equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

  12. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players and allow for further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.

  13. Do not engage in the use of crude, foul or abusive language that may be determined offensive or engage in any conduct detrimental to the image of the game when on or off the field.

  14. Refrain from arguing with the referee and / or assistant referees regarding decisions they make.

  15. Treat participants, officials and spectators with courtesy and respect

Parents

  1. Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

  2. Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

  3. Focus on the child s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

  4. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.

  5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

  6. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.

  7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

  8. Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise.

  9. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

  10. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

  11. Will not go onto the grounds during training or competition unless explicitly asked to do so by a club official.

  12. Will not approach a member of the coaching staff to question methods or decisions (in- person or via electronic communications). A parent must email the Technical Director and/or Parent Representative should they have any concerns.

  13. Will not bully, intimidate, abuse or undermine a player, coach or club member at any time.

  14. Will not directly approach a member of the coaching staff to discuss player development. They must email the Technical Director who will set up a meeting with all necessary parties.

Administrators

  1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all players and ensure that everyone is treated equally.

  2. Ensure that the players are involved in a positive environment, and that the game and training is a positive and enjoyable experience.

  3. Respect all players individuality and help them reach their own full potential.

  4. Be fair, considerate and honest with all players.

  5. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions and encourage players to demonstrate the same qualities.

  6. Make a commitment to your team, and yourself, that you will continue to improve your own knowledge of the game through coach education and various training programs.

  7. Coach your players to play within the rules and in the spirit of the game of Soccer (Football).

  8. Avoid any physical contact with the players. Should it be required, ensure it is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player s skill development.

  9. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your players. Be aware of any forms of abuse directed towards players from other sources while they are in your care.

  10. Refrain from any form of harassment towards your players.

  11. Provide a safe environment for training and competition, by ensuring the equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

  12. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players and allow for further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.

  13. Do not engage in the use of crude, foul or abusive language that may be determined offensive or engage in any conduct detrimental to the image of the game when on or off the field.

  14. Refrain from arguing with the referee and / or assistant referees regarding decisions they make.

  15. Treat participants, officials and spectators with courtesy and respect

Spectators

  1. Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.

  2. Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game s outcome.

  3. Respect the decision of the Match officials and teach young people to do the same.

  4. Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.

  5. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

  6. Show respect to your team s opponents. Without them, there would be no game.

  7. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials decisions.

  8. Do not use foul or abusive language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.

  9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin.

  10. Conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of the club, the FFV, Football federation Australia (FFA) and football generally.

Match officials

  1. Praise and encourage all participants.

  2. Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players.

  3. Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.

  4. Do not tolerate unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.

  5. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than focus on negative aspects.

  6. Encourage and promote rule changes to all players and members.

  7. Be a good sport yourself, as actions speak louder than words.

  8. Keep up to date with the latest trends in refereeing.

  9. Remember that you set the example on the park, therefore, your behaviour and comments should always be positive and supportive.