COACHING & TEAM POLICY

Purpose

Improve player enjoyment through fair and consistent coaching.

Objective

As a playing group moves from U9 through to U18’s, they collectively improve their overall ability. Each player is given the opportunity to develop equally to and not to the detriment of their peers.

Football Operations

• Football Operations make all Coaching appointments.
• Football Operations is there to support the Coaches in their role, from development, to resolving issues with players and/or parents, team dynamics, etc.
• Football Operations is to ensure Coaches adhere to the Coaching policies.

Coaches

• The Coach is the senior official of the team to which they are appointed. Where there are two or more coaches appointed for the same age group they have equal jurisdiction over the age group and need to work together.
• The Coach may delegate responsibilities to the appointed Assistant Coach/es to instruct and support the team as deemed necessary.
• Each Coaching appointment is for one season.
• The same Coach can coach the same group of players for an unlimited number of years.
• The Coach must attend all Coaching meetings when called by Football Operations.
• The Coach must welcome and encourage the participation of representative football.

Team Selection

• Each team is to have an equal (+/- 1) number of players each week (where practical).
• Age level officials (including the team manager, assistant coaches, medics, etc., but excluding the selected coach1) will not be allocated to a team until the selection of the teams is finalised.
• Where there is going to be 2 teams in a girls age group football operations, coaches and the Executive Committee will determine team selection for that season

Under 9 and Under 10

• Ensure players feel comfortable and safe in their football environment
• Selection in a particular team is to be primarily based on known friendships.

Under 11 and Under 12

• Ensure players individually develop in an environment where they are extended.
• Selection in a particular team is based on team balance and ensuring all players are involved
• Consideration is given to:
  • Continued development of each player no matter their ability.
  • Player size, strengths, weaknesses and skills so that they can continue to enjoy their football and develop.
  • Reasonable balance can be achieved in the individual team selection and positioning.

Under 13 – Under 18

• Ensure players individually develop in an environment where they are extended.
• Dividing up the age groups into teams will be undertaken by a sub-committee selected by Football Operations. Committee will include; football operations, club president, past or present coaches, members of the EJFC community with good knowledge of the playing group
• Selection in a particular team is to be based on player merit, by conducting trial games and on previous season’s performance. Merit is defined as but not limited to a player’s ability, physical development, attitude and attendance at training and adherence to Code of Conduct and team rules.
• Before round 5 both Coaches need to work together and review each player’s stage of physical development, level of skill and understanding of the game and make final team adjustments where necessary.
• The Football Operations will continually review the competitiveness of both teams, and performances will be discussed with Coaches if and when required.

Team Selection – Game Day

• Each player is to be treated with equal respect.
• The maximum number of players to play in each game is 24 (unless exemption received from the Football Operations Committee).
• If a team has more than 24 players registered then a rostering system is to be introduced at the commencement of the season.
• The roster will nominate which home and away round each player is to be rostered off.
• If a player is called up to play when rostered off due to shortage of players that player is still deemed to have taken their turn of being rostered unless a swap sanctioned by the Coach/Team Manager is agreed between the players.
• Any player who is unavailable for a game in which they are not rostered off will not be deemed to have taken their turn of being rostered off unless a swap sanctioned by the Coach/Team Manager is agreed between the players. A swap is preferred.
• Players rostered off will be offered a game in a higher age group, where spots are available.
• From under 15-18 players game time can be limited at the coaches discretion for players where they display poor attitude towards the team, coaching staff and/or officials. Any penalties must be discussed with the Football Operations.

Position Selection

• Each player is to have an equal chance of meeting their own personal expectations from each game of football they participate in.
• Each player is to be given the opportunity to experience and learn the different positions of the game.
• All players are to play as close to three quarters per game.
• The same player(s) must not start on the interchange bench each week. This must be equally shared.
• For U9-12, during the course of the home and away season each player must be rotated equally through the Forwards, Backs, On Ball and interchange and the various positions within those lines.
• For U13-14, during the course of the home and away season each player must be rotated through the various areas on the ground (Forwards, Backs & On Ball), where they are spending no more than ⅔ of the season in the one area of the ground.
• For U13-14, during the course of the home and away season each player must not spend more than ½ of their playing time in the positions of either or both the forward or back pockets.
• For U15-18, player rotations are up to the discretion of the Coach (not withstanding the interchange policies).

Team Top Ups – Game Day

• Top up players preferably come from any team up to two years lower in age group.
• Football Operations must be informed by the Coach/Team Manager of decisions to play younger aged players up age groups. This can be after the event.
• At all times the club, coaches and its representatives must abide by NFNL bi-laws in relation to top up and rotation of players.
• To coordinate top up players:
  • Under 13’s and below should coordinate top ups through their relevant football coordinators
  • Under 14’s and above can arrange top ups through the coaches and team managers ensuring that the football coordinators are kept informed.
• Where top up players have already played in another game for the round:
  • The top up player must not have more playing time than any non top up player.
  • The top up player must not start the game on the field in place of any non top up player.

Training

• Promote one age group so that:
  • Players have a feeling of belonging to one age group regardless of the level they are asked to play.
  • Players can judge their ability and improvement against their peers.
  • Coaches are able to judge players potential & improvement.
  • Players get to know their peers style of play.
  • Players and coaches can experience further learning and mentoring with a broader group whilst also developing a club culture.
• All players of the same age group are to train together as an age group on the same night(s) for a minimum of 50%, up to 75% of the time (inclusive of warmups & Drills)
• Coaches can break up players into groups for specialized training, drills or team tactics.
• Coaches of the same age group are to work together with football operations to plan and execute training programs.
• At least once a year each age group is to have joint training sessions with the age group directly above or below.
• Training must start and finish on time as scheduled by Football Operations.
• Changes to the training times must be approved by Football Operations.
• Training venues are to be equally shared between age groups where Football Operations has scheduled each age groups practice for the same time slot. Other age group’s access needs and rights are to be respected.

Captain Selection

• For U9-15 the captain(s) must be rotated each week. The Coach may choose specific team leaders for finals games.
• The captain in under 16-18 will be voted by the players in conjunction with and led by the coaching group.

Finals

• Coaches must ensure all players selected to play in a finals team are given field time, endeavoring to provide each player with up to half a game, giving priority to those players who formed permanent members of that team throughout the season. ‘Top up’ players may be told beforehand that they may have reduced game time.
• The team is selected from the regular team of players and as required the coach at his or her discretion will draw on other qualified players
• Where there are 24 or more players in an age group who are available to play and players from a lower age group are eligible to play, those players from the lower age groups cannot be selected2.
• Where there are less than 24 players in an age group who are available to play and players from a lower age group are eligible to play, those players from the lower age groups may be selected where permitted by Football Operations and the number of players selected does not exceed 24.
• Where there are more than 24 eligible players for the finals the club can request special consideration to allow all players to be selected.

Team Bonding

• Each player is allocated $10 to put towards an age group bonding session (Pizza, BBQ, Sausage Sizzle etc)
• Where there are multiple teams in an age group, all the teams are to hold their bonding session together as one age group. No break away teams.
• EJFC recommends each age group have this early in the season.
• EJFC only supplies the money for each age group for one bonding session
• Coach, Team Manager or committee member from the age group is to purchase the products and pass the receipts onto the treasurer for refund

Parents

• Parent inquires/complaints regarding any of the above policies should be, in the first instance directed to and addressed by the child’s Coach, and secondly a Football Operations Committee representative.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN POLICY

The Eltham Junior Football Club recognises the importance of protecting the wellbeing of all children from the possibility of harm. Accordingly, the following policy has been developed to ensure the protection of all children whilst playing for the EJFC.

In order to do this working with children checks are required for all volunteers at the club. This includes but is not limited to the following volunteers:

• Committee Members
• Team Managers
• Coaches
• Assistant Coaches
• Medics
• Runners

About the Check

The Working with Children Check is a screening process for assessing or re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria.

The check takes a detailed look at the criminal history and relevant professional conduct findings of applicants to ensure the protection of children from sexual or physical harm.

• The scheme aims to prevent those who pose a risk to children from working or volunteering with them.
• In order to part take in any child related work/ volunteer roles you must obtain and pass a WWCC.
• A WWCC is required for volunteers to participate in child related activities such as coaching – for a 3-year period. During that time your criminal record will continue to be monitored.
• The WWCC may be suspended or revoked at any time.
• The volunteer WWCC is free and requires paperwork completed online and 100 points of ID.
• The ACT defines children as anyone less than 18 years of age.

EJFC Responsibilities

• As an organisation the EJFC is responsible to ensure all people who need a check hold a valid WWCC and the Secretary will obtain copies of card numbers/ or copies of cards for that season.
• Any person who fails to obtain or does not pass the WWCC will not be able to participate on game day or at training in an unsupervised role with the children.
• The WWCC does not assess a person’s suitability to work with or care for children in a particular role. It is the responsibility of the EJFC to assess if a worker is suitable to work with children and continue monitoring their behaviour around children.

MATCH DAY ATTIRE AND MERCHANDISE POLICY

All teams in the NFNL are required to wear their club uniforms which have been approved by the NFNL and supplied by an NFNL licensed supplier.  This includes jumpers, shorts and socks with specific requirements outlined for boots, compression garments, jewellery and protective equipment.

Jumpers

There is a significant cost in both purchasing and maintaining sufficient jumpers for the number of players representing the Club, and when required, the club must purchase new stock from the NFNL’s supplier. It is not financially viable for the Club to have jumpers to cover the requests of every player, parent or guardian.

The task of allocating playing jumpers and more importantly specific numbers to this large number of players is challenging. There are many issues that arise each year such as unreturned jumpers, number clashes within teams, and uncertainty of stock before the season starts.

To ensure consistency a set of protocols have been developed. These protocols are designed to not only streamline the task of jumper allocation but also to make it fairer for all when it comes to number allocation. This also assists in keeping fees down by reducing the need to replace missing or damaged jumpers each year.

• Jumpers remain the property of the EJFC at all times.
• Jumpers must be returned at the end of the season (Girls and Boys teams)
• Only one style of jumper is available. Sleeveless, microfiber.
• On match day players are only permitted to wear jumpers issued by the EJFC Jumper Steward.
• The jumper, its number and / or sponsorship markings, must not be altered in anyway.
• Jumpers will not be issued and / or numbers allocated unless all monies owed to the club have been paid.
• Team Managers or Jumper Coordinator will distribute jumpers to players prior to the start of the season.
• Players from the Under 9 – 15 age groups will be allocated jumpers by the Club.
• Returning players in the Under 16 -18 age levels are able to request a jumper number of their choice. This is allocated on a ‘first in best dressed basis’ commencing from Registration Day on the condition that the club has the number available in the size requested and all fees are paid on or before registration day. Where two or more players (within this policy’s rules) request a certain number (from those that may be available), then players, parents and guardians must understand that whilst the Club officials do their best, it is at times impossible to provide a number that is preferred.
• Jumper numbers can only be requested up to two weeks after registration day in each year to allow for the time needed to organise prior to the start of the season. Any requests after this time cannot be guaranteed.
• Under 17 and under 18, top age players will be given preference if they wish to keep their number from the prior season. Bottom age players may retain their number from the prior season if the requested number is available and has not been taken by an Under 17 or under 18 top age player.
• In cases, where returning players in the 16-18 age group do not request their number from the season prior and for new players that have joined the club, the Jumper Coordinator will allocate jumpers, dependent on what is available.
• The Coaches will present each player with his jumper at a jumper presentation.
• At the end of the season all jumpers must be returned to the Team Manager at the last game of the season, and they must give them back to the Jumper Coordinator.
• Any jumper not returned or returned damaged will incur a $100 fee

Training Tops, Shorts and Socks

• All players must wear official NFNL playing shorts and socks which can be purchased through the club upon registration or through the clubs online store.
  1. U9 and U10’s only require Black (home) shorts
  2. U11 and above must have both Black (home) and White (away) shorts
• Training Tops are provided to each player as an inclusion to their annual club registration.

Compression Garments

• All compression garments worn by players beneath the uniform on the upper and/or lower body must be completely beige in colour. (Only exemption to this is for U9 & U10 players who can wear a long sleeve Plain black t-shirt if required in the colder mornings)
• For competitive age groups (under-11 to open age), compression garments worn by players beneath the uniform on the upper and/or lower body must not extend beyond a player’s football jumper and/or shorts.
• For uncompetitive age groups (under-9 and under-10), compression garments worn by players beneath the uniform on the upper and/or lower body may be full length and extend beyond a player’s jumper and/or shorts.
• All other garment types are not permitted to be worn in addition to a player’s uniform unless prior approval is granted by the League.

Boots, Jewellery and Protective Equipment

• All football boots worn by players must have either plastic or rubber molded studs which are built into the boot’s sole. Metal studs (inc. tips)/studs/plates/cleats are not allowed to worn.
• No form of jewellery is to be worn during NFNL games
  1. Taping of piercings is prohibited unless prior approval is given by the league
• No protective equipment other than that approved by the NFNL
• If approved protective equipment becomes dangerous or increases the risk of injury to other players during the game the field umpire can request for the equipment to no longer be worn.
• Players are not permitted to wear gloves unless they have first been granted permission to wear the NFNL branded gloves by the league (medical reasons) and the league has also inspected the gloves. The umpire will sight written approval from the league and also inspect the gloves prior to the commencement of the game.
• All players in Under-9 and Under-10 are permitted to wear NFNL branded gloves (subject to an approved license provider producing them).

U18 Girls and U17 Boys

In their final year of juniors U18 Girls and U17 Boys are able to purchase hoodies and tracksuits with their name, year and number

• All must be approved by the Executive Committee
• Team Managers and coach are to organise this with the club merchandise coordinator
• The hoodies and track suits can be sponsored by a sponsor to discount the hoodies and tracksuit pants for the players however it must be a platinum or major sponsor of the club.

Club Merchandise

Additional Merchandise can be purchased from the Club’s online store including items such as the following:

• Jackets
• Hoodies
• Track Pants
• Training Tops
• Hats/Beanies
• Player bags/backpacks
• Polos
• Training Shorts

INJURY MANAGEMENT POLICY

This policy aims to provide a basis for the responsible management of injured players within the Eltham Junior Football Club.

Acknowledgement

• The health and safety of the Club’s players, personnel and spectators is the Club’s most important priority and overrides any other consideration including winning games and finals.
• Acknowledgement of the more conservative injury management of U9-U18 in comparison with senior club players due to younger ages.

Game Day Requirements

All EJFC teams will have a suitably qualified medic/trainer at every game.

• For each Junior game the requirement is one medic/trainer with current HLTAID003 Provide First Aid, including annual CPR refresher
• EJFC will provide training and a suitably equipped medic kit for all Junior teams
• All teams must have at least one qualified medic/trainer.
• At least one parent or guardian of each child is recommended to remain at training and during the games, to attend to any off-site medical attention that their child may need.
• In the event of an injury or injury/health concern during a game other club personnel including coaches, assistant coaches and team managers are to be guided by the medic/trainer and the player’s parents/guardians wishes concerning the player’s capacity to return to play the game.
• Except in the case of an emergency (ie: provision of Ventolin in case of known asthma; EpiPen in case of anaphylaxis), no medications, medical assistance, or substances/sprays etc. are to be provided by the medic/trainer to a player without the consent of the player’s parents/guardian.
• This does not include minor and routine assistance to a player such as band aids/absorbent material (chux)/ice assistance which may be provided as a matter of course and without the need for consent of the player’s parents/guardian.

Strapping

• The tape provided in medic kits is for injury treatment or management not for routine pre-game or existing injury taping/strapping. If any player wants to be strapped pre-game, they must provide their own tape.
• Medics/trainers are not expected to provide strapping, massage, or other treatment outside of the scope of their qualifications. If taping is required as part of injury rehabilitation, either a parent tapes the player, or clear instruction is provided to the medic/trainer by the medical practitioner. The medic/trainer has the right to decline if not comfortable.

Player medical information

• At the start of the season each player must submit a club medical form.
• The player (or parents) must advise of any conditions that would place the player at risk or could impede his/her ability to participate.
• The player’s medical forms are retained by the team medic/trainer and destroyed at the end of the season.
• Any player who is sent to a hospital or GP for treatment, as a result of an incident at a game or training must provide a medical certificate stating that they are fit to play, prior to resuming training / playing.
• All injuries are to be reported to the medic/trainer in the first instance.
• If the Coach or medic/trainer is concerned about a player’s medical status they may require the player to provide a medical certificate stating that they are fit to play, prior to resuming training / playing.

Medical Clearances

The requirement for medical clearances ensures that players seek medical attention for conditions that may cause them further serious health problems in the long term.

For certain injuries and illnesses, a player will not be permitted to return to training or participate in any further games until a medical clearance is made by a Doctor, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Dentist or Psychologist (As AHPRA guidelines) and the paperwork has been provided to the Coach and/or Team Manager.

Conditions where a medical clearance is required are:

• Any form of cardiac (heart condition)
• Hypertension (history of high blood pressure)
• Broken bones of any sort
• Significant soft tissue injuries (where a player has not recovered to a playing capacity one-week post injury)
• Any form of concussion
• Any form of unconsciousness, no matter how brief
• Any form of potential cervical (neck) injury
• Repeated episodes of illness and already diagnosed medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy
• Any injury involving the eye

The medical clearance (verbal or written) must state that “The player is fit to return to Football training and games”.

The above list is not exhaustive, and a common-sense approach will be used when requesting a medical clearance.

Many of the above conditions can be made worse by physical activity and cause the player/s further illness or discomfort.

The medical clearance may also be subject to conditions attached by the doctor/physio for example restricting the player to only light training, no games or restricted playing time etc.

Coaches will be guided by these recommendations.

Return to Play

Returning to play will be at the discretion of the Coach and Medic/trainers. Once a medical clearance has been provided, the Coach/Club and Medic/trainer may be required to confirm the player’s fitness to resume training or participate in game play.

• Return to training / game day before medically advised can increase risk of further injury and/or chronic injury.

Responsibilities

Parents/Players:

• Players (or parents) must notify their coach and or medic/trainer of any changes in circumstances (injury / health problem etc) that could place the player at greater risk.
• During games the responsibility for a player’s capacity to play rests with the medic/trainer. Medics/trainers are advised to take a conservative management plan in their decision making. Parents and players are required to abide by this decision.
• Any decision concerning injury management at training / game day is ultimately be made by the Medic/trainer. Parents and players are requested to abide by this decision.
• The cost of transportation and/or medical treatment is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or player.
• In event of injury, if medical clearance is requested, it is required to be provided to the medic/trainer/team manager prior to player return to training / match day.

Coach:

• During games, in the event of an injury or injury/health concern, coaches and assistant coaches are to be guided by the Medic/trainer concerning the player’s capacity to play the game.

Team Manager:

• Provide notification of medic/trainer name and contact details to EJFC medic coordinator as soon as possible (preferably during pre season)
• Serious injuries (i.e. those that may require medical treatment) must be reported to the Team Manager or medic/trainer who must inform the Club within 24 hours by submitting a written medic form.

Eltham Junior Football Club: 

• Overall responsibility to provide safe training environment
• Provision of EJFC insurance details to club members

Medic role and responsibility

• Junior medics are trained to provide immediate injury management and first aid for players, and if required, team officials and spectators.
• It is extremely important that all medics act within the scope of their qualification.
• Medic/trainers risk potential litigation should treatments/medication be provided without parent/guardian consent (Note: consent in this instance is included in player medical forms)
• If an individual medic has a higher qualification e.g. physiotherapist, osteopath, masseur or sports trainer etc. they may then act within the limit of that qualification, but this is not the expectation of EJFC.
• Injury report forms must be completed for any injury that requires treatment and provided to the team manager.

Key Treatment Guidelines

Ice

If a player receives ice treatment for an injury, can the player return to the ground?

• First aid/injury management guidelines state that the player does not return – the iced area (muscle etc.) will be cold and even more at risk of injury

Asthma

• There is a ventolin puffer and disposable spacer (x2) included in every medic kit.
• Parents are required to provide these for their own child – the ventolin and spacer in every kit are provided as backups and for situations where a player may have not suffered asthma before or for a long period of time.
• The onus remains on each player with asthma to make sure they have an in-date puffer with them at training and games and that they provide a copy of their asthma plan to the medics.

Epipens

We have a few children with allergies and they must have their epipen with them. The player or their parent’s must give the team medic the epipen at the start of the game and get it back after.

The rule is simple – NO PEN = NO PLAY

BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY

Policy Statement

Eltham Junior Football Club is committed to providing an environment that is free from bullying and harassment and able to respond appropriately to the complex issue of bullying. Within this context, bullying is completely unacceptable behaviour.

EJFC is committed to providing a safe and caring environment that accepts difference and is responsive to individuals needs. All club participants are entitled to feel safe and gain maximum advantage from their time at the EJFC. Bullying is damaging to the self-esteem of the victim and can impede the enjoyment of sport and make it an unpleasant, if not traumatic experience.

The Club will seek to develop protocols to raise awareness of bullying, address incidents of bullying and facilitate a positive and caring environment that does not foster bullying or violence. Coaches, organisers and parents should act as appropriate role models, and be vigilant in identifying and dealing with bullying. Players have a responsibility to be caring, positive and supportive of one another, and to use the administrative resources of the club to resolve relationship difficulties.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when people repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing. These actions are usually done by people who have more influence or power over someone else, or who want to make someone else feel less powerful or helpless.

Bullying is not the same as conflict between people (like having a fight) or disliking someone, even though people might bully each other because of conflict or dislike.

The sort of repeated behaviour that can be considered bullying includes: 

• Keeping someone out of a group (online or offline)
• Acting in an unpleasant way near or towards someone
• Giving nasty looks, making rude gestures, calling names, being rude and impolite, and constantly negative teasing.
• Spreading rumours or lies, or misrepresenting someone (i.e. using their Facebook account to post messages as if it were them)
• Mucking about that goes too far
• Harassing someone based on their race, sex, religion, gender or a disability
• Intentionally and repeatedly hurting someone physically
• Intentionally stalking someone
• Taking advantage of any power over someone else like a Coach or Captain.

Bullying can happen anywhere. It can be in sporting clubs, schools, at home, at work, in online social spaces, via text messaging or via email. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, and it also includes messages, public statements and behaviour online intended to cause distress or harm (also known as cyberbullying). But no matter what form bullying takes, the results can be the same: severe distress and pain for the person being bullied.

Types of Bullying

• Face-to-face bullying (sometimes referred to as direct bullying) involves physical actions such as punching or kicking or direct verbal actions such as name-calling and insulting.
• Covert bullying (sometimes referred to as indirect bullying) is less direct, but just as painful. It means bullying which isn’t easily seen by others and is conducted out of sight, such as excluding people from groups or spreading lies or rumours. Because it is less obvious, it is often unacknowledged by adults.
• Cyberbullying occurs through the use of information or communication technologies such Instant Messaging or chat, text messages, email and social networking sites or forums. It has many similarities with offline bullying, but it can also be anonymous, it can reach a wide audience, and sent or uploaded material can be difficult to remove. Most people who cyberbully also bully off-line.

The game structure or strategy should not be interpreted as a form of bullying. A particular player may not receive as many opportunities for possessions of the ball as others because of allocated positions in a team or game strategy rather than reflecting players’ attitudes toward other players. If there are concerns involving this issue, they may be raised respectfully at, an appropriate time, with the coach.

Bystanders

A bystander is someone who sees or knows about bullying or other forms of violence that is happening to someone else. Bystanders can be either part of the bullying problem or an important part of the solution to stop bullying. 

Bystanders can act in different ways when they see or know about bullying:

1. Some bystanders take the side of the bully by laughing at the victim, encouraging the bully or by passing on text messages or messages on social media sites like Facebook and YouTube
2. Some bystanders will give silent approval or encourage the bully by looking on
3. Some bystanders may watch or know about the bullying but don’t do anything. They may not know what to do or are scared. This group of bystanders knows that bullying is not ok.
4. Some bystanders will be supportive and take safe action to stop the bully, find help or support the victim

Supportive bystanders

Just as we have human rights we also have responsibilities to respect and protect the rights of others. A supportive bystander will take action to protect the rights of others. 

A supportive bystander will use words and/or actions that can help someone who is being bullied. 

If bystanders are confident to take safe and effective action to support victims then there is a greater possibility that bullying can stop and the person who is bullied can recover.

People respect those that stand up for others who are bullied but being a supportive bystander can be tough. Sometimes it is not easy to work out how to help safely because bullying happens in different ways and places such as online, at work or school.

There is no one size fits all approach to being a supportive bystander.  For supportive bystanders to take safe and effective action here are some suggestions: 

• Make it clear to your friends that you won’t be involved in bullying behaviour
• Never stand by and watch or encourage bullying behaviour
• Do not harass, tease or spread gossip about others, this includes on social networking sites like Facebook 
• Never forward on or respond to messages or photos that may be offensive or upsetting
• Support the person who is being bullied to ask for help e.g. go with them to a place they can get help or provide them with information about where to go for help
• Report it to someone in authority or someone you trust e.g. at school to a teacher, or a school counsellor; at the club to your coach, team manager or EJFC Welfare Officer.

Seeking to Deter Bullying

Coaches and parents should provide supervision which makes blatant bullying unlikely to occur and be alert to the possibility of bullying, take any complaints seriously, with support and respect for complainants.

Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

There are two phases of dealing with bullying.

1. Identify the problem.
2. Seek to solve the problem.

The Club requests the assistance of parents in discouraging, identifying and, if necessary, supervising to prevent bullying, and co-operating in the education and discipline of those involved in any bullying conduct. Where bullying outside or inside the Club has made the selection of players in the same team inappropriate, parents are requested to provide early information to the relevant coach, team manager or a committee member.

When a problem relating to bullying seems beyond mere instruction and feasible and appropriate supervision, it should be referred to a coach or team manager, or alternatively to a committee member to initiate the Grievance Policy of the Club.

Through the Grievance policy of the Club, the Club will seek to deal with any allegations of bullying. If the issue is not resolved, a Club member may invoke the Grievances Processes as in the EJFC Grievance Policy.

Get Help

If you have been bullied or witnessed others been bullied and need help contact:

• Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) is a free and confidential, telephone counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds in Australia. http://www.kidshelp.com.au/
• Lifeline (13 11 14) is a free and confidential service staffed by trained telephone counsellors.  http://www.lifeline.org.au
• Australian Human Rights Commission (1300 656 419) has a complaint handling service that may investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and  bullying http://www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/index.html

AWARDS POLICY

The EJFC awards Policy is broken down into three categories:

• Weekly awards
• End of season awards
• Lifetime Achievement

Weekly Awards

Under 9 and under 10

• Every player is to be awarded a “most valuable player” medal (or similar) throughout the course of the season
• Every player must receive a maximum of one voucher throughout the course of the season
• Coach or team manager to keep a record of medals and vouchers to make sure there is even distribution of medals and vouchers
• Panther Spirit award will be awarded to a player on the opposing team, nominated by the Eltham Coaching team that shows all attributes we see and expect from our own Panther players. A player that shows respect, displays leadership, is team orientated and plays the game with a competitive spirit.

Under 11 and above

• Every player must receive a maximum of one voucher throughout the course of the season
• Coach or team manager to keep a record of the vouchers to make sure there is even distribution of vouchers

End of Season Awards

Under 9 and under 10

• All players will receive a participation award at the end of the season

Under 11 and above

• End of season awards will be allocated for age groups under 11 and above
• For the best & fairest voting, three vote cards will be issued each game throughout the home and away season (excluding finals):
  • Parent Voting is made on a 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 basis with 5 votes for the best & fairest player on the ground
  • Coaches Voting is made on a 10,8,6,4 and 2 basis with 10 votes for the best & fairest player on the ground
  • The coaching team (consisting of the coach/es, assistant coach/es and team manager) will be issued one vote card only each week
  • Two cards must be allocated to two parents of players in the team each week with every family to vote at least once for the season
• The vote cards are to be placed in a sealed envelope after each game and remain sealed until a date determined by the committee
• The team managers must keep a record of who has voted during the year
• The team manager is to collect and preserve all sealed vote cards and hand them in with the match day paperwork

Best & Fairest Awards

• A player can receive a best & fairest award in multiple age groups
• The best & fairest award for each team will be won by the player with the highest number of votes allocated to them
• The 2nd best & fairest award for each team will be won by the player with the 2nd highest number of votes allocated to them
• The 3rd best & fairest award for each team will be won by the player with the 3rd highest number of votes allocated to them
• In the event of ties Only three best & fairest awards will be presented unless in the cases below:
  • If there is more than one best & fairest, 2nd best & fairest will not be presented and 3rd best & fairest only if there is a 2 way tie for best & fairest
  • If there is more than one 2nd best & fairest, 3rd best & fairest will not be presented
  • If there is more than one 3rd best and fairest all 3rd places best and fairest will be presented

Distinction Awards

• Four other “distinction” awards to recognise an outstanding season by individual players will be presented
  • Most determined
  • Most improved
  • Coaches Award (Best Team Person)
• The distinction awards will be allocated at the discretion of the coach/es.
• For a player to be eligible for a distinction award they must:
  • Not be receiving either of the three best & fairest awards for the same season, or
  • Not have received an end of season award (either best & fairest or a distinction award) in the previous season at the EJFC
• Each player must only receive a maximum of one award for the season and if the coach/es do not believe this can be achieved this will need to be approved by the President or Secretary

Most Valuable Finals Player (if applicable)

This is awarded to the player that the coaching team nominate to have had the greatest impact in the final series.

Best Junior Club Person

• Someone who has been involved in the club and has gone above and beyond their duties for the club
• Each committee members votes on the award, voting system is 3, 2 and 1
• The award can only be won once by an individual
• This award is presented at the Club Volunteers thank you night or the AGM
• To be awarded this award the member cannot be in any trouble with the EJFC, NFNL or AFL Vic

Best Club Person

• Someone who has been involved in the club and has gone above and beyond their duties for the club
• Each committee members votes on the award, voting system is 3, 2 and 1
• The award can only be won once by an individual
• This award is presented at the Club Volunteers thank you night or the AGM
• To be awarded this award the member cannot be in any trouble with the EJFC, NFNL or AFL Vic

Nominations for Best Club and Best Junior Club person will be advertised throughout the season. All club members can nominate for these awards.

Life Membership

To qualify for life membership the individual will need to meet the following criteria:

•  The individual’s child/children must have played football at EJFC for a minimum of 9 years
• The individual must have either:
  • Been an active member of the club holding a position on the Committee for a significant period of time and has held team roles annually
  • Life membership is endorsed by the committee members
• During their time at the EJFC they cannot have been in trouble with the EJFC, NFNL or AFL Vic

ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT POLICY

This policy aims to provide a basis for the responsible management of alcohol by the Eltham Junior Football Club.

The club recognizes the importance in holding a liquor license by the Eltham Football Club in the value it adds to the club, enabling it to generate income and hold social functions, but in doing so the club also accepts the responsibilities and expectations of the community in strictly adhering to the liquor licensing laws.

In accordance with the NFNL by-laws, no alcohol is to be consumed or sold at any venue (including within licensed clubrooms) where junior matches are being staged until at least 30 minutes after the conclusion of the final match of the day.

Clubs shall be responsible for the conduct of its members, supporters and followers.

Breaches of this By Law will be considered serious and attract monetary fines and other penalties at discretion of the Board in accordance with Schedule 20 of the NFNL by-laws.

Promoting the responsible use of alcohol

• The club will actively demonstrate its attitude relating to the responsible use of alcohol.
• The club will not advertise, promote or serve alcohol at junior games or during training sessions except for the following 2 exceptions
  • Susan Street – Club Sanctioned team events at the completion of the team’s training session
  • Central – Alcohol can be served and consumed during training so long as it remains as per the liquor license
• The club will educate club members and supporters about the alcohol policy
• The club will pursue non-alcohol sponsorship and revenue sources
• The club will provide at least one alcohol-free social event for the Junior Club
• Alcohol advertising will only appear at the bar
• The club will not promote alcohol through ‘cheap drink’ strategies, such as happy hours
• There is to be no alcohol consumed during junior matches and not less than 30 minutes after the last game

Fundraising, Functions and Prizes

• The club will not promote or provide alcohol or drink vouchers for player awards.
• Prizes for raffles and fundraising will not have an alcohol only focus.

Food

• The club will wherever possible actively promote and sell food whenever alcohol is available.

Non-compliance

All club committee members will enforce the alcohol management policy and any non-compliance will be handled according to the following process:

• Explanation of the club policy to the person/people concerned, including identification of the section of policy not being complied with.
• Continued non-compliance with the policy should be handled by at least two committee members who will use their discretion as to the action taken, which may include asking the person/ people to leave the club facilities or function.

Promoting the “Alcohol Management Policy”

The club will promote the alcohol management policy by posting a copy on the EJFC website

The club recognizes the importance of educating club members, particularly players in the benefits of implementing an alcohol management policy and will endeavor to provide information to assist this process.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the EJFC Committee to ensure it continues to be relevant for club operation and that it reflects both community expectations and the provisions of the Liquor Control Reform Act.

SMOKE FREE POLICY

The Eltham Junior Football Club recognizes that passive smoking (inhaling secondhand smoke) is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected from tobacco smoke. Accordingly, the following policy has been developed by EJFC to help protect people’s health. This also includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaping.

Who is affected by the Policy

This policy applies to all members, administrators, officials, coaches, players and visitors of the EJFC.

Designated Smoke Free Areas

All Club facilities are required to be completely Smoke Free. This includes:

• Club and social rooms
• Player changing rooms
• Toilets
• Bar, canteen, and storage areas
• Indoor spectator viewing areas
• Playing areas
• Eating areas
• Grandstands and spectator viewing areas
• Near entries and exits of buildings, facilities, and the ground

Sale of Tobacco Products

EJFC will not sell tobacco products.

Behavioural Expectations

EJFC recognises that role modeling can have a significant impact upon the junior members of the club. Hence, the following individuals and groups will refrain from smoking while they are acting in an official capacity for the club or while in club uniform:

• Coaches (when coaching or representing the club)
• Trainers (when training players)
• Officials (when officiating for the club)
• Volunteers (when working for the club)
• Players (when in uniform and representing the club)
• Coaches and trainers will also speak to junior players about the effects of smoking on performance.

Non-Compliance Strategy

The following five step non-compliance strategy will be followed if anyone breaches the EJFC Smoke Free policy.

1. Assume that the person is unaware of the Smoke Free policy.
2. A staff member or club representative will approach the person breaching the policy and politely ask them to refrain from smoking and remind them about the Smoke Free policy.
3. If the offence continues, then the most senior staff member or most senior club representative will verbally warn them again and hand over a formally written letter that outlines the club’s policy on smoking. The offending patron must also be made aware that if they don’t stop smoking then they will be required to leave the club’s facility. The club’s management committee will sign off on the letter. This letter will be pre-written and kept both behind the bar and at the ground so that copies are readily available.
4. If the offence does continue then the patron will be escorted out of the facility by staff and/or a senior club representative.
5. Regardless of the offender, under no circumstances should the EJFC Smoke Free policy be breached.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the EJFC Committee to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.

PRIVACY POLICY

Eltham Junior Football Club is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information.

We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information.

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.aoic.gov.au

What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: names, addresses, email addresses, phone and facsimile numbers.

This Personal Information is obtained in many ways including [interviews, correspondence, by telephone and facsimile, by email, via our website www.elthamjfc.com.au, from your website, from media and publications, from other publicly available sources, from cookies- delete all that aren’t applicable] and from third parties. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties.

We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing our services to you, providing information to our clients and marketing. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing.

When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

Sensitive information will be used by us only:

• For the primary purpose for which it was obtained
• For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose
• With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.

Third Parties

Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:

• Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
• Where required or authorised by law.

Security of Personal Information

Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years.

Access to your Personal Information

You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing.

Eltham Junior Football Club will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information.

In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We  will  take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.

Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us at:
Eltham Junior Football Club
Email: secretary@elthamjfc.com.au