FOOTBALL WAGGA WAGGA
POLICIES PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
WAGGA WAGGA & DISTRICT AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
CONTENTS
A. CODES OF CONDUCT 3
B. PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SEND OFFS & CAUTIONS 5
C. REGISTRATION REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES 12
D. MPIO INFORMATION 13
E. COACHING DEVELOPMENT POLICY 22
F. FEMALE DEVELOPMENT POLICY 23
G. LIGHTNING POLICY 24
H. GOALPOST POLICY 25
I. JEWELLERY POLICY 27
J. SMOKING POLICY 29
K. HEAT POLICY 30
L. PREGNANCY POLICY 35
M. REFEREES 37
N. CAUTION CODES 37
O. PLAYERS SENT OFF 39
P. REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL 39
APPENDIX A: COACH REGISTRATION FORM 40
APPENDIX B: MANAGER REGISTRATION FORM 41
APPENDIX C: PLAYER TRANSFER REQUEST 42
APPENDIX D: FWW PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM 43
FNSW POLICIES CONTAINED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME AS ADVISED BY FNSW.
IN ADDITION FOOTBALL WAGGA WAGGA REFER TO
1. FNSW By – Laws
2. FNSW Directives
3. FFA Laws of the Game
- CODES OF CONDUCT
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Play by the rules. It is just as important to understand the spirit of the rules. They are designed to make the game fun to play and fun to watch. By sticking to the rules, you will enjoy the game more.
2. Play to win. Winning is the object of playing any game. Never set out to lose. If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents, deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself. Never give up against stronger opponents but never relent against weaker ones.
3. Play fair. Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Playing fair requires courage and character and is more satisfying. Playing fair earns you respect, while cheats are detested.
4. Refrain from conduct which may be regarded as sexual harassment towards fellow players and coaches.
5. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition. Fair play means respect. Referees are there to maintain discipline and fair play.
6. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent, are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
7. Be honest with the coach concerning illness and injury and ability to train and compete to the best of your ability.
8. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you. A professional appearance relating to language, manner, temper and punctuality is to be adopted at all times.
9. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team, or the opposition.
10. Accept defeat with dignity. Nobody wins all the time. Learn to lose graciously. Don’t seek excuses for defeat, genuine reasons will always be self-evident. Congratulate the winners with good grace. Don’t blame the referee or anyone else. Good losers earn more respect than bad winners.
11. Promote the interests of football; it is the world’s greatest game. Think of football’s interests before your own. Think how your actions may affect the image of the game. Talk about the positive things in the game. Encourage other people to watch it or play it fairly. Be an ambassador for the game.
12. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. Reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence and other dangers to our sport. Watch out for attempts to tempt you into cheating or using drugs. Drugs have no place in football, or in our society. Say no to drugs.
13. Help others to resist corrupting pressures. You may hear that team-mates or other people you know are being tempted to cheat in some way. Give them the strength to resist. Remind them of their commitment to their team-mates and to the game itself. Form a block of solidarity, like a solid defence on the field of play.
14. Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition. They have the same rights as you have, including the right to be respected.
15. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
16. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
17. Denounce those who attempt to discredit our sport. Don’t be ashamed to show up anybody who you are sure is trying to make others cheat. It’s better to expose them and have them removed before they can do any damage. It often takes more courage to denounce what is wrong, than to go along with a dishonest plan.
18. Honour those who defend football’s good reputation. The good name of football has survived because the vast majority of people who love the game are honest and fair. Sometimes somebody does something exceptional that deserves our special recognition. They should be honoured and their fine example made public. This encourages others to act in the same way.
SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
1) A spectator present at a Match or otherwise involved in any activity staged or sanctioned by FFA or an affiliated Member Federation, District Association or Club must:
(a) respect the decisions of Match Officials and teach children to do the same;
(b) never ridicule or unduly scold a child for making a mistake;
(c) respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin;
(d) not use violence in any form, whether it is against other spectators, Team Officials (including coaches), Match Officials or Players;
(e) not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting;
(f) comply with any terms of entry of a venue, including bag inspections, prohibited and restricted items such as flares, missiles, dangerous articles and items that have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance;
(g) not, and must not attempt to, bring into a venue national or political flags or emblems (except for the recognised national flags of any of the competing teams) or offensive or inappropriate banners, whether written in English or a foreign language;
(h) not throw missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators) and must not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority; and
(i) conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of FFA and football generally.
2) Any person who does not comply with this Spectator Code of Behaviour or who otherwise causes a disturbance may be evicted from a venue and banned from attending future Matches.
- PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SEND OFFS , CAUTIONS
And INCIDENTS
Definitions
DA “Disciplinary Administrators”
DB “Disciplinary Board”
EO “Executive Officer”
FWW “Football Wagga Wagga”
FWWRB “Football Wagga Wagga Referees Branch”
MEMBERS “Coach and / or Club Official”
1. All send-off / incident reports should be, where possible, in the hands of the Disciplinary Administrators (DAs) no later than each Tuesday after incident, sent via email to the FWW EO, by the FWWRB administrator.
- The DAs will meet (by phone if necessary) and handle all cases as per regulations.
2. Penalties handed down, including suspensions for accumulated cautions, are to be sent to the player via his/her club by fax or e-mail, along with a copy of the referee’s report, in the case of send-offs / incidents.
3. Players / members clubs can not appeal a against minimum sentence.
DISCIPLINARY BOARD
4. The Football Wagga Wagga Executive will appoint three Disciplinary Administrators (DAs) prior to the commencement of each playing season. At least two of the DAs will review send-off and caution reports each week. They shall have the power to decide what action, if any (based upon the framework contained within this Section) is to be taken against each and every player who was sent from the field or had to be cautioned by the Referee.
5. There shall also be a Disciplinary Board (DB) of at least 3 persons. This shall include one of the DAs and two(or more) other board members (also appointed by the Executive). Three Disciplinary Board members (of which one must be a DA) at any meeting shall be deemed to be a quorum.
6. Mistaken Identity:
- In the case of mistaken identity:
§ The DA and/or the DB have the power to waive the mandatory one week suspension applied under these Regulations in any case of incorrect/mistaken identification of players sent off.
§ The DA and/or the DB will make its determination on cases of mistaken identity based upon the information/evidence presented to it from the player(s), club(s) and official(s) involved in/at the game where the relevant incidence occurred.
§ Under these circumstances, the player(s) concerned (through their Club Secretary) must notify the DA of their intention to contest a send-off on the grounds of mistaken identity within 24 hours of the incident and/or notification.
7. The Executive may remove persons from or add persons as DA’s or to the Disciplinary Board throughout the season as needs arise.
8. A DA or member of the Disciplinary Board:
- Must be a person of good standing in the community and in the Soccer Fraternity in general.
- Must not discuss proceedings of board meetings outside of the Board.
9. The DA’s and the Disciplinary Board shall have the power to suspend any player / member found guilty under the laws of football. In addition Good Behaviour bonds can be imposed. The Disciplinary Board only may hear charges based on incident reports and make recommendations to the Executive where appropriate.
10. All players /members attending Disciplinary Board hearings may be accompanied by an advocate. If a player / member is under 18 he/she must be accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.
§ For the purpose of this rule an Advocate is:
i Club President,
ii Club Vice President,
iii Club Secretary,
iv Club Treasurer, or
v a person nominated to the Board by the club giving 2 days notice prior to appearance.
11. The responsibilities of the Advocate are:
§ To act as a support person, not to give direct evidence or argument to the board themselves by representing the player /member or witness.
§ To ensure players / members and witnesses behave themselves.
Advocates, players /members or witnesses who misbehave before the Board shall be reported and their misbehaviour dealt with by FWW.
15. A. The DA’s will view or consider any written evidence from referees or assistant referees. In the event of the Referees report not being available to the DAs within 48 hours, the case may be dismissed at the discretion of the Executive.
B. The Disciplinary Board, in addition to written evidence, may hear evidence from any Referee, Assistant Referee, Player, Official or any other persons as it sees fit
C. The DAs and Disciplinary Board shall have the power to review all referees’ reports for the purpose of assessing/reassessing any/all penalties.
16. The DAs and Disciplinary Board shall maintain a Disciplinary file which shall contain case histories of all players who have had cases reviewed by the DAs or appeared before the Disciplinary Board (or have been liable to appear before the Disciplinary Board) and this file shall contain records of all cautions received and penalties imposed to players in games under the jurisdiction of FWW.
17. Any player in any representative team games that may come under the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Board of FWW will be subject to disciplinary action as detailed in penalties as contained in these Regulations.
18. The onus shall be placed on player or players (members), club or clubs for not playing in any games while suspended. After being sent off a player cannot play in any further games scheduled on the day that he/she was sent off. Failure to abide by these regulations by any player or players, club or clubs:
i In the event of players, they will be subject to such suspension from playing as decided by the Executive.
ii In the event of club or clubs, they will be subject to such fines and/or loss of weeks points as decided by the Executive.
19. No suspended player / member is eligible to play / coach in any division or grade until his suspension has been fully served in the division or grade that the offence occasioning the suspension occurred.
§ NOTE: No player can play in any games on the same day that he completes his/her suspension.
§ NOTE: A suspension cannot be served in a bye/wash our game or forfeit unless the opposing team forfeits.
20. Football NSW and FWW discourages the use of legal representatives at any initial hearing. Legal representatives may be present at appeals, subject to any reasonable rules, such as a fixed fee to be paid, applicable within the local body. Nevertheless, a solicitor who is a Club President or Secretary may act as advocate for an accused person in their official Club capacity, but no more than in that capacity. An accused may have a solicitor present at an initial hearing or outside the rules of a local body, but only to advise the accused, and not to argue a case on behalf of the accused. If an accused on appeal intends to have a legal representative, this must be advised to the hearing body in good time. Provision may be made for the appeal body to have a solicitor present to advise them, and the cost of this may be charged to any accused person who advises that they intend to have a legal representative, provided any accused person is advised of this prior to an appeal.
21. At any hearing of the Disciplinary Board or Appeal body, the accused has the right to produce any material which may be considered relevant – documents, statements, photographs and video material. However, any video material may only be used with respect to a matter of fact, never a matter if interpretation. eg, to show that it was not this player who committed the send-off (or whatever) offence.
USE OF VIDEO EVIDENCE
§ The admissibility and weight to be given to evidence including electronic, audio, visual material ie: video, DVD recordings in the proceedings shall be at the discretion of the board.
§ Visual aids (video, films, etc) to support or question a referee's report regarding an offence punishable by expulsion can be used only to verify the player's identity.
(a) Audio visual evidence is to be used solely as additional proof in disciplinary cases. Decisions of fact made by referees are final and not subject to appeal and shall not be modified on the basis of video recordings (e.g. offside, penalty, goals, etc.).
(b) Decisions must be based principally on the reports of the referee and assistant referees, as well as those of the referee inspector and other officials.
(c) Video recordings shall not be used as a means of restricting the authority and decisionary power of the referee, but only as the most accurate way of investigating the truth when disciplinary action is required. Such film evidence may also be referred to, if further sanctions are to be imposed on the guilty player.
22. An accused person or his/her Advocate has the right to hear all evidence on which the Disciplinary Board or appeal body makes its determination. That is, the accused and/or Advocate may be present throughout any hearing, when evidence which is considered is to be heard or presented.
RED CARD OFFENCES
23. Any player(s) sent from the field during the playing of a game shall serve a mandatory one (1) week suspension which is NOT appealable (except in the case of mistaken identity) and this mandatory one week suspensions is included in all penalties below (i.e. it is not in addition to the penalties below).
VIOLENCE
24. All cases of violence will be severely punished.
PERSISTENT OFFENDERS
25. In cases of repetition, that is, if the same player during the same season is reported for other offences, even if the infraction is not of the same nature, more severe sanctions may be taken.
i Any player sent from the field for a second time in the same season (excluding send-off for two yellow cards) shall incur an additional two weeks’ suspension in addition to those set out in the penalties below. Third and subsequent send-offs in the same season must appear before the Disciplinary board.
ii A player’s previous record (straight reds only) over the current and immediately previous season shall be reviewed and an additional “Aggregate Penalty” shall be applied. (See below).
Where the aggregate weeks of suspension, including the penalty for the current offence and additional penalties for second and subsequent send-offs in one season, exceeds the following “Thresholds” the following additional “Aggregate Penalty” shall be added to the current suspension.
|
Threshold
|
Additional Aggregate Penalty
|
|
3 weeks
|
1 extra weeks suspension
|
|
8 weeks
|
2 extra weeks suspension
|
|
9 weeks
|
To the Disciplinary Board
|
E.G. A player received a 2 week suspension last season. He also received a 2 week suspension for a send-off earlier this year and now faces a further 2 weeks suspension for a current offence.
He/she therefore has a 6 weeks suspension, being,
2 weeks for the current offence
2 weeks for 2nd send-off this season under clause ii) above
2 weeks for an aggregate of 8 weeks over the current and last season.
Penalties for send-off offences (including the mandatory 1 week)
Football NSW Regulations
PENALTIES
SECTION ‘A’ - Offences by players against other players or any other person
Sending-Off Offences (In accordance with the guidelines of FIFA Law 12)
Offence Codes Minimum Maximum
(a) R1 – Serious foul play 2 Weeks 12 Weeks
R1 Expanded
(a) Violent Tackle from behind that endangers
the safety of an opponent 3 Weeks 10 Weeks
(b) (i) Rugby Tackle 2 Weeks 8 Weeks
(ii) Violent Charging 2 Weeks 8 Weeks
(iii) Over the Ball Tackle 2 Weeks 12 Weeks
(b) R2 Violent conduct
R2 Expanded
(a) (i) Head Butting 5 Weeks 24 Months
(ii) Punching/Fighting 2 Weeks 8 Weeks
(iii) Kicking 2 Weeks 12 Weeks
(b) Elbowing 2 Weeks 16 Weeks
R2 (b) Expanded
(i) Elbowing to the Head 4 Weeks 16 Weeks
(ii) Elbowing to the Body 2 Weeks 10 Weeks
(c) R3 - Spitting 8 Weeks 1 Year
(d) R4 - Sabotaging an obvious goal scoring
opportunity (handball) 1 Week 4 Weeks
(e) R5 - Sabotaging an obvious goal scoring
opportunity (holding) (tripping) (impeding) 1 Week 6 Weeks
(f) R6 Using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive
Language 2 Weeks 8 Weeks
R6 (a) Making offensive, insulting or abusive
gestures 4 Weeks 20 Weeks
R6 (a) Expanded
(a) (i) Indecent Actions 4 Weeks 20 Weeks
(g) R7 - Second Caution 1 Week
Note: Section ‘A’ applies also for “Offences by players and team officials against match officials after having been sent from the field” and dealt with by the DB.
SECTION ‘B’ - Offences by players against other players or any other person Note: Players includes named substitutes. Team officials comprise coaches, managers, trainers, and any other person permitted in the Technical Area.
Offence Codes Minimum Maximum
(h) R2 Threatening or intimidating a referee or
assistant referee by word or action 12 Weeks Life
(i) Tripping a referee or assistant referee 1 Year Life
(ii) Pushing with an open hand, or
shoulder, hip 1 Year Life
(iii) Striking with the ball or other object 1 Year Life
(iv) Punching, Kicking or elbowing Life Life
(i) R3 Spitting 8 Weeks Life
(j) R6 Uses offensive, insulting or abusive
language. 3 Weeks 12 Weeks
(i) Making offensive, insulting or abusive
gestures. 4 Weeks 20 Weeks
Note: Section ‘B’ applies also for “Offences by players and team officials against match officials after having been sent from the field” and dealt with by DAs or DBs.
SECTION ‘C’ - Other offences by players and team officials
Offence Codes Minimum Maximum
(k) Inciting the crowd 10 Weeks 6 Years
(l) Attacking or fighting with spectators 1 Year Life
(m) Bringing the game into disrepute 6 Weeks Life
(n) Deliberately misleading the Disciplinary
Committee 10 Weeks 2 Years
(o) Spitting at or onto spectators 8 Weeks Life
Note: Players includes named substitutes. Team officials comprise coaches, managers, trainers, and any other person permitted in the Technical Area.
TEAM OFFICIALS – MANDATORY MATCH SUSPENSION
26. A referee may take action against a Team Official who fails to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may expel the Team Official from the field of play and its surroundings, including the technical area. A Team Official who has been expelled from the field of play or technical area by a referee must serve a mandatory one (1) week suspension.
ABANDONED MATCHES, CAUTIONS AND SEND OFFS
27. A yellow card issued during an abandoned match will be annulled if that match is replayed and upheld if that match is not replayed.
28. A red card issued during an abandoned match will be upheld, regardless of whether the match is replayed or not.
29. In exceptional circumstances, the DA or DB may impose a sanction greater than the range of suspension as detailed in these regulations.,including bonds.
Player(s) ‘sent off’ cannot play in any further games scheduled for the day he/she is ‘sent off’. Nor can that player(s) play in any games on the same day he/she completes their suspension.
APPEALS
30. An Appeal shall not be heard until a payment is presented in the amount of $250.00 to the EO of FWW.
31. Football NSW and FWW discourages the use of legal representatives at any initial hearing. Legal representatives may be present at appeals, subject to any reasonable rules, such as a fixed fee to be paid, applicable within the local body.
32. Nevertheless, a solicitor who is a Club President or Secretary may act as advocate for an accused person in their official Club capacity, but no more than in that capacity. An accused may have a solicitor present at an initial hearing or outside the rules of a local body, but only to advise the accused, and not to argue a case on behalf of the accused.
33. If an accused on appeal intends to have a legal representative, this must be advised to the hearing body in good time. Provision may be made for the FWW appeal body to have a solicitor present to advise them, and the cost of this may be charged to any accused person who advises that they intend to have a legal representative, provided any accused person is advised of this prior to an appeal. In this case the FWW appeal board will need at least 10 days notice which may delay date of appeal hearing, subject to availability of legal representation for the appeals board.
Appeal provisions:
An appeal from any determination shall only be made on the following grounds:
(a) Failure to afford procedural fairness:
(b) Lack of jurisdiction:
(c) Insufficient evidence:
(d) Incorrect interpretation of By – Laws or Regulations:
(e) Involves a question or principle of importance to Football Wagga Wagga.
(f) Severity.
An appeal against the findings can be made to Football Wagga Wagga within 14 days of notice of suspension with an Appeal fee is $250.00.
- REGISTRATION REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES
1. Only players registered with an affiliated club of Football Wagga Wagga can participate in any FWW Competition.
2. Clubs are to submit players completed FFA Registration form with fees to FWW before the player can participate in any FWW Competitions.
3. Clubs are to complete the required FWW registration forms when registering players. (Appendix D)
4. Clubs can register players with FWW each week by 5pm Friday.
5. Registrations Close each year on 30 June or later only by permission from FNSW.
6. Players can transfer from one FWW club to another FWW club by completing the required form (Appendix C)
7. All players registered in the Senior Competition will be issued with an ID card, which must be produced on request by the opposing team at any game.
8. All coaches and managers of a club must be registered with FWW and complete the required forms (Appendix A/B) and a Prohibited Persons Form.
9. The youngest age a player can be to register with FWW is 5, they must turn 5 in the current calendar year.
Club Uniform Regulations:
1. Players’ names
1.1 Each player may be identified by means of his surname on the back of the shirt. The name must be identical with that indicated on the official List of Players as identified on the team sheet.
1.2 The name must be positioned above the number on the back of the shirt.
1.3 The letters used for the name must not exceed 7.5cm in height. For better legibility they may be surrounded by a border or outline. In the case of striped shirts, the name must be either affixed to a neutral coloured patch or surrounded by a border or shadow outline.
1.4 The letters used for the name must be the same colour as that of the number on the back of the shirt. They may not contain any advertising, design features or other elements.
2. Rules on logos for sponsors on playing shorts
2.1 On the clothing of a player on the field of play, the following areas shall be permitted to be used for advertising:
2.1.1 One single area not exceeding 200 square centimetres (cm2) on the from of the shirt;
2.1.2 One single area not exceeding 100 square centimetres (cm2) on the back of the shirt;
2.1.3 One single area not exceeding 100 square centimetres (cm2) on the back of the shorts.
Example: A logo of 10cm x 10cm or 5cm x 20cm = 100 cm2
- MPIO INFORMATION
1. MEMBER PROTECTION INFORMATION OFFICERS
1.1 All Clubs and Associations in Football NSW have a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). This role was previously identified as Child Protection Officer (CPO).
1.2 The MPIO is the first point of contact with anyone with an enquiry or concern about a member protection issue. The MPIO is a sounding board for these concerns and can offer information on complaint resolution, policies and other aspects of the issue. The MPIO does not offer advice or recommendations and does not investigate complaints.
1.3 It is the responsibility of the club (President and/or Executive) to decide who investigates complaints but it should never be the MPIO who conducts the investigation.
1.4 Member Protection encompasses: Harassment, abuse, victimisation, racial vilification, child protection and bullying. Any matters outside of this scope are not member protection matters.
2. CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES
2.1 All sporting organisations have a legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe sporting environment. The most important step in this process is to comply with the requirements of the Working with Children Check.
2.2 To comply you must:
1. Register Your Club. All clubs and associations must be registered as child related employers. To register click here to download the Employer Registration Form 2. Prohibited Employment Declaration. All volunteers and paid employees at clubs, associations and branches who directly supervise children (Under 18 years) MUST sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration prior to being appointed to the position. Once these forms are signed they are kept by the club for a period of 2 years. Random audits can occur so ensure forms are maintained in a secure and manageable system.
3. Proof of ID and Reference Checks. Clubs and associations must check the proof of identification of all persons applying to coach, manage or work with children (in a voluntary or paid position).
§ What is a Child Related Position?
Coach, manager, trainer, tour coordinator & tour supervisor, canteen manager, guest coaches and any other persons who are likely to have individual or unsupervised contact with players under 18 years of age.
4. Do you have paid staff or coaches? If so then you must conduct a background check.
§ If a Club, Association or Branch employs a PAID COACH or other paid staff they must also ask all paid staff to sign a Background Check Consent form.
This form is then submitted by the club to the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation for checking. NSW DS&R will advise the club of the result of the background check.
§ THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS AND BRANCHES WHO EMPLOY PAID COACHES AND ANY OTHER PAID STAFF WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. FAILURE TO CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECKS CAN INCUR SUBSTANTIAL FINES.
2.3 Rejected Applicants.
§ A club may reject a persons application to work with children in a voluntary or paid capacity if:
1. The person refuses to sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration or Background Check Consent form, and/or
2. The club considers the person to be unsuitable for the role. Suitability for a role can be based on a person's experience, knowledge, qualifications, history, references and/or the result of any aspect of the Working with Children Check.
§ Ultimately it is up to a club to decide whether they wish to employ a person or not and the club has the right to refuse whether the position is paid or voluntary.
2.4 Refusal to Sign Child Protection Forms.
§ If a person refuses to sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration or Background Check Consent form then the person cannot be allowed to work with children in a paid or voluntary capacity.
§ A club cannot make a person sign a form or ask why a person refuses to sign a form but the club is not permitted to engage a person to work with children if they have not signed the necessary documentation.
2.5 MORE INFORMATION
§ Member Protection Information: Member Protection relates to Harassment, Abuse, Discrimination, Victimisation, Racial Vilification and Child Protection.
§ Member Protection Officers: The role of the MPIO is to listen and provide options to persons who have concerns in relation to member protection.
§ Member Protection Issues: It is the responsibility of the complainant themselves or the parent or guardian of a child to report an incident to the club or association, NSW Police or any other Government agencies such as Department of Community Services (DOCS).
Where a person has a concern about the safety or welfare of their child, then that person can also write to the club and/or their local association expressing their concerns. This will provide the organisation with an opportunity to resolve the matter or take action if the matter requires further intervention or investigation.
§ Important Contact Information
§ NSW Department of Sport & Recreation Child Protection Unit - Phone: 1300 366 407
§ Department of Community Services (DOCS) - Phone: 132 111
§ NSW Police Assistance Line: 131444 (non-emergencies)
§ NSW Police Emergencies: Dial 000
3. COMPLAINTS
There are several common complaints which arise in team sports, they include:
3.1 Player on the Bench / Insufficient Game Time
§ These complaints are not child protection issues and are generally resolved through mediation with the coach and club. It is a decision for the coach of a team to determine how much game time players receive.
§ Of course it is ideal that all players have equal time on the park where possible and especially in amateur football where coaches are encouraged to allow fair game time as much as possible. Some associations do have policies relating to amateur football game time.
§ Contact your local association for further information on local policies. All complaints regarding insufficient game time should be submitted to the club for resolution. If a club has concerns about game time then the usual process is for the club to discuss the issue with the coach.
3.2 Non Selection
§ These complaints are not child protection issues. The selection of players into particular teams or squads is a decision for the selectors and the selection committee. There may also be selection criteria which players are required to meet.
§ Players are generally selected into teams and squads for several reasons including skill, strength, stamina, physique, fitness, sportsmanship, teammanship, commitment and a willingness and ability to learn and improve.
§ A good behaviour record both on and off the field, is also beneficial. Children in all sports are often told they are highly talented and are going to reach the elite level or be the next superstar. People often make these remarks to assist in building a player's self esteem and confidence but parents need to be mindful of this.
§ Unqualified people should avoid making such comments as this can result in placing unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations on children.
§ If a child is particularly talented then ideally they will be selected and progress on their own merits following the available development pathways within that sport. It is interesting to note that a study on children's amateur sport & recreation found that the top 3 reasons children play sport are: 1) To make friends; 2) To have fun; and 3) To play the game.
3.3 Behaviour of the Coach
§ Behaviour of a frustrating nature by coaches and officials often occurs at elite levels of sport where the pressure to succeed is often greater. Inappropriate behaviour by coaches is unacceptable and clubs and associations are responsible for taking appropriate action where they consider the behaviour of their representatives to be in breach of acceptable standards and the Coaches Code of Conduct.
§ In Association football, the Association has a level of jurisdiction over officials and such officials may be required to appear before the Association tribunal for reported offences. In state competitions conducted by Football NSW offenders may be required to appear before the Football NSW General Purposes Tribunal. Penalties imposed for such offences depend on the level of offence and on the findings of the tribunal or committee considering the matter.
§ These matters are always dealt with on a case-by-case basis as they all have differing contributing factors. In a situation where a coach has exhibited inappropriate behaviour the following options and penalties may be considered suitable depending on the level of offence.
- Speaking with the coach about their behaviour
- Monitoring the coach to observe the reported behaviour
- Mentoring the coach on how to improve his/her behaviour
- Mediation between the aggrieved parties
- Required to complete the Play By The Rules on-line training
- Required to complete an accredited coaching course at Football NSW
- Issue of a written warning to the coach about their behaviour
- Taking disciplinary action
- Suspending the coach from his/her duties for a period of time
- Dismissing the coach
- a combination of some of these.
§ Any action taken is at the discretion of the club, association, tribunal or committee considering the matter. The person making the complaint DOES NOT determine or have input into the penalty applied.
3.4 Failure to release a player from a contract
§ The release of a player from a contract is a matter for resolution between the club and the player involved as the contract (agreement) is between these two (2) parties. Failing to release a player from a contract is not a child related offence.
3.5 Complaint Processes
§ When a person has a complaint then it is up to them to decide whether they want to proceed with the complaint or not. If a person is unsure what to do then they may consider the following options:
§ Do nothing: Consider what may happen if nothing is done. If the problem is likely to continue or get worse, then doing nothing may not be suitable.
§ Direct Approach: Consider whether speaking to the person causing the problem may resolve the matter. If the person knows about the concerns they may do something straight away to prevent the problem from continuing or apologise for what has occurred. In most cases it is only fair that the person is provided with an opportunity to fix the problem themselves.
§ Seek mediation: This is where a club official or another person may act as a mediator between to two parties involved. For example: If a parent is having a problem with a coach, a meeting may be arranged between the parent and the coach with a club official acting as mediator. This way the problem can be discussed in a polite manner.
§ Verbal Complaint: The matter could be discussed with the MPIO, Secretary, President or another official of the club. This may provide the club an opportunity to monitor the situation. A club may request that a written complaint be lodged before they take any further action.
§ Complaint by a child: A verbal complaint to an appropriate adult by a person U18 years of age should be acted upon. Where this occurs the adult they report the incident to may take lodge complaint on behalf of the child. Appropriate adults may include their parent or guardian, a school teacher, a school counsellor or a member of the Police.
§ Official Complaint: An official complaint should be addressed to the Club or Association Secretary or General Manager, be in writing and be signed. The person who signs the complaint must be able to be identified and be contactable. It is important to note that the person being complained about will be informed of the complaint and may even be provided with a copy of the complaint as it is their right to be notified of any complaint made against them. An unsigned written complaint, an anonymous complaint or a rumour cannot be acted upon.
§ Other Agencies: Advice can also be sought from the Police, Department of Community Services, a solicitor or another Government Authority.
4. COMPLAINT HANDLING
4.1 When a complaint is received a club or association should immediately consider whether there is any immediate risk to the parties involved and if so take action to remove that risk. If there is a possibility of further risk to a child by a coach or manager then appropriate action could be for the club to stand down that coach or manager or allocate them to alternative duties until the matter is resolved. This may also remove any possibility of victimisation against the coach or manager or the player.
4.2 Clubs and associations have a duty of care to their members to provide a safe and enjoyable sporting environment. Clubs and associations should always endeavour to act in the best interests of all parties involved and respond to a complaint as quickly and effectively as possible. Leaving a complaint unanswered or unactioned could result in the parties involved being placed at further risk should a repeat or additional offence occur.
4.3 It is a basic expectation that a club will manage all complaints fairly and effectively.
4.4 All enquiries regarding Child Protection or Member Protection should be directed to clubs or associations.
CHILD PROTECTION NOTICE – Child Protection Certificates for Self Employed Persons
1. Child Protection Certificates for Self Employed Persons can now be requested from clubs when engaging the services of a self employed person.
2. As from 1 May 2009 all “self employed people” over the age of 18 years who work with children, including coaches and trainers can obtain a Child Protection Certificate for Self Employed People.
3. For a club or association, what this means is where you engage the services of a self employed coach to come and coach at your club or run a coaching clinic for your club, then before engaging their services you can request that they present to you a “Child Protection Certificate of Self Employed Persons”.
4. This Certificate will give the club an indication (and anyone else using the private coaching services of someone self employed) that the person is free of serious convictions that would usually make them a “prohibited person” that is a person prohibited from working with children.
5. In 12 months time on 1 May 2010, it will become an offence for self employed people over 18 years to work with children without a certificate; however in the meantime to better safeguard your organisation and its members your club and association should make it policy to request a Certificate of Self Employed Persons when services are being provide to the club by someone who is self employed.
6. For more information please see the notice below as issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People or go to kids.nsw.gov.au/kids/working/certificateforselfemployedpeople.cfm
NSW Commission for Children and Young People: “New Certificate for Self-employed who work with kids” 1 May 2009-05-15
Self employed people over the age of 18 years who work with children can now obtain a certificate to demonstrate they are not prohibited from working with kids, under a new system announced today by the NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Gillian Calvert.
“The Certificate for Self Employed People is a service designed to show parents, carers and organisations that the self employed people they engage to work with their children have not been convicted of the crimes which would make them a ‘prohibited person’,” Ms Calvert said.
“There are many parents who use self employed people, who have unsupervised contact with their children, such as tutors, coaches, nannies, health practitioners and entertainers.
“The Certificate for Self Employed People also gives self employed people the opportunity to demonstrate to their clients that they are free of those serious convictions that would make it illegal for them to work with children.”
Following 1 May 2010, it will be an offence for self employed people aged 18 years and over, without the certificate, to work with children. Self employed people will also have to display or show their Certificates to people who engage them to work with children and young people.
“Making the Certificate available to self employed people now gives them a year to apply before it becomes compulsory,” Ms Calvert said.
The Certificate for Self Employed People application forms can be lodged at any NSW Police station. The Certificate will cost $80 and will be valid for 3 years. People can also check whether a Certificate is current and valid by visiting the Commission’s website.
“The Certificate for Self Employed People expands on the Working with Children system to encourage NSW workplaces to be child-safe and child-friendly,” Ms Calvert said.
“This is an important new protection for children in NSW and I urge self employed who work with children and their clients to make full use of it.
FNSW CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
A. Policy Statement
§ Soccer NSW Ltd is committed to ensuring that the health, safety and welfare of children is maintained at all times during their participation in activities run by Soccer NSW Ltd and its affiliated member bodies. Soccer NSW Ltd aims to promote a safe environment for all children and to assist all employees, coaches, referees, members and volunteers to recognise child abuse and neglect and follow the appropriate notification guidelines when reporting alleged abuse.
B. Why?
§ The focus of the policy and guidelines is the prevention of child abuse in the sporting environment, specifically Soccer in the state of New South Wales.
§ This policy and guidelines promote the care and protection of children participating in Soccer NSW Ltd and provide information and direction for employees, official, coaches, volunteers and members of the organisation.
§ This policy and guidelines will assist Soccer NSW Ltd in establishing coordinated strategies for dealing with the problem of child abuse and neglect in a responsible, effective and consistent manner.
C. Key Objectives
Through the development of this policy Soccer NSW Ltd objectives are to:
§ Provide information to assist employees and volunteers in dealing with all forms of child abuse.
§ Provide comprehensive guidelines relating to risk minimisation and reporting/notification guidelines.
§ Provide direction to all employees and volunteers regarding their legal responsibilities under child protection legislation.
§ Promote and adopt Soccer NSW Ltd principles for child protection and intervention amongst employees, volunteers, coaches, members and parents of Children participating in the organisation’s programs and competitions.
D. Scope
§ The Child Protection Policy of Soccer NSW Ltd is applicable to all management and employees (paid, voluntary, permanent or casual) of Soccer NSW Ltd, and its affiliated members to include the Coerver Coaching Program.
E. Implementation of Policy
In order to implement the child protection legislation Soccer NSW Ltd will undertake to:
§ Implement strategies and guidelines that focus on the best interests of children and meet the requirements of child protection legislation.
§ Promote a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in activities, which are under the control of Soccer NSW Ltd.
§ Increase awareness and emphasise the importance of child protection issues in a sporting environment to all those involved with the activities of Soccer NSW Ltd. This includes administrators, coaches, officials, athletes, parents and their children.
§ Ensure that all employees of Soccer NSW Ltd are aware of their responsibilities arising form recent child protection legislation, in particular, the requirement under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, to inform their employers if they have been convicted of a serious sex offence.
F. Expectations
§ Administrators, coaches, officials, members and volunteers often have a high level of contact with children in the sporting environment and play a major part in the successful operation of sporting activities.
§ Coaches and officials are often seen as role models. They have significant influence on the children they come into contact with and therefore have significant responsibilities.
§ Soccer NSW Ltd expects that all administrators, coaches and officials whether paid or unpaid, who participate in organised sport under the banner of this organisation will commit to implementing risk management strategies developed by Soccer NSW Ltd for child protection.
§ Policy Review
§ Soccer NSW Ltd Child Protection Policy and Guidelines will be reviewed annually and updated in line with any legislative changes that have significant impact on the manner in which child protection and issues are to be dealt with.
Guidelines for Coaches and Officials
The following guidelines are to assist coaches, officials and others working with children.
1. Physical contact:
1.1 Generally physical contact with players/participants should be:
§ to develop sports skills;
§ to give sports massage;
§ to treat an injury;
§ to prevent or respond to an injury;
§ to meet the specific requirements of the sport.
1.2 All physical contact by personnel should fulfil the following criteria:
§ physical contact should be appropriate for the development of a sport skills;
§ permission from the player/participant should be sought;
§ players/participants be congratulated or comforted in public, not in an isolated setting.
2. Supervision for children:
2.1 The number of staff needed will depend on the age and number of children involved, and whether there are disability considerations.
3. Being alone with a child:
3.1 Do not isolate yourself and a child and avoid being alone with any particular child. If a child approaches you and wants to talk to you privately about a matter, do so in an open area and in the sight of other adults (e.g. other coaches, officials or parents/guardians).
3.2 Ideally advise another coach or official and ask them to stay within sight while you have the discussion and to come to your assistance if the child becomes emotional and/or you indicate support is required in dealing with the child. Avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with children.
4. Adopt positive language and behaviour:
4.1 Adopt positive language when talking with children and in the presence of children. This includes avoiding bad or aggressive language that could intimidate a child or set a poor example.
5. Change Rooms:
5.1 Before going into change rooms knock or announce that you will be coming in and try to have at least one adult with you in a change room with children. Do not isolate yourself and a child from others in the change room.
6. Maintain control –avoid losing your temper:
6.1 Try not to lose your temper with a child (verbally or physically).
6.2 If you find that you regularly lose your temper with children, you should seek support on behaviour management strategies, anger management or consider whether you have the patience to work with children.
6.3 Some ideas to assist with maintaining control include:
6.3.1 Set up some basic rules at the beginning of the season such as be nice, follow instructions, have a go, no put downs. Make sure children are aware of these rules.
6.3.2 Give positive messages.
6.3.3 Have a time out area for children and young people that are not behaving. This should be simple such as an agreed T sign with the hands that children know means to go to time out for two minutes.
6.3.4 Adopt a card system to express concerns with a child's behaviour rather than becoming verbally agitated. For example a yellow card is a warning, two yellow cards means time out for two minutes and a red card could mean the child misses out of next week's game.
7. Collection by Parents/Guardians:
7.1 Your club needs to let parents/guardians know about its policy on the collection of children. A list of actions that could help include:
7.1.1 Letting children, parents/guardians know the times of practices and games, when they can expect to collect their children and that it is not your responsibility to transport children home if parents are delayed.
7.1.2 Have a club policy that the second to last child and their parent/guardian will wait with the coach/official and the child. This will also enable the coach/official to concentrate on making contact with the parent/guardian.
7.1.3 If you have a club room where there will be other people, have a club policy that latecomers are to collect their children from the club room. Wait with the child if possible, and make contact with the parent/guardian if necessary.
7.1.4 If there are other people at the ground or facility, wait for the parent/guardian closer to those people. In the meantime try to make contact with the parent/guardian.
7.1.5 Avoid the risk of being alone with a child by having a parent/guardian or support person assist you with the training. Require that person to wait until all children have left.
7.1.6 Have a club policy that there is a register of parent/guardian emergency contact numbers and make sure coaches/officials have access to a phone.
8. Transport of players/participants:
8.1 Ideally all players/participants should have their own transportation to and from sporting events. You should only provide transportation when:
§ the driver is properly licensed;
§ other players/ participants/parents/guardians are in the vehicle;
§ the ride has been approved by parents/guardians;
§ the ride is directly to/from sports or recreational activities;
§ you should also call someone and tell them what you are doing, the exact time you are leaving –so that you are accountable for your time.
9. Overnight trips:
9.1 Always have more than one adult with children on an overnight trip/ camp and do not separate yourself and children from other adult/s.
9.2 There should always be more than one adult with a group of children, even if the number of children is small. Mixed gender is preferable.
9.3 Options to consider on an overnight trip/camp include obtaining separate sleeping accommodation from the children (adults in separate rooms).
9.4 There must be emergency procedures in place to enable supervising adults to be able to respond to any alarm raised by a child. If an alarm is raised by a child, more than one adult should respond.
10. Injuries and illness:
10.1 Your club needs to have guidelines for handling injuries that occur during sporting activities. Only personnel who are qualified in administering first aid or treating sports injuries should attempt to treat an injury. Personnel should avoid treating injuries out of sight of others.
10.2 Other considerations include:
10.2.1 The comfort level and dignity of the player/participant should always be the priority.
10.2.2 Only uncover the injured area, or drape private parts of the player/participants body.
10.2.3 Always report injuries and any treatment provided to parents and document an incident.
10.2.4 If necessary seek medical attention as soon as possible.
10.2.5 Your club should also have in place policies regarding “blood rules” and ensure coaches and officials know to remove any child that is bleeding from a game and to stop the flow of blood before being allowed to again join in the activity.
11. Participants with disabilities:
11.1 It is important that participants with disabilities have the same opportunities to be involved in sport and recreation activities. This may require, where reasonable, the provision of specialist support, appropriate transport and training for those assisting with matters such as lifting and toileting.
11.2 At all times participants should be treated with dignity and respect. Because participants with disabilities may be more vulnerable to abuse or neglect clubs and organisation may need to take additional steps to ensure their safety.
12. Photographing children:
12.1 All clubs need to be aware that there are some people who visit sporting events to take inappropriate photographs or video footage of children. You need to be alert to this possibility and report any concerns to a responsible person in your club. Your club needs to have clear guidelines on the use of images as there is evidence that information posted on an Internet site or published in a magazine or newspaper can be used to target children, to locate them, and then to groom them. Also images can be used and adapted for inappropriate use.
These guidelines have been adapted from information from the: Child Protection in Sport Unit UK www.thecpsu.org.uk; Australian Sports Commission www.ausport.gov.au/ethics; New South Wales Department for Tourism Sport and Recreation www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/children
- COACHING DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Policy Aims
Football Wagga Wagga aims to ensure that all players from their earliest participation in football will be adequately coached in skills, technique and understanding of the game. This will be done by requiring that every team is coached by a person who has obtained an adequate level of accreditation.
1. By 2010, all coaches:
a) From under 6 to under 10 level are to have attained Grassroots accreditation;;
b) From under 11 to under 14 level are to have attained a Junior Licence accreditation; and
c) From under 15 through to All Age level are to have attained a Youth Licence accreditation.
2. All coaches at each club are to be registered with Football Wagga Wagga and in turn with Football NSW and Football Federation Australia.
3. Football Wagga Wagga will maintain a register of coaches and their current accreditation details and is to notify coaches and clubs when a coach is due to update their accreditation.
4. To assist coaches to obtain and update their accreditation Football Wagga Wagga will provide access to coaching courses and updates run by suitably qualified Football NSW instructors.
5. As funds allow, Football Wagga Wagga may subsidise the cost of coaching courses attaining and updating their respective accreditation.
Application of the policy:
1. One weekend of the small sided football fixture will be set aside for a Grassroots coaching course, so all coaches/team leaders can attend.
2. Junior and Youth licence courses and updates will be provided a number of times each year.
3. By season 2010, no team will be able to be registered unless it has a coach who:
a) Was coaching in 2009 and has attained/maintained suitable qualifications; or
b) Is a new coach and has committed to obtain a suitable qualification during the year.
This requirement will apply similarly in subsequent years.
- FEMALE DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Policy Aims
Football Wagga Wagga (FWW) aims to promote and encourage females of all ages to play football. To achieve this FWW will provide a structure with an entry level for all age groups and for players of varying ability.
Application of the policy:
1. From under 6 to under 10 girls may participate in mixed small sided football.
2. From under 11 to under 13 girls may participate in the mixed junior competition and/or the junior girls small sided fixtures (u11-13).
3. Girls aged under 14 may participate in the mixed junior competition and/or the senior girls competition (u14-16).
4. Girls aged under 15 to under 16 may participate in the senior girls competition (u14-16) and/or the all age female competition.
Through the promotion and development of female participation in football, our long term aim is to have a separate girl’s competition for each age group Under 11/12, 13/14, 15/16. If numbers permit, these age groups will be able to participate in a 9 or 11 aside competition. By implementing these competitions and fixtures, FWW seeks to provide a means for female players to progress, age-appropriately, into the all age female competition. It also encourages junior female players to participate in the mixed junior competition to give them an opportunity to develop their football and pursue representative pathways should they choose to. FWW Competition Rules apply to all girls competitions.
- LIGHTNING POLICY
1. A designated person should be responsible for monitoring the weather conditions in the area at which the ground is located, to provide awareness at individual club level. Monitor the weather the day before and the day of the match.
2. If thunderstorms occur, use the ’30-30’ rule outlined below to determine the distance of the storm and take appropriate action to suspend play if the storm is less than 10km away.
a. When lightning is sighted, count the time until thunder is heard. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 10km and is dangerous. This is the time at which matches should be suspended.
3. Play can resume once the ’30-30’ rule has been satisfied (to be determined by the Referee).
a. The threat of lightning continues for a much longer period than most people realise and sunshine or blue sky should not fool anybody into thinking that it is safe, and you should remain alert to the possible return of the storm.
4. Where practicable, ensure that all present are relocated, if necessary, to a safe shelter.
a. The best option is a large building with electric and telephone wiring and plumbing to provide a safe pathway for the current to the ground. Once inside, stay away from corded telephones, electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, radios or microphones and electric sockets and plumbing. Mobile or cordless telephones are a safe option if the person and antenna are located within a safe structure.
b. Do not watch lightning from open windows or doorways. Inner rooms are preferable.
c. A solid building or a hard top (metal bodied) vehicle (including buses) that guides the lightning current around the passengers, is an alternative.
d. Shelter should NEVER be sought under a small group (or single) of trees, in an open field or in small open structures such as rain/picnic shelters. People should stay away from metal poles, fences, clothes lines etc and should not use umbrellas or mobile telephones. Metal is not to be touched.
e. If located at a ground far removed from a safe shelter, preventative measures can still be taken. If lightning is about to strike, it may provide a very few seconds of warning. If hair stands on end, the skin tingles and a ‘buzzing’ is heard from nearby rocks or light metal objects, lightning may be about to strike and a crouching position should be assumed (alone, feet together, squat down with head tucked and ears covered). When the immediate threat of lightning has passed, safe shelter should be sought.
5. It is preferable that a qualified first-aider is present at all matches.
6. Should a person be struck by lightning, call ‘000’ if possible and ensure immediate first aid (CPR) is provided.
7. Provide warnings to all of the potential dangers caused by lightning and indicate/display safety guidelines clearly where possible.
- GOALPOST POLICY
FWW GOALPOST & EQUIPMENT USAGE POLICY
§ No one should climb or swing on goalposts when putting up nets.
§ It is recommended that a stable platform is used to put nets on goalposts.
§ Chairs, bins, crates, ladders are not to be used to stand on to put up nets.
§ It is recommended that at least 2 people are involved when nets are being put up.
§ Children should not be allowed to put up nets.
§ Responsible youth must always have an adult supervisor assist when putting up nets.
§ Loss or damage of Football Wagga Wagga equipment is the responsibility of the user group to replace or repair.
§ Facilities are to be left clean, e.g. change rooms, after use or a cleaning fee will be imposed.
FNSW GOALPOST SAFETY POLICY
Fixed and Portable Goalpost Safety
1. Definitions
a) A portable goalpost can be defined as any freestanding soccer goal designed to be moved at any point in time, both on and off a field. These goals can be either full size and used outdoors for adult soccer games and training, or smaller goals used outside for junior games and training. The smaller goals are also used for the purposes of indoor soccer games.
b) A fixed goalpost can be defined as a permanent fixture which remains in one position.
2. Components and Design and Construction
a) Goalposts should be constructed of aluminium, steel tubing, a combination of both materials, or of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tubing. Timber frames are not recommended as they tend to be less durable. Goalposts which are ‘home-made’ or which have been altered from their original size or construction should never be used. They do not have the built-in safety features and may be particularly hazardous for younger players.
b) All portable goalposts should be in good condition and properly constructed according to good engineering practice.
c) A rear ground bar which connects the two side supports should form part of the portable goal at all times. This will ensure that weight is added to the rear of the structure, increasing its stability and reducing the risk of the goal overbalancing. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over. The rear ground bar is an effective anchor on which to secure the goalpost.
d) As defined by Standards Australia, with the exception of netting, the materials used in the construction of portable goalposts “should be designed to maintain their structural integrity for outdoor use for at least a period of five years, but preferably longer, depending on whether the goal is stored indoors or outdoors”.
e) Any materials used in the construction of the portable goalposts should be protected against corrosion.
3. Stability, Support and Fixture
a) For safety reasons, goalposts of any size must always be anchored securely to the ground.
b) Portable goalposts must be pinned or weighted down by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from overbalancing. If possible, this equipment should be permanently and securely attached to the goal frame and can be in any of the formats identified below:
Outdoor Goalposts
a) Steel pegs – stake or ‘J’ Hook style. Varying in lengths and diameters of 250mm (10 inch) to 600mm (24 inch) for the stake style and ensuring that a ‘J’ hook has a curved top which is designed to fit over the side or rear ground bar. Sufficient stakes are required to support each goal, taking the size of that goal into consideration. The ‘J’ hook should be angled toward the front of the goal, driven fully into the ground, but clearly visible to prevent anybody potentially tripping.
b) Anchors can fit over a ground bar with staking holes for steel pegs or spiral styled screws, which secure fully into the ground.
c) A semi-permanent anchor requires that the main support is a permanently secured base that is buried underground. A semi-permanent anchor connects the underground base to the goals by means of two tethers, or utilises a buried anchor tube with a threaded opening at ground level. The goal is positioned over the buried tube and the bolt is passed through the goal ground shoes and rear ground shoe and screwed into the threaded hole of the buried tube.
Indoor and Outdoor Goalposts
a) For both indoor goals and those located outside where the ground surface cannot be penetrated, sandbags or counterweights may be utilised. The number of bags required to support the structure should be adequate and relative to the size of the goal. Indoor goals can also be secured by bolting the frame to the playing surface and/or to the rear wall of the venue
b) Ground conditions can affect the stability of goals and it is therefore important to take into consideration weather patterns and the geography of the land.
c) Ideally, portable goalposts should not be left in place after use – they should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage.
d) It is strongly recommended that nets should only be secured by plastic hooks and tape, and not by metal hooks. Any metal hooks should be removed and replaced. Net pegs should not be used to anchor the goal structure.
4. Testing
a) Before use, organisers should test the structure to ensure that they are stable by exerting a downward pressure on the crossbar, backward and forward force on both upright posts. It is essential that the structure’s security has been established prior to commencing usage.
b) Goalposts should be of correct dimension, with imperative stability and crossbar strength requirements. Condition of the goalposts together with the adequate fixture of netting, is paramount to general safety. Should any components of the goal be damaged or missing, replacements should be sought immediately to provide optimum protection to all.
5. Safety
a) Under no circumstances should children or adults to include players, officials or spectators use the goalposts and/or the goal netting as gymnastics equipment. Climbing, swinging or playing on, or around the structure and/or any of its supports is not endorsed and should not be permitted at any time as it may cause severe bodily harm, permanent injury or even death.
6. Insurance
a) Safety and the successful implementation of these guidelines has an effect upon both personal accident and public liability insurance provided by Soccer NSW. Any potential reduction of premiums that may result from the continual implementation of these guidelines will improve the safety standards of the code, and in turn will clearly be beneficial to all parties concerned.
7. Conclusion and Implementations
a) Both indoor and outdoor goalposts are to be inspected once every six (6) months in conjunction with the issue of these guidelines. Steel components showing signs of rusting or warping should be replaced, as should any other component which needs repair or replacement. Should goalposts be owned, and therefore maintained by the local Council, please ensure that they are informed in writing of the repairs required. In the meantime, the goalpost should be removed and stored in a secure area.
b) All portable goalposts are to be securely anchored to the ground at all times during usage. If the goal post can be disassembled and stored, it should be stored in a place where children cannot gain access. Goalposts which are not secured are not to be used.
c) Always ensure that adequate personnel are available to move a portable goalpost taking into consideration the weight and assuring that the correct lifting technique is utilised at all times. This also applies to the hanging of goal nets – under no circumstances should any person attempt to jump up in order to secure the netting. A stepladder or other stable object should be provided to elevate a person to the correct height whereby goal nets can be hung and removed from the goalposts safely. An acceptable alternative is the use of a specially constructed extendable pole to avoid overreaching from the ground level.
d) All portable goalposts should be fixed securely to the ground to prevent any overbalancing.
e) Goalposts are to be used for their intended purpose. It is essential that steps are taken to ensure that both children and adults do not climb, swing on, or play with the netting and structures of the goalposts.
f) Ownership of the goalposts should be clearly determined and defined and placed in writing. This formal record must be retained by the club at all times. If the equipment is hired, or leased, record of ownership should also be kept in writing.
g) Records need to be maintained, clearly identifying all user groups of the goalposts.
- JEWELLERY POLICY
(Adopted from FNSW Jewellery Policy)
1. This policy, in its entirety, is to be strictly adhered to and enforced by ALL match officials controlling matches played under the auspices of Football NSW regardless of the grade or level of competition they are officiating.
2. Despite Law 4 being quite specific about the wearing of jewellery, it is obvious that there are still a number of match officials who either do not understand the requirements or choose to ignore them. In order to gain greater consistency the following is a summary of the requirements when applying Law 4.
3. Law 4:
- Nothing dangerous is to be worn.
- No jewellery is to be worn.
4. Earrings:
a. No form of earrings or studs are acceptable.
b. The practice of taping earrings/studs or piercings is unacceptable.
5. Facial Rings/Piercings:
a. Any kind of jewellery around the eyes must be removed.
b. Jewellery in any other part of the face must also be removed.
c. The practice of taping facial rings or piercings is unacceptable.
6. Necklaces:
a. All necklaces including metal, rope, fabric, or such other material must be removed.
b. Medical alert necklaces only may be worn but they must be taped securely to the chest.
7. Bracelets:
a. All bracelets including metal, rope, fabric, or other such material must be removed.
b. Medical alert bracelets only may be worn but must be taped securely to the wrist.
8. Body Piercing:
a. Any piercing not visible to the referee is not of concern. Should the piercing become visible then the referee will require that the player remove it before being permitted to enter or re enter the field of play.
9. Rings:
a. All rings must be removed.
b. This includes flat wedding rings.
c. Taping or otherwise covering rings will not permitted under any circumstances.
10. Watches:
a. Players must remove all watches. Match officials are excluded from this directive as a watch is a necessary part of the referee’s equipment.
11. Beaded Hair:
a. If a player is wearing hair beads the hair must be tied in a bun or covered by a hair net.
b. Loose beaded hair will not be permitted.
12. Hair Clips:
a. Any hard rigid hair anchor e.g.: Metal or plastic hair clips, bobby pins, headbands, etc are not permitted. The use of fabric or elastic type hair restraints will be permitted providing they do not constitute a danger to either the player or an opponent.
13. Spectacles:
a. Refer to the ‘Additional Instructions for Referees’ section of Law Book for National Policy.
b. This instruction is fairly open ended and allows for the referee to make a final decision.
c. This is offered as a guide to members of the Referees Association when attempting to make a determination as to whether a player’s spectacles are safe or not.
d. Basically the risk is assessed as the frames of the spectacles and not the lenses themselves
e. Spectacles consisting of metal frames should be considered unsuitable and not permitted to be worn.
f. Spectacles made of flexible plastic or other similar material such as ‘sports spectacles’ would be acceptable.
14. Casts/Splints:
a. Casts, splints, joint or limb supports will not be permitted regardless of the material they are manufactured from.
b. Padding, bandaging or otherwise disguising of casts etc. is also not permitted.
c. Players will be permitted to wear elastic type muscle supports providing they are close fitting and in the opinion of the referee do not constitute a danger.
d. Referees should be vigilant when inspecting such equipment that players are not concealing such apparatus under medical bandaging etc.
15. Referees:
a. In keeping within the spirit of these guidelines, referees are required to conform to the identical standards set for the players, with the exception of the need to wear watches.
b. Referees need to be diligent in carrying out these instructions and be aware of players trying to circumvent the policy.
c. Players who are found to have breached the jewellery policy are to be asked to rectify the problem prior to the commencement of the game or are to be asked to leave the field at the next stoppage in play. Where a player has disregarded an instruction from a match official to remove an article of jewellery that player is to be cautioned and shown the yellow card.
d. The game is not to be delayed in any way whilst a player corrects their equipment/jewellery.
- SMOKING POLICY
(Adopted from FNSW Smoking Policy)
1. Policy Application:
1.1 The banning of smoking by players for the duration of the match in which he or she is participating, and which is under the control of Soccer NSW, or any of its Members or affiliates; and
1.2 The banning of smoking by staff, officials, players, referees and volunteers in technical areas, access ways to and from the field of play, canteen servery and preparation areas, dressing rooms, change rooms and medical rooms. It is up to local Associations and Clubs to impose their own rules regarding smoking within their clubhouse.
- HEAT POLICY
(Adopted from FNSW Heat Policy)
HOT WEATHER POLICY FOR THE GENERAL POPULATION
1. DISCUSSION
§ The risk of heat illness from vigorous exercise or high intensity sport is significant. It can range from cramps, through heat exhaustion to heat stroke, coma, and death (Mitchell 1994).
§ During competition, competitors may produce 15 - 20 times the heat they produce at rest. Dissipation of this excess heat is primarily achieved through sweating. If the body's ability to dissipate heat is compromised, core temperature in an average size individual may rise by one degree Celsius for every five minutes of exercise if no temperature regulating mechanisms are activated (Nadel 1977). If an individual’s core temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius (normal 37 degrees) the risk of heat injury is significant. Rectal temperature higher than 41 degrees Celsius is dangerous.
§ Factors which impair the body's ability to dissipate heat are:
o high ambient temperature;
o solar radiation;
o humidity (which compromises the efficacy of sweating); and
o dehydration.
These factors significantly increase the risk of heat illness occurring.
§ Sports heat illness can occur with high intensity exercise in cool conditions and with well-hydrated participants.
§ Because sports heat stress is complex, and because individual responses to heat stress vary, it is not possible to provide overall recommendations about limiting conditions to cover all sports. Since heat stress varies with exercise intensity, potential for heat illness may be categorised according to the exercise characteristics of the sport. The following sports involve reducing levels of exercise intensity and therefore reducing levels of risk.
o endurance running in competition or training (higher intensity/higher risk);
o football codes and hockey;
o tennis; and
o cricket (lower intensity/lower risk).
2. TEMPERATURE
§ The tables below provide approximate guides to weather conditions and appropriate individual and organisational responses. Although temperature ranges are given, there are not clear demarcations in risk between ranges.
§ Ambient Temperature
o Easily understood, most useful on hot, dry days
|
Ambient
temperature
|
Relative
humidity
|
Risk of Heat Illness
|
Recommended management for
sports activities
|
|
15-20
|
|
Low
|
Heat illness can occur in distance running.
Caution over-motivation.
|
|
21-25
|
Exceeds 70%
|
Low-moderate
|
Increase vigilance. Caution over-motivation
|
|
26-30
|
Exceeds 60%
|
Moderate
|
Moderate early pre-season on training intensity. Reduce intensity and duration of play/training; take more breaks
|
|
31-35
|
Exceeds 50%
|
High-very high
|
Uncomfortable for most people. Limit intensity. Limit duration to less than 60 minutes per session.
|
|
36 and above
|
Exceeds 30%
|
Extreme
|
Very stressful for most people. Consider postponement to a cooler part of the day or cancellation
|
§ WBGT
o Further guidance might be gained from the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. The WBGT is particularly useful for hot, humid days.
|
WBGT
|
Risk of Heat Illness
|
Recommended management for sports activities
|
|
Less than 20
|
Low
|
Heat illness can occur in distance running. Caution over-motivation.
|
|
21-25
|
Moderate-high
|
Increase vigilance. Caution over-motivation. Moderate early pre-season training intensity and duration. Take more breaks.
|
|
26-29
|
High-very high
|
Limit intensity. Limit duration to less than 60 minutes per session.
|
|
30 and above
|
Extreme
|
Consider postponement to a cooler part of the day or cancellation (allow swimming).
|
3. STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF HEAT ILLNESS
§ (General Population)
o The following strategies are intended for the general population that does not fall into any of the listed ‘At Risk’ categories. ‘At Risk’ participants should consult the recommendations for their particular population sector.
3.1 Timing of games
§ Games and sporting activities involving moderate to high intensity exercise should be scheduled to avoid conditions where ambient temperature exceeds or is likely to exceed 36 degrees Celsius or where WBGT exceeds 30 degrees Celsius.
§ In most parts of Australia players are likely to be exposed to their highest risk of heat injury in the months of December, January and February, although in some regions this level of risk extends into March and April. This is in part due to high ambient temperatures that are prevalent during this period, and lack of match fitness of players participating in traditional winter sports such as Australian Rules Football.
§ Where possible, especially in January and February, games should be scheduled to start before 9 am or after 6 pm. Early morning or night games minimise the risk of encountering unacceptable conditions at these times of year. This is especially so where these games are to be played in a locations with a history of relatively high WBGT.
3.2 Acclimatisation
§ If games or activities are to be conducted after long periods of cooler conditions, participants should strive to be fully acclimatised prior to participation.
§ Physiological adaptations to exercising in the heat are rapid and can occur after 3-5 days in a hot environment. Full acclimatisation can take 10-14 days or longer. The initial response is an expansion of the plasma volume; then, over several days, this returns to normal and the sweat rate increases with sweating starting earlier and a more dilute sweat being produced.
§ There is evidence that exercising in sweat clothing to the point where heat strain is induced can give some degree of acclimatisation (Dawson et al). The training must induce heat strain over several days, and care must be taken that adequate hydration occurs during these training sessions.
§ Doing some form of sub maximal exercise in a heat chamber will also give some degree of acclimatisation; but its practicality in a team sport, except possibly in individual cases, is limited.
§ Some level of acclimatisation will occur in players coming out of summer. This, however, is usually countered by the lack of match fitness in athletes at this time of year.
§ What can be done easily is to educate athletes to train themselves to play and train with copious fluids already on-board. Further it must be emphasised to the players that they MUST consume fluids containing 6%-8% carbohydrate - in warm/hot conditions, muscle glycogen utilisation is much higher. (Febbraio 1992). The consumption of carbohydrate containing fluids has been proven to improve performance in the heat and, more importantly, delay the onset of exercise-induced heat exhaustion (Febbraio 1992, Davies et al 1988) and, hence, probably help prevent heat stroke.
3.3 Hydration
§ The more athletes sweat, the more fluid they must consume to avoid dehydration. High levels of dehydration may increase the risk of heat stress. To diminish the risk of heat stress fluid should be consumed before, during and after activity.
§ It is recommended participants drink at least 7-8 ml of fluid per kg of body mass (average is about 2 cups) no more than 2 hours before exercising to promote adequate hydration and allow time for excretion of excess water.
§ During exercise it is recommended that participants should drink fluid at regular intervals to replace water lost through sweating. Participants should aim to drink at least 3 ml per kg of body mass (about 250 ml for the average athlete of around 70 kilograms every 15 to 20 minutes or 2–3 cups every hour). However, this may vary dependent on the rate of sweating. Fluid taken should be cooler than the ambient temperature.
§ Water is considered an adequate fluid option for activities lasting up to one hour. Participants in events or activities exceeding one hour are recommended to use carbohydrate-based sports drinks as a means of replacing fluids, carbohydrates and electrolytes lost during prolonged activity.
§ In high risk conditions players should be encouraged to drink fluids at scheduled drinks breaks and should be provided convenient access to fluids during activity without unnecessary interruption to the game or event.
§ Officials and event organisers should also consider including additional drinks breaks for players in conditions of high risk. In regard to post-event rehydration, it needs to be remembered that this can take 24 hours or more.
3.4 Player rest and rotation
§ In conditions of high risk participants should be provided opportunities to rest through a the use of player interchange or substitution. The period of rest should be determined by the ambient temperature and WBGT at the time of the event or activity. For ambient temperatures greater than 26 and less than 30 degrees Celsius and for WBGT temperatures greater than 21 degrees Celsius and less than 25 degrees Celsius, all players should be rested for at least 10% of the period they would normally participate. For example, if the activity normally runs for 60 minutes, the rest period for the player should comprise at least 6 minutes during the period.
§ For situations where the ambient temperature is greater than 31 degrees and less than 35 degrees Celsius and the WBGT is greater than 26 degrees Celsius and less than 29 degrees Celsius, all players should be rested for at least 25% of the period in which they would normally participate. This may be achieved by rotation of players through an interchange bench or via the reduction in the regular playing time for all players.
§ For events played in high risk conditions that do not have a specified playing time, players should be permitted to take rest breaks from activity equivalent to 3 minutes for every 30 minutes of activity.
§ The positive effects of rest breaks should also be maximised by employing the following strategies:
o allowing players to rest in naturally shaded areas or providing portable structures that create shade where and when required;
o providing fans and ice packs; and
o providing additional fluids to allow participants to spray or douse themselves to assist cooling.
3.5 Pre-cooling
§ Pre-cooling by cool water immersion or the wearing of ice vests has been demonstrated to increase athletic performance in endurance sports. This practice could be of benefit to many athletes.
§ However, it must be noted that the effects of a pre-cooling manoeuvre are reduced rapidly by a warm up. Therefore, any pre-cooling strategy must be undertaken in concert with a vastly reduced warm-up if it is to be effective.
3.6 Clothing
§ Light coloured, loose fitting clothes, of natural fibres or composite fabrics, with high wicking (absorption) properties that provide for adequate ventilation are recommended as the most appropriate clothing in the heat. This clothing should further complement the existing practices in Australia that protect the skin against permanent damage from the sun.
4. CHILDREN AND HEAT
§ The physiological and structural difference between children and adults places children at a greater risk of suffering from heat illness. These differences impact on a child’s ability to respond to environmental heat and acclimatise to heat. These differences include:
o a larger surface area/body mass ratio which affects their ability to dissipate heat when environmental temperature is greater than skin temperature (Falk 1998). This can be an advantage when heat loss is necessary, but is a disadvantage when radiant or convective heat gain occurs;
o immature sweating mechanisms which require a greater increase in body temperature before the onset of sweating (Araki et al 1979); and
o fewer and smaller sweat glands which limit the production of sweat (Araki et al 1979, Falk 1998, Wagner et al 1974).
HOT WEATHER POLICY FOR CHILDREN
At ambient temperature greater than or equal to 30 degrees Celsius, children have greater difficulty getting rid of heat than adults.
5. STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF HEAT ILLNESS (Children)
§ The following strategies should be considered for sport and physical activities involving children. The strategies should be considered in conjunction with strategies for reducing the risk of heat illness for the general population and the hot weather policy for children.
5.1 Shade and drinks
§ Organisers of activities that are conducted in hot conditions must provide sufficient shade and regular drinking opportunities. This is particularly critical where the fitness and state of acclimatisation of the young participants are uncertain.
§ It is recommended that water or fluids be provided whenever children are being active.
§ More fluid, however, appears to be consumed by young people when the drinks offered are perceived as palatable to them. Therefore, for children and adolescents having trouble drinking adequate tap water, flavoured drinks may need to be considered.
§ Conversely, the high energy content of some flavoured drinks may be unnecessary during exercise in athletes who have a genuine rather than an aesthetic need to lower body fat levels.
§ It is recommended that young athletes begin regular drinking routines using water or fluids during training and competition. Regular and effective drinking practices should become habitual to young athletes before, during and after activity. Individuals should monitor weight changes before and after workouts and know the amount of fluid that they are likely to require.
5.2 Acclimatisation and overweight children
§ In addition to the risks associated with activity in the heat for unfit and unacclimatised young people, coaches/supervisors of overweight children and adolescents should take extra precautions to lessen the potential for heat gain. It is recommended that, whenever activity in hot conditions is unavoidable with these children, coaches/supervisors decrease the volume and duration of physical activity and increase opportunities for drinking, rest and shade as a matter of priority.
§ At the onset of hot weather, the young athlete may take longer to acclimatise. It is therefore recommended that training volumes (duration and intensity) decrease during the first few weeks of hot weather. Increased times for rest, using access to shade more frequently and increasing the number of mandatory drinking breaks are recommended for the young athlete when the weather becomes noticeably hotter.
5.3 Clothing
§ In addition to the clothing recommendations made for the general population, it is recommended that summer-based sporting organisations select uniforms that minimise heat gain and that coaches, teachers and parents encourage children and adolescents to wear appropriate clothing in layers that can be easily removed during activity.
5.4 Heat illness register
§ To improve the understanding of activity in the heat by children and adolescents, it is recommended that a register of heat-related illness be established. This may comprise a system within which all aspects of heat-related illness incidents are recorded. Items of note may include the individuals afflicted and their symptoms, the time of the incident, the environmental conditions, the physical activity undertaken, the immediate treatment and subsequent action taken.
§ The system is recommended to help identify individuals who have previously experienced some form of heat illness and therefore may require additional attention to ensure that they adopt prevention strategies.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WAYS IN WHICH THE SPORTS INDUSTRY CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF HEAT ILLNESS
§ The following recommendations are provided to help identify long and short-term objectives for the sports industry so as to reduce significantly the risk of dangerous and sometimes catastrophic incidents occurring as a result of activity in hot weather.
§ Adoption of policy for children
o All junior sporting clubs and associations or clubs and associations involving junior participants should immediately familiarise themselves with SMA’s Hot Weather Guidelines and Beat the Heat brochure. These are available as a web download from www.sma.org.au.
o All junior sporting clubs or clubs involving junior participants are encouraged to purchase a dry bulb thermometer to measure ambient air temperature on-site to ensure local conditions are accurately measured.
§ Adoption of strategies
o All sporting clubs and associations should develop or add to their existing policies or rules, the ‘Strategies for Reducing the Risk of Heat Injury’ detailed in SMA’s Hot Weather Guidelines.
§ Central measurement
o To overcome the current barriers for sporting clubs and associations measuring WBGT, it is recommended that clubs and associations avail themselves of the local weather service provided by the Bureau of Meteorology through SMA websites.
- PREGNANCY POLICY
1. Unification between the NSW Soccer Federation and the NSW Amateur Soccer Federation has led to the need to develop a consistent policy concerning females wishing to continue playing soccer or soccer related activities whilst pregnant.
2. All sporting organisations owe a duty of care to pregnant players participating in their sport. A document formulated by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) entitled ‘Pregnancy in Sport – Guidelines for the Australian Sporting Industry’, together with independent legal advice, has been adopted by Soccer NSW.
3. The ASC guidelines support the position that any pregnant player should be given the opportunity to decide for herself, in consultation with her medical advisers, whether or not to participate whilst pregnant. Soccer NSW supports the ASC guidelines in relation to soccer or soccer related activities.
4. The ASC guidelines state that “Sporting organisations may owe a duty of care to pregnant players to advise them that there are theoretical risks involved in participating while pregnant, and to advise them that they should obtain medical advice about whether to participate and for how long.” “Sports administrators’ duty of care to pregnant players does not require them to place a blanket ban on the player’s participation in a particular sport from a specific stage of pregnancy (emphasis added).”
5. The ASC advocate this position on the basis of current medical evidence and legal advice as to the risks and potential liability surrounding the issue.
6. In this regard, please find attached a pregnancy checklist, which has been developed to assist all clubs and associations in dealing with the issue prior to, and post notification of player pregnancy. The checklist advises that:
§ Continued participation in soccer during pregnancy poses theoretical risks to them and to their unborn child. Under no circumstances should you advise, issue guidelines or discuss those theoretical health risks of continued participation in soccer, but rather direct the player to the general concept. Providing advice or issuing guidelines of this type is potentially dangerous, as you then become potentially liable for their correctness.
§ Pregnant players should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner as to the risks involved in participating in soccer and related activities while pregnant and whether it is safe for them to continue participating in soccer while pregnant and, if so, for how long should they continue to participate. This advice should be given by the player’s own doctor to avoid further liability. Obtaining this advice will allow the player to make an informed decision on medical grounds whether or not she continues to participate in the sport and related activities and, if so, for how long. Whilst you are able to enquire as to whether or not the player has sought appropriate medical advice, you cannot request details. The player is not obliged to provide a medical certificate however, if one is presented it is beneficial.
7. It is essential that the steps within the checklist are followed and that the document is appropriately distributed to all your members. If you are aware that the player either has not obtained appropriate medical advice or is ignoring such medical advice, there is a duty of care to take positive steps to protect both the mother and the unborn child. These steps may include arranging for the player to see an appropriately qualified medical practitioner (not associated to the club or association) or to provide counselling to cease competing of her own accord, or out of regard to the unborn child.
8. Please ensure that your players are directed to the QBE insurance policy (copy located on the Soccer NSW website) and that they pay particular attention to the exclusions contained therein. Should you have any queries regarding this policy, please contact Soccer NSW.
- REFEREES
AUTHORITIES AND JURISDICTION (FFA National Disciplinary Regulations (3) )
3.1 Each Match is controlled by the Referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the
Game in connection with the Match to which he or she has been appointed. The powers and
duties of a Referee are as specified in the Laws of the Game and, in particular, Law 5. The
Referee has the authority to make disciplinary decisions, as from the moment the Referee
enters the field of play until he or she leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
3.2 During a Match, the Referee makes the disciplinary decisions and these decisions are final.
1. The only persons authorised to be within the technical area are the two (2) team officials and players named on the team sheet. The referee may stop a game when unauthorised persons are within this area and resume the game when such persons have been removed. For the purpose of this rule maximum number of players on a team sheet is 16.
2. The cost of the referees’ fees shall be shared equally by the clubs involved with each match.
3. Club officials only are permitted to approach the referees at the start or completion of a game to deliver and collect the team sheet.
4. Referees’ reports required to be submitted onto the FWWRB website within 24 hours of a caution or send off.
5. Where a referee is not available or has not been appointed to a game, a Club referee may fill this role with the agreement of both teams. Club Referees shall have all the powers set out above.
6.
N. CAUTION CODES & POINTS SYTEM
Y1 a) Late Tackle........................................................................................................................................ 6
b) Deliberate tripping............................................................................................................................. 6
c) Deliberate handball to break up an attack................................................................................... 2
d) Foul tackle from behind................................................................................................................... 6
e) Holding an opponent to break up an attack................................................................................ 3
f) Deliberately impeding an opponent to break up an attack....................................................... 3
g) Heavy body charge........................................................................................................................... 4
h) Jumping at an opponent.................................................................................................................. 4
i) Dangerous tackle................................................................................................................................ 6
j) Pushing an opponent......................................................................................................................... 4
k) Elbowing an opponent..................................................................................................................... 4
l) Lateral sliding tackle (not taking the ball) and causing the opponent to fall ……………….6
r) Making unsporting remarks............................................................................................................. 2
s) Making unsporting gestures............................................................................................................. 2
t) Shouting to distract an opponent.................................................................................................... 2
u) Standing on an opponents foot...................................................................................................... 3
v) Using a colleague's shoulders to head the ball............................................................................. 1
w) Feigning an injury............................................................................................................................. 4
x) Conduct warranting a caution not previously specified............................................................ 2
y) Failure to leave the field for treatment of an injury................................................................... 3
Y2 a) Dissent by word................................................................................................................................. 2
b) Dissent by kicking the ball away.................................................................................................... 3
c) Dissent by throwing the ball away.................................................................................................. 3
d) Dissent by gesture.............................................................................................................................. 2
Y3 a)Persistently infringing the laws of the game................................................................................. 3
Y4 a) Standing on the ball to delay the restart of play......................................................................... 3
b) Kicking the ball to delay the restart of play................................................................................. 3
c) Holding the ball to delay the restart of play................................................................................. 3
Y5 a) Jumping to prevent taking of a throw in....................................................................................... 2
Y6 a) Entering the field without the referee's permission................................................................................. 1
b) Leaving the field without the referee's permission...................................................................... 1
Y7 a)Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's
permission............................................................................................................................................... 1
Accumulated caution points will lead to suspensions as per the schedule below:
Penalty Points Mandatory Games/Fixtures
Fifteen (15) during the season Two (2) games/fixtures
Twenty four (24) during the season Three (3) games/fixtures
Thirty (30) during the season Five (5) games/fixtures
Thirty six (36) during the season Seven (7) games/fixtures
1. In addition to the penalties outlined above, where any player accrues thirty (30) penalty points or more during the season, the player and his/her club will attend a Disciplinary hearing to determine if any additional penalty should be imposed against the player.
2......... All suspensions must be served in the rounds of matches immediately following notification to the club by Football Wagga Wagga.
3......... Caution points occurred in the league series will not carry over to the finals series. The termination of a competition season will be at the conclusion of the final series.
4......... If the competition season (league and final series) ends before a player has finished serving a suspension, the remaining suspension will be carried over to the next competition season(s).
5......... There will be no appeal against the receiving of a caution from the referee.
Match Cautions – Finals Series
Any player receiving two (2 ) cautions in the final series shall automatically stand
down the next fixture. If the player's team/ club has completed its final series
commitments the player shall stand down the first competition game in the
following season.
O. PLAYERS SENT OFF
A player shall be sent from the field for the following offences as prescribed for in the laws of the game;
R1 The player is guilty of serious foul play
R2 The player is guilty of violent conduct
R3 The player spits at an opponent or any other person
R4 The player denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoringopportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his or her own penalty area)
R5 The player denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
R6 The player uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
R7 The player receives a second caution in the same match
For the purpose of these Regulations, reference to a player during a match includes a substitute and a substituted player.
Players sent from the field shall incur a minimum one (1) match suspension. This one (1) match suspension is mandatory and is not subject to challenge, appeal or waiver by the Disciplinary Committee.
A player who has been sent from the field will not participate in another match on the same day.
P. REPRESENTATIVE PLAYERS
1. A player must be a registered with a Football Wagga Wagga affiliated club to be eligible to represent FWW.
2. Players can only represent Football Wagga Wagga in their own age group, being the age that they turn in that calendar year.
3. Representative commitments shall take precedence over club games.
4. A Representative player must commit to all training and games organised by FWW and the team Coach or Manager.
5. Players can be removed from FWW teams for disciplinary reasons or for not committing to attending training and games.
6. Player are selected to Represent FWW at the Riverina Branch Championships.
APPENDIX A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COACH REGISTRATION FORM
|
|
(all information to be printed)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PHONE NUMBER________________________________________
MOBILE NUMBER_______________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS
HAVE YOU COMPLETED PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION FORM ? YES / NO
ARE YOU AN ACCREDITED COACH? YES / NO
IF YES PLEASE SUPPLY ACCREDITATION NUMBER:
APPENDIX B
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANAGERS REGISTRATION FORM
|
|
(all information to be printed)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PHONE NUMBER________________________________________
MOBILE NUMBER_______________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS
HAVE YOU COMPLETED PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT DECLARATION FORM ? YES / NO
APPENDIX C
WAGGA WAGGA & DISTRICT AMATUER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
FOOTBALL WAGGA WAGGA
REQUEST FOR PLAYER TO TRANSFER
Players Name _________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth ____________________
FFA Registration Number ___________________
FWW Club Registered with _______________________________________________
FWW Club Transferring to _______________________________________________
Players Signature. ________________________________Date ____________________
Club Officials Signature __________________________Date_____________________