Code of Conduct

The Wembley Vets Football Club (WVFC) Code of Conduct is intended to ensure that the club creates a culture based on “Footy for Kicks” where all members can enjoy their participation in AFL Masters football.

The overarching purpose is to ensure WVFC retains members, increases enjoyment amongst current members, and fosters an environment that attracts new members, so the club continues to grow and thrive.

The Code acknowledges that values, behaviour and boundaries are likely to be broad-ranging and differ amongst a large group of individuals. While some of the behaviour requirements may seem obvious, there have been times at WVFC and other clubs where they have not been displayed.

By setting these parameters, the club seeks to centre the culture around our unifying enjoyment of the sport and the camaraderie we all seek and enjoy.

Specifically, the Code aims to:

Set clear expectations:

The Code sets clear expectations for behaviour and standards of conduct for all members. This ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them, and what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable.

Promote positive behaviour:

The Code promotes positive behaviour and sportsmanship. It encourages members to be respectful, fair, and ethical in their interactions with others, and to strive for excellence in their football performance.

Increase safety:

The Code helps ensure the safety of all members by setting rules and guidelines for appropriate behaviour. This can help prevent injuries and other accidents.

Build team cohesion:

The Code helps build team cohesion by promoting a shared set of values and expectations. This helps create a sense of unity and purpose among team members.

Protect the club’s reputation:

The Code protects the club’s reputation by setting high standards for behaviour and conduct. This can help ensure that the club is viewed as a positive force in the WA Masters community and a good role model for other clubs, and the community more broadly.

General Behaviour

Members must:

• Never engage in any type of violence, or threaten violence, either on or off the field
• Not behave in any way so as to bring the player, AFL football, the AFL Masters, or the Club into disrepute
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion
• Actively seek ways to support the club and volunteer for duties within the balance of family and work commitments
• Actively engage with new club members to make them welcome
• Where practicable, identify and offer support to members who may be struggling with club, family or work aspects of their life
• Use common sense to keep issues that are known to be highly-charged, socially sensitive, sexual in nature, or divisive outside the club environment
• Recognise and avoid the boundary between friendly banter and rivalry, that is an inherent
• part of enjoying sports, and divisive comments or actions that tend towards abuse or become personal in nature
• Must show due regard for the property and facilities of the club
• Lead others and call out behaviour that is not keeping with this Code of Conduct

On-field Behaviour

Players will:

• Honour the ethos of “Footy for Kicks” by competing to a level that increases enjoyment, but doesn’t become aggressive or dangerously physical
• Recognise that not all opponents have equal fitness or skill and adjust their level of physical play accordingly to avoid reckless contact and injuries
• Display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, family and spectators
• Never argue with or dispute a decision of an official, rather go through the club hierarchy
• Control their emotions, and not engage in verbal abuse of officials, sledging players and/or
  coaches or behaviour that deliberately distracts or provokes an opponent
• Foster camaraderie between clubs by helping opponents when they are injured, acknowledging and apologising if they have created dangerous play, and leading other
  teammates away from conflict
• Actively display good sportsmanship by shaking hands before and after games with players
  and umpires, fetching and returning the ball after a goal, helping a player who is down to their feet and other simple interactions within the game.