Child Protection Policy

Coach/Managers Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

• Remember, young people play for fun.
• Encourage players – do not ridicule them for anything they’ve done or not done.
• Make their time with you a positive experience, giving them equal attention and opportunity both on and off the field.
• Help young people understand how to play by the rules and to be a good sport at all times.
• Display self control and professionalism at all times.
• Make sure any physical contact you have with a young person is appropriate to your function as a Coach or Manager.
• Respect the rights and worth of every individual regardless of their gender or cultural background.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect decisions of match officials and influence young people to do the same.
• Children learn best by example, so show your appreciation of any good performance and skilful plays by any player during a game.
• St Clair United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any parent/spectator not complying with this code of behaviour. A 3 strikes and you’re out policy will operate at the discretion of the Management Committee. 1^st verbal warning, 2^nd written warning, 3^rd expulsion from the Club. No discussion will be entered into.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

• St Clair Soccer is committed to providing a safe & enjoyable experience for all members.
• Players should not participate in games, training or other Club activities either at Mark Leece Sporting Complex or whenever representing St Clair Soccer club whilst under the influence of Alcohol or Illegal drugs.
• Mark Leece Sporting Complex is an alcohol free area between 10.00pm & 5.00am (By order of Penrith City Council.
• Alcohol is not permitted within 10 metres of the fields.
• Please be discard rubbish in the bins provided.
• St Clair United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any member not complying with this code of behaviour.

Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct

• All players must get equal playing time. Each player is entitled to a fair go. There are no exceptions to these rules, irrespective of the division being played. The main emphasis is to have fun, players can’t do this sitting on the bench. It’s acknowledged that in any given game some players will get more time than others, however over the season – game time must be equal.
• For their safety no Juniors should not be left at training or games without a parent, guardian or relative.
• Shoes must be worn at all times due to the risk of broken glass etc on the fields.
• Shin-pads are compulsory for all games and training.
• Recognise the value and contribution volunteers such as Coaches, Managers, Committee, and Canteen/BBQ Helpers make to the Club. They give their time & resources to provide recreational activities for the children, so they deserve your support.
• Encourage children to work at improving their performance at training sessions, in games and at home.
• Provide support and encourage to both your child and others.
• Players are required to arrive for training and games with sufficient time to prepare themselves to start at the appointed time.
• Encourage children to play by the rules.
• Do not ridicule them for anything they’ve done or not done.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect decisions of match officials and influence young people to do the same.
• If you have a problem regarding team matters, you should contact the team Manager. If you cannot resolve the problem, please refer the matter to a Club Official. If you have a serious complaint, please direct this to a Club Official directly.
• Treat opposing players, officials and their supporters with courtesy & respect.
• You will be required to assist in the running of the canteen and BBQ from time to time. Please take this seriously – the canteen helps fund the activities & gifts the children receive at the end of the season. This responsibility should be shared among parents and should not the sole responsibility of the Coach and/or Manager.
• For the health and safety of others - please respect the no smoking policy.Penrith Council does not allow smoking within 10 metres of the fields and clubhouse.
• St Clair United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any parent/spectator not complying with this code of behaviour. A 3 strikes and you’re out policy will operate at the discretion of the Management Committee. 1^st verbal warning, 2^nd written warning, 3^rd expulsion from the Club. No discussion will be entered into.

Players Code of Conduct

• Play by the rules and understand the spirit of the game.
• Listen and co-operate with your coach and manager.
• Play to win and never set out to lose.
• Do you best, but play for the “fun of it”, not just to please parents, coaches or managers.
• Play fair to earn respect and to detest cheats.
• Do not argue with Officials, Coaches or Managers
• Refrain from sexual harassment towards fellow players, coaches and officials.
• Never argue with an official, captain, coach or manager who is there to maintain discipline and fair play.
• Control your temper and avoid verbal abuse, sledging or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent.Be honest with the coach concerning illness and injury
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team.
• Be a good sport and applaud all good plays.
• Accept defeat with dignity and don’t seek excuses for defeat or blame the Referee or anyone else.
• Promote the interests of football and encourage other people to watch it or play it fairly
• Treat all participants equally, and reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence and other dangers to our sport
• Help others to resist corrupting pressures and remind them of their commitment to their team and the game
• Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, coaches and officials.
• Denounce those who attempt to discredit our sport.
• Honour those who defend football’s good reputation with honesty and fairness and encourage others to act in the same way.
• Whilst wearing St Clair Strikers Team gear, in the interests of the community please display good manners and refrain from swearing.
• St Clair United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any member not complying with this code of behaviour. A 3 strikes and you’re out policy will operate at the discretion of the Management Committee. 1st verbal warning, 2nd written warning, 3rd expulsion from the Club. No discussion will be entered into.

Responsibilities of the Marshall

• There must be at least one Marshall for each team.
• Marshalls must be over 18 years.
• Must wear an orange vest for the duration of the game.
• Print & sign name on the team sheet – or a fine will be issued to the team.
• The duty of the Marshall shall be to see that St Clair Soccer Spectators, Coaches and Managers do not encroach on the sidelines or the field and see that good order is maintained.
• Should any incidents arise out of a game that requires consideration of the Management Committee (MC), each Marshall shall complete a written report into such incidents for the MC.
• The Marshalls shall appear at any inquiry as neutral witnesses if required.
• Where a game is played on a neutral field, it is the responsibility of the visiting teams to supply Marshalls for their game.

Smoking Policy

• St Clair Soccer supports the policy of Soccer NSW in banning 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.
• Smoking prohibited within 10 metres of the fields and Clubhouse (By order of Penrith City Council).
• Coaches & Managers – please refrain from smoking around children.
• Please put your butts in the bins provided.
• St Clair United Soccer Club reserves the right to expel any member not complying with this code of behaviour.