OSFC BEHAVIOURS - CODES OF CONDUCT

PLAYERS

  • Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from your team or the opposition and shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the game – win, lose or draw.
  • Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
  • Always respect the umpire’s decision.
  • Never become involved in acts of foul play.
  • Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship and respect the traditions of the game.
  • Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other players, officials or supporters.
  • Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.
  • Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.
  • Recognize that many officials, coaches and referees are volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.

PARENTS, SUPPORTERS AND OFFICIALS

  • Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.
  • Encourage participation, but don’t force it.
  • Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning.
  • Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support, not denigrate
  • Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators. Physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
  • Recognise the contribution of all volunteers, who are giving up their valuable time to ensure the game can be played.
  • Never publicly criticise umpires – raise personal concerns with club officials in private.
  • Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your family and yourself if you do, and many such comments are actually now illegal.

PLAYERS’ EXPECTATIONS – FROM THE PLAYERS

To all new players, OSFC is not only a proud club on-field, but we are a very proud club off field. We are known for being at the top of the VAFA for decades and our social side of the club allows players access to great functions and a gathering place for all. All events are open to playing members and a lot of the time these will also be open to your friends. As a valued member of our playing group, you are the core of what everything runs for, but that doesn’t mean that everything is run by others for you. The club is funded by its players, members and sponsors and is run by volunteers. Thus, it is integral that you treat the clubrooms, the events and all stakeholders of the club as if they are your family as you are now a part of theirs.

The rooms are expected to be tidied after every training, game day and social function. We do have regular cleaners that come in, but as you would at your own house please do all you can to keep the place as tidy as possible. Many hands make light work.

There is a Gym that has been provided to you by the past players of the football club. This gym can be accessed by any current playing member of the club and the code will be provided to you via the admins of our social group, leaders of the club or members of the committee. If you use weights, please put them back on the rack once used.

Every player pays Subs to play at the football club and that entitles you to all the great facilities that we have at our disposal. It also includes a meal every Thursday night for those who train. Please be aware that there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to keep this great club alive and many people doing too much work without much help. If you ever feel that you can help out with little things or want to jump on and help more, the club, players and committee will be much appreciative.

We are always looking for volunteers so encourage your parents, family and friends to become involved.

If everyone did this, the club would run more smoothly, and all players will experience the best possible club we can be.

We love Old Scotch and we know you will too.