Code of Conduct

The focus of South Perth United juniors program is to ensure players have a positive football
experience and develop their skills in a fun, safe environment. As such, South Perth United has an
emphasis on fair play for all players regardless of skill level, experience and talent. This includes:
● Equal opportunities for players to experience all positions.
● A focus on equal playing and training time for all players, regardless of skill level.
● An equal distribution of talented players amongst teams when there is more than one
team for a particular age bracket. Depending on need, players might be requested to
play on a different team once in a while.

South Perth United’s Seniors Program aims to provide a safe, fun environment for players to develop
their skills at a pace suited to them. We recognised that senior players have a variety of motivations
for playing football including; competing at a high level; developing technical skills; keeping
physically and mentally fit; and socialising. South Perth United has a variety of senior teams to cater
for a variety of motivations and each teams’ individual philosophy is influenced by the players and
the coach.
What is consistent across all men’s and ladies teams is the importance of a cohesive, supportive and
positive attitude by all players, coaches, volunteers and spectators.

● Never be aggressive towards a player for making a mistake or for not winning.
● Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
● Operate within the rules and spirit of football and teach your players to do the same.
● Any physical contact with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary
for their development.
● Display respect and professionalism to all players, opponents, coaches, officials,
volunteers, parents and spectators.
● Verbal abuse or threats towards opponents, coaches, officials, volunteers or spectators
is not acceptable under any circumstance.
● Physical violence will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
● Encourage your players to display respect and professionalism to all opponents,
coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators.
● Coaches are not to be over the legal limit of alcohol or under the influence of illicit
drugs.
● Support injured or sick players and follow the advice of a physician when determining
whether an injured or sick player is ready to recommence training or playing a game.
● Work to be the best coach you can be for the club. This includes working and
collaborating with other South Perth United coaches and attending relevant coaching
courses and development opportunities.
● Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player, opponent, coach, official,
volunteer and spectator regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability, cultural
background or religion. Discrimination and disrespect will not be tolerated.

● Play by the rules of football.
● Players should never argue with referees or match officials. If you disagree with a
decision, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official on your behalf.
● Players are not to be under the influence of illicit or performance enhancing drugs while
playing. When you are on the pitch you are representing South Perth United and our
sponsors. Drug use will not be tolerated.
● Verbal abuse or threats towards opponents, team mates, coaches, officials, volunteers
or spectators is not acceptable under any circumstance.
● Deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted
behaviour.
● Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit
and so will you.
● Be a good sport and play with a positive attitude regardless of the outcome of the
game.
● Physical violence will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
● Respect and listen to strategic decisions and instructions made by your coach. They are
volunteers and are there to help develop you and your team. If you disagree with their
decisions, approach them in a respectful manner at an appropriate time (not in the
middle of a game). However, coaches are not obligated to take your advice.
● Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player, opponent, coach, official,
volunteer, parent and spectator regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability,
cultural background or religion. Discrimination and disrespect will not be tolerated.
● Have fun!

● Remember that players participate in football for their enjoyment and benefit, not
yours.
● Verbal abuse or threats towards players, coaches, officials, volunteers or spectators is
not acceptable under any circumstance.
● Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all football activities.
● Respect the decisions of officials and encourage players to do likewise.
● Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, we could
not participate in football.
● Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player, opponent, coach, official,
volunteer, parent and spectator regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ability,
cultural background or religion. Discrimination and disrespect will not be tolerated.

In the event of a disagreement or conflict between two South Perth United members the following
conflict resolution will be followed.
● Parents, players, coaches or volunteers may contact any committee member to raise a
concern or difficulty.
● The committee will discuss potential options for a resolution which may include moving a
player to a different team or holding a discussion between the two parties mediated by the
Vice-President or President.
● The committee will suggest a resolution process to the two parties to be discussed and
decided upon.
● In the case of major or on-going breaches to the code of conduct the committee reserves
the right to ask individuals to leave the club (see “breaches to the code of conduct” below).
The committee will collectively make decisions to ensure a balanced outcome that prioritises the
wellbeing of members and the club. The committee is always open to having conversations about
improvements around the club but please understand that we will not always be able to keep
everyone happy. Please respect the decisions of the committee.