TTGDFC
Junior Football
Handbook
Season 2013
Welcome to season 2013
On behalf of the junior committee, I welcome you all to the Tea Tree Gully Football Club for 2013. This
year we will field 22 junior teams from Under 6s to Under 16s comprising of nearly 500 players which
makes us one of the largest junior sporting clubs in Australia.
Our aim is to provide competitive teams for all players to play in regardless of age, size or ability as well
as provide a welcoming and safe environment for players, parents and friends to either take part in
training and playing or socialising amongst their peers.
After the success of 2012 where we had a record number of teams play in finals and our club winning the
award for the best club in the Association, we will all have to work hard to maintain our standing in the
competition. I can assure you that the committee will strive to make this happen.
We have a very energetic and enthusiastic group of Coaches and Team Managers that take the time to
ensure that our children have the best possible experience playing for the Gullies. It is very important to
make their jobs easier by ensuring that players get to training and games on time or are notified of any
absences. Help with official duties on game day, setting up and packing away equipment and help on the
BBQ are also important to the club so please don’t be backward in coming forward to help out.
Throughout the season there will be various social and fundraising events organised such as the Quiz
Night, Red and Black Ball, Major raffle, 100 TEN Kickathon etc. I urge you all to embrace these activities
as they are vital to the clubs ongoing success. They are also a great way to help the wider community
outside of the football club.
With this being the second year of the merger between NEMJFA and CDJFL, I am very confident that the
running of the association will be much smoother this year which will in turn help us with the running of
our club. We are also looking forward to having the use of the new change rooms for Bulkana Oval for
the first time this year.
Please take the time to read through this handbook and use it to become familiar with the various
policies and codes of conduct as well as all that The Gullies has to offer for your child and your family.
This year we have included the Associations policy on Cyber bullying as well as a clarification on the
Building Levy.
I wish everyone all the very best for 2013 and look forward to seeing you around the club at training and
on game days.
Go The Gullies!!
Yours sincerely,
Ian Payne – Junior President TTGDFC
Phone 0488 980 377
1
Committee Contacts
Executive
Ian Payne
Steve Hittmann
Mark Brooks
Julie Armstrong
Junior Committee Members
Damien Heffernan
Gavin Turner
Craig Ricciuto
Simon Nappa
Pete Smith
Rebecca Sinclair
Pam Lloyd
Toni Air
Alissa Lemar
Tanya Jones
Cheryl Robinson
Jodie Elphick
Kate Dix
Cathy Brooks
Jill Hallandal
Sub Committee Members
Mark Carroll
Mark Trepka
Germaine Rowberry
Gary Purdie
Michael Armstrong
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Registrar
0488980377
0488997322
0401099327
0413581395
U11-U16 Football Manager
U6-U10 Football Manager
Sponsorship
NEMJFA and Tribunal Delegate
NEMJFA and Tribunal Delegate
Team Manager Liaison
General/medal votes
Fundraising
Fundraising
Fundraising
Merchandise
Fundraising/Quiz Night
General
General
General
0401776509
0417886519
BBQ Supplies
Equipment & Property
Scores
BBQ/Quiz Night
General
Season 2013 Player Registration
Sporting Pulse online senior registration is compulsory in 2013 and the juniors will follow in 2014.
Therefore, in preparation, all existing Tea Tree Gully Junior Football Club players registered in season
2012 will register online in 2013.
New Registrations, transferring players and reactivating players are required to attend registration day
and complete and sign an official registration form which will be retained by the club whilst your child is
a player. All new registrations must also pay a minimum $50 deposit per player and provide proof of
identification. This can be: birth certificate, student Id, passport, CAFHS book, Baptism certificate or
school card or letter.
Online Registrations will open on January 10th, 2013. As in 2012, all players who pay in full by Monday
February 11th will receive a $10 per player discount. If not paying in full, a minimum $50 per player
deposit is required by registration day, with the remaining balance to be paid prior to your child playing
round 1 on May 3rd or 5th. This policy has been implemented in 2013 to ensure that your child is insured
whilst representing TTGDFC.
Registration instructions including the sporting pulse link will be available on our website;
www.gullies.com.au. Please contact Steve Hittmann 0488 997322 or Julie Armstrong 0413581395 for any
2
assistance. We can also be contacted by email: [email protected]. For those families unable to
register online, please attend registration day.
Online Registration Payment Options
Option 1: Credit card (incurs 3.48% fee) Complete the registration online and pay by credit card on the
final page of the registration process. Please note that Sporting Pulse charges a non-reimbursable
percentage fee of 3.48% of the amount due to forward your payment to us.
Option 2: Bank transfer (with payment code) Complete the registration online until you reach the
payment by credit card screen, close the browser and then pay fees by direct bank transfer. This can be
done through your internet banking. When using this option you MUST include your payment code so
that we can identify you and validate your registration. Your Payment code is: player’s date of birth as a
6 digit number and surname. i.e. to register Joe Bloggs born on 29th April, 2000, the code would be:
290400Bloggs. The Tea Tree Gully Junior football Club account details are: BSB: 105-117 Account
number: 042107340. If your full surname does not fit in the description box, please provide at least the
first 5 letters. Failure to supply your correct payment code could result in your payment becoming ‘lost in
the system’. Please remember to also keep a copy of your internet receipt as this will be essential for
tracking your payment if details were not included. Please note that as all committee members are
volunteers it will be the payee’s responsibility to track any lost payments.
Option 3: Post cheque or credit card authority Complete the registration online until you reach the
payment by credit card screen, close the browser and then post your Credit Card Pre- Payment Authority
(posted to you early in January) or cheque to: PO Box 832, St Agnes, SA, 5097.
Option 4: Pay in person with, cash, credit or cheque (eftpos available) at Registration Day Complete
the registration online, choose the pay later option and attend registration day in person to pay by cash,
cheque or credit card.
Fees for Season 2013
Player Numbers from same
Pay in full
Pay by3rd May (minimum $50
family
by 11 Feb 2012
per player due 11 Feb)
st
1 player
$160.00 + $30*
$170 +$30*
2nd player
$140.00
$150
rd
3 Player
$90.00
$100
4th Player
$40.00
$50
Under 18’s
$170.00
*A building Levy of $30 per family is payable to cover the servicing of the loan for renovations
A $10 discount per player is available to all families who pay registration in full by 11 February 2013.
Registration fees are required to be paid in full before the start of Season 2013 (Friday 3 May 2013). Non
financial players will not play until all fees have been paid.
Building Levy
In August 2009, work commenced on renovating and extending the TTGDFC clubrooms and change
rooms. This work was carried out at a cost of approximately $1.2 million dollars. 50% of this cost was
paid by a federal government grant. 25% was paid by the Tea Tree Gully council and the remaining 25%
was paid for by the Tea Tree Gully Sportsman’s Club.
3
In order for the Junior Football club to be able to meet its portion of the repayments, it was motioned
and carried at the 2009 Annual General Meeting that a $30.00 building levy would be imposed on every
junior and senior family each year until such time as the loan was paid off in full. This was implemented
as a safe guard in case circumstances affecting the football clubs ability to raise the necessary funds to
repay the loan occurred, as a reduction in player numbers or a reduction in fundraising money.
In order to be transparent with our members, it was decided that we would separate the registration
fees from the building levy on the schedule of fees. The $30.00 building levy is a compulsory charge to
all families that register a child/ children to play football at the TTG Junior football club. Non payment of
this levy renders the season fees unpaid. As a result, penalties may be imposed where a player is unable
to play competitively until all fees and levies are paid in full. For any further information, please feel free
to contact Steve Hittmann 0488 997322 or Julie Armstrong 0413581395.
Registration Day
Registration days for season 2013 will be held on Sunday 10th February 9am-1pm, and Monday 11th
February 6pm – 8pm only at TTGDFC, Pertaringa Oval, Steventon Drive Banksia Park.
Age Groups
TTGDFC will field sides in all age groups from U6 – U16 in season 2013. Eligibility for age groups is based
on player’s year of birth as per table below
Year of Birth
Age Group Eligible
2007 and 2008 (includes both 5 and 6 year olds). Under 6
Players must turn 5 before being allowed to play
2006
Under 7
2005
Under 8
2004
Under 9
2003
Under 10
2002
Under 11
2001
Under 12
2000
Under 13
1999
Under 14
1998
Under 15
Born after 1st of July 1996 and 1997
Under 16
*Original Proof of age Documentation will need to be sighted for all new players*
Season Start
NEMJFA round one for this season will start on Friday 3rd May and Sunday 5th May, 2013, first week after
the school holidays. Your teams draw will be available during April 2012 and can be accessed at
www.nemjfa.com.au.
Training commencement dates are at the discretion of the Team Coach and you will be contacted with
specific details.
Trial Games
U7/U8 Teams will participate in a Lightning Carnival - Date and venue to be advised. U9 Teams will
participate in a Lightning Carnival – more details will be forwarded closer to the season start date.
4
U10’s – U16’s will participate in a minimum of two trial games before the start of the season - Dates to
be advised.
Uniform
TTGDFC Junior players will be provided a TTGDFC guernsey before the start of the season; these are to
be worn only for games. All guernseys remain the property of the TTGDFC and must be returned at the
end of each season. Parents/caregivers are responsible for the reimbursement cost of lost or damaged
guernseys.
TTGDFC shorts and socks will be available for purchase from Sportspower Golden Grove, Village
Shopping Centre, Golden Grove.
Game times
Friday Night Games are generally held at 6.10pm and 7.30pm. Sunday Games are usually held as follows;
Under 6 – 9
9.30 am
Under 10 – 11
10.40 am
Under 12 - 13
12.00 noon
Under 14 – 15
1.20 pm
Under 16
3.00 pm
Players must arrive for games at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Check with Team
Coach or Manager for more details.
Coaches and Team Managers
All Coaches, Team Managers and Committee members are volunteers. All Coaches have a minimum
Level 1 AFL coaching accreditation. Coaches, Team Managers and other support staff must have
undertaken a current Police Clearance and completed the ‘play by the rules’ Child Protection Online
training certificate.
Ground Details
TTGDFC Oval 1– Pertaringa Oval, Steventon Drive, Banksia Park.
TTGDFC Oval 2 - Bulkana Oval, Spring Cresent, Banksia Park.
Car parking is available at the grounds, as well as street parking surrounding the grounds. Speed limits
are enforced within the TTGDFC grounds. The club ovals are used heavily during the season both for
games and training for senior and junior grades.
Club Facilities
The TTGDFC Canteen is open on game days for hot food, snacks, hot and cold drinks. The BBQ is also
operational on game days for hot foods such as sausages, steak sandwiches, bacon and egg sandwiches,
and cold drinks.
The Clubrooms feature a licenced bar serving tap and bottled beer, softdrinks, wines and spirits. The bar
is open during game days and on most training nights. Evening hotel-style meals are also available at the
club on busy training and game days. See inside the clubrooms for menus and opening times. The lucky
5
wheel is spun on Friday evenings, for those who wish to purchase a number. More information will be
available soon.
BBQ
All teams will be rostered on to work behind the BBQ for 2-4 hour shifts throughout the season (All
takings go directly to the TTGDFC Juniors). Duties include cooking, serving customers, using the till, and
cleaning the BBQ area at the end of the day. Any adults can assist during these shifts and your assistance
is appreciated. Children are discouraged from being in the BBQ area. See your Team Manager for details
and times.
Junior Development Policy
Tea Tree Gully District Football Club is committed to the ongoing development of all players throughout
their junior playing career, preparing them for senior football and/or SANFL/AFL. The Committee and
Coaching Staff have designed and implemented an approach to the development of players throughout
various age groups. It is the aim to develop and review the steps though an ongoing progression and to
enhance this policy in the following areas:
U6s to U10s inclusive
• Ensure all children receive a fair and even go.
• Rotated equally around the ground only limited by size and not ability.
• Equal time on and off the bench.
• All players are given every chance to develop.
U11s to U13s inclusive
• Ensure all children receive a fair and even go.
• Rotated equally around the ground only limited by size and not ability.
• All players are given every chance to develop.
• It is our aim that players receive a minimum of ¾ match time during the season. Should a team
make any finals, match time will be at the discretion of the team coach.
U14s to U16’s inclusive
• It is our aim that players receive a minimum of ½ match time during the season. Should a team
make any final, match time will be at the discretion of the team coach.
Players must:
•
Attend all training sessions (notify your coach/team manager if you cannot attend, as soon as
possible).
•
Misbehaving at training will not be tolerated and may result in offending players missing games.
Concentration and participation is important at all sessions, for all the players.
The club will endeavour to:
• Reward those players committed to training at their coaches’ directions.
• Conduct training in non-preferred side of body for all grades (eg. Left foot and right foot)
• Train players in tackling from Under 9s.
• Have TTGDFC senior players attend selected training nights.
6
Players may be required to play at various levels throughout these age groups eg: NEMJFA teams, SANFL
Development Squads.
Committed players will improve their own game.
Grading
There is no grading in age groups U6-U10. In age groups U11 – U16 there NEMJFA has committed to 3
Divisions – Red, Blue and White.
TTGDFC’s aim is to have competitive teams in all age groups no matter what division. Players are
encouraged to voluntarily try out for higher division teams or decide to move into a lower division side if
interested. Most grading decisions are handled collaboratively between coaches, players and parents;
however should an issue arise the final decision will rest with the Football Managers.
Awards, Trophies and Presentation Day
During the season each team will be provided with a number of encouragement awards which will be
handed out to players at the coaches discretion.
At the end of the season all U6 and U7 are awarded a participation trophy.
For grades U8 to U10, selected players may be awarded an individual trophy such as Coaches Award,
Steve Carson Award, and Most Improved. All other players will receive a participation trophy. Individual
trophies are handed out at the Coaches discretion.
For grades U11 to U16 in addition to the awards described above a Best and Fairest and Runner-up Best
and Fairest trophy will be awarded. These awards are decided by coach and parent votes collected
throughout the season.
Presentation Day is held after the season has finished (Date TBA) and all players and families are
encouraged to attend and celebrate the end of the season. The day includes trophy and award
presentations for all players, show rides, food, drinks and entertainment. In addition to Presentation
Day, team managers and coaches may arrange an end of season team function at their discretion.
Fundraising and Events
Information on upcoming events and fundraising activities will be posted on the TTG website, on club
noticeboards and will be promoted through Team Managers. 2013 events will include a Quiz Night,
major raffle, the Red and Black Ball, and 100Ten Kickathon.
Also new in 2013, members will be emailed regular correspondence directly from the TTGDFC committee
focusing on news and upcoming events; therefore it is essential to notify the registrar or secretary with
any changes to email addresses.
Heat and Inclement Weather Policy
7
TTGDFC has adopted the NEMJFA and SANFL Hot and Inclement Weather Policy as below
Hot weather requirements include:
a) Training sessions and matches, including pre-season trial matches, shall be cancelled if the forecast
temperature published in the Advertiser or Sunday Mail on the day the training is proposed to occur
or the match is proposed to be played is 34°C or greater.
b) Coaches and team managers shall provide additional drinks breaks during training sessions, trial
matches and minor round matches and actively encourage junior players to remain hydrated when
the temperature is forecast above 25°C.
c) The coach and/or team managers should modify or terminate the training activity if they consider
the conditions unsafe for the players.
d) If in their opinion of the field umpire(s) the temperature and humidity conditions have become
unsafe for the players they shall advise both team managers that they consider the conditions
unsuitable for play and shall terminate the match.
Inclement weather requirements include:
a) The field umpire(s) shall stop the match and order the players from the field if inclement weather
conditions which they consider poses a safety risk to players and officials develop during the match.
b) The match shall restart when the field umpire(s) deem conditions to be safe to do so. The match
shall be shortened to comply with rule.
c) These rules also apply to Trial Games where there is an Official Umpire appointed by the
Association.
Codes of Conduct
PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
 If children are interested, encourage them to participate. Do not force an unwilling child.
 Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event.
 Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory. Never ridicule or yell at a child for
making a mistake.
 Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
 Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
 Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child
could not participate.
 Respect officials’ decision s and teach children to do likewise.
 If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than
question the officials’ judgment and honesty in public.
 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability,
cultural background or religion.
SPECTATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
 Children play organised sport for fun. They are not professionals and are not playing for the
entertainment of spectators.
 Applaud good performances and efforts from each team.
 Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
 Condemn the use of violence in any form.
 Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or
officials.
 Do not consume alcohol outside of designated areas, and please refrain from smoking around
players whilst in their huddles at the various breaks.
 Be aware of the difference in aims between adult sports programs and children’s sports programs.
8



Place in proper perspective the isolated incidents of un-sporting behaviour rather than make such
incidents the “highlight” of the event.
Focus upon children’s fair play and their honest effort.
Never ridicule or scold a player.
OFFICIALS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
 Modify Rules and regulations to match the skill level of children and their needs.
 Compliment all the participants on their efforts
 Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
 Use common sense to ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost through over
emphasizing errors.
 Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour.
 Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the
principle of growth and development of children.
 Create opportunities to teach appropriate sporting behaviour in all grades.
 Encourage and promote rule changes that will make participation more enjoyable especially in the
lower grades, and above all ensure skill learning is a priority.
 Place safety and welfare of the participants above all else.
 Give all young people a “fair go” regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
COACHES’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
 Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
 Teach your players that the rules of sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or
break.
 Wherever possible, group players of equal ability to give a reasonable chance of individual success.
 Avoid over playing the talented players. The “just average” players need and deserve equal time.
 Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their
motivation.
 Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes.
 Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and
ability of the players.
 The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into consideration the
maturity level of the children.
 Develop respect for the ability of opponents, the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.
 Encourage children to develop skills and discourage over specialising in any one playing position.
 Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence
training or competition.
 Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and current
accreditations.
 Create opportunities to teach appropriate sporting behaviour as well as skills.
 Ensure that skill learning has priority over highly structured competitions for young children in lower
grades.
 Prepare children for interclub competitions by providing instructions on the skill of football.
 Make children aware of the fitness value of football and its life long recreational and social benefits.
 Help children understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between
fair and unfair play.
 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability,
cultural background or religion.
PLAYERS CODE OF BEHAVIOR
 Learn the rules of the game and play by them at all times.
9






Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or team manager approach
the official during a break or after the competition.
Distracting or provoking opponents or verbally abusing players and officials is not permitted.
Work hard for your team. Its performances will benefit and so will you.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are your team or the opposition.
Treat all players, as you would like to be treated.
Cooperate with your team officials and fellow team mates.
Failure to adhere to your responsibilities will result in action taken in line with the NEMJFA “Zero
Tolerance Policy”
Grievance Policy
Any party with a legitimate concern about TTGDFC Junior Coaches/Team Managers/Runners etc is asked
to follow the grievance policy outlined below.
In the first instance any issues should if appropriate be raised directly with the relevant Coach / Team
Manager. If that fails or you are not happy with the outcome, the next step is to contact Football
Managers, Damien Heffernan or Gavin Turner. If this is not possible then next speak to an Executive
Committee Member, or address your concerns in writing to the committee at PO Box 832, St. Agnes SA
5097.
Ian Payne
President
0488 980 377
Steve Hittmann
Secretary
0488 997 322
Mark Brooks
Treasurer
0401 099 327
Julie Armstrong
Registrar
0413 581 395
The Executive Committee will endeavour to resolve the problem after speaking with all parties
concerned, as soon as possible. The entire matter, if correct procedure is followed, should be resolved
satisfactorily within several days of the Executive Committee being informed.
It is preferable to minimize the number of people involved.
Throughout all junior grades, the Junior Football Committee can review bad sportsmanship or poor
behaviour at club functions and/or games as reported by Officials or Committee members.
When circumstances warrant player/s will be suspended from playing for one or more matches and/or
parents will be suspended from using our club facilities.
TTGDFC is committed to being a Child Safe Environment and any abuse will be dealt with in accordance
with TTGDFC Member Protection Policy
Cybersafety Policy
TTGDFC have adopted a cybersafety policy from the SA Community Football League (SACFL) as below
Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube can be a great way for clubs to
provide information, promote their sport, their activities and successes. As with off‐line communities,
some social media users can act anti‐socially and show disrespect for their online community with little
consideration of the social and potentially legal implications. Issues like bullying and harassment,
unwanted or inappropriate contact, uploading of inappropriate or offensive content can cause issues for
individual club members or the club involved.
10
TTGDFC promotes cybersafety by recommending that you;
 Use the privacy settings
 Keep your private information private
 Think before you post any content, video, images or text, online. You can put it up, but you can’t
necessarily take it down.
 Ask before posting images or stories about others. What you see as harmless fun may be
embarrassing and humiliating for them and create a poor club image
 Don’t project an undesirable self‐image of yourself or the club
 Choose your online friends wisely. Others’ inappropriate views and behaviours can reflect badly on you
and the club.
 Communicate with others as you would do offline, with courtesy and respect.
 If you think someone is being bullied or harassed online, speak out.
 If club members are involved speak with your coach or club official. The club will not tolerate this
behaviour
RATIONALE
The SA Community Football League (SACFL) has an obligation to maintain a safe physical and emotional
environment for league officials, staff, registered players, umpires, coaches, club members, parents,
spectators and sponsors. This responsibility is increasingly being linked to the use of the Internet and
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and has seen the emergence of a number of related
Cybersafety issues. The Internet and ICT devices/equipment bring great benefits to all users and to the
effective operation of the SACFL, individual leagues and clubs. The SACFL places a high priority on the
acceptable use of ICT devices/equipment which will benefit members however; it recognises that the
presence in the sporting arena of these technologies can also facilitate anti‐social, inappropriate, and
even illegal behaviour and activities. The SACFL aims, therefore, to maximise the benefits of these
technologies, while at the same time to minimise the dangers and manage the risks.
POLICY
The SACFL and its member clubs encourage effective and safe Cybersafety practices which aim to
maximise the benefits of the Internet and ICT and allow for the effective operation of the SACFL and
member leagues and clubs, whilst minimising and managing any risks. The SACFL takes seriously its
responsibility in providing robust policy and guidelines for its members in relation to what is deemed
acceptable and appropriate online behaviours. The League and/or club name, motto, crest, logo and/or
uniform must not be used in any way which would result in a negative impact for the league or club and
its members. Members of the SACFL and its clubs have a responsibility to ensure that all online
communications are in keeping with the leagues expectations in relation to appropriate and respectful
interactions with officials, coaches, umpires, players, parents, spectators and sponsors. Players will not
post inappropriate comments about individual SACFL or club members which if said in person during the
playing of a game would result in disciplinary action being taken.
IMAGES OF CHILDREN
In South Australia under the Summary Offences Act 1953 a person must not engage in indecent filming.
Images of children and adults should not be used inappropriately or illegally. Wherever possible, obtain
permission from a child’s parent/guardian before taking an image of a child that is not their own and
ensure that the parent knows the way the image will be used. The privacy of others needs to be
respected and clubs should disallow the use of camera phones, videos and cameras inside changing
areas, showers and toilets. Clubs or Associations displaying an image of a child should avoid naming or
identifying the child or, wherever possible, avoid using both the first name and surname. Do not display
personal information such as residential address, email address or telephone numbers without gaining
consent from the parent/guardian. Additional information such as hobbies, likes/dislikes, school, etc
should not be included as this information can be used as grooming tools by paedophiles or other
11
persons. It is the responsibility of the organisation to only use appropriate images of a child, relevant to
the sport and ensure that the child is suitably clothed in a manner that promotes the sport.
CYBERBULLYING
“Cyberbullying is a way of delivering covert psychological bullying. It uses information and
communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour, by an individual or
group that is intended to harm others.” (Belsey 2007) Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the
following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, racially vilifying or threatening another
person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e‐mail messages, instant messages, text
messages, phone messages, digital pictures or images, or Web site postings (including social network
sites e.g. facebook or blogs) and the sending, receiving and/or possession of naked or sexually explicit
images of a person. Club members must also be aware that postings from their individual accounts,
whether done by themselves or another person will remain the responsibility of the account owner. All
members of the SACFL and individual clubs must be aware that in certain circumstances where a crime
has been committed, they may also be subjected to a criminal investigation by Police over which the
league and/or club will have no control. This particularly applies to ‘sexting’ where the image is of a
person under the age of 18 years whereby Police will be informed immediately a club becomes aware of
the situation.
PROCEDURE
SACFL and/or club officials or members who feel that they have been the victims of such misuses of
technology should save and store the offending material on their computer, mobile phone or other
device. They should then print a copy of the material and immediately report the incident to the relevant
club/league representative. All reports of cyberbullying and other technology misuses will be
investigated fully in accordance with SACFL Regulation 5.0 and may result in a notification to Police
where the SACFL, league or club is legally obliged to do so. If the SACFL and/or individual League’s
executive receives a complaint about an online issue, the allegations will be forwarded to the relevant
League Investigation Officer. If there is evidence, charges will be laid and the complaint will proceed to
the league’s Independent Tribunal, exactly the same as if the investigation relates to physical violence or
other reportable offences.
PENALTIES
Any proven charges will automatically lead to a minimum of a two (2) match suspension for a registered
player. In deciding the final penalty, consideration will be given to the seriousness of the act, the impact
on the victim, the impact on the club/league/SACFL and the prior good history or otherwise of the
player. Players charged with these types of offences for a second or subsequent time and where a
suspension has been previously imposed will face deregistration. Any player presented before the
tribunal for the first or subsequent time on a cyberbyullying offence must be aware that the penalties
available to the tribunal members will cover the complete range including deregistration. In the case of a
non playing club member being proved to have engaged in harassment or bullying, the club employing,
engaging or otherwise associated with the person a the time of the conduct shall be deemed to be
vicariously liable for the conduct of the person and shall pay to the League a penalty to be determined by
the league.
Important terms used in this Cybersafety document:
(a) The abbreviation ‘ICT’ in this document refers to the term ‘Information, Communication and Technologies.
(b) ‘Cybersafety’ refers to the safe and responsible use of the Internet and ICT equipment/devices, including mobile
phones
(c) The term ‘ICT equipment/devices’ used in this document, includes but is not limited to, computers (such as
desktops, laptops, PDAs), storage devices (such as USB and flash memory devices, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, iPods,
MP3 players), cameras (such as video, digital, webcams), all types of mobile phones, video and audio
players/receivers (such as portable CD and DVD players),Gaming Consoles, and any other, similar, technologies as
they come into use.
12
Club Song
Please take the time to learn the TTGDFC Club Song and sing it whenever possible
We are the Gullies,
We are the Team,
We can’t be beaten,
This must be seen,
At the end of the season,
You’ll know the reason,
We are the premiership team,
WOOF! WOOF!
13