CLUB COACHES
HANDBOOK
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
Club Charter
Club Coaching Philosophy
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Expectations of Coaching Staff
Coaches Code of Conduct
Officials Code of Conduct
Player Code of Conduct
Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct
3. PLAYER MANAGEMENT
3.1
3.2
Player Selection Policy
Finals Selection Policy
4. CONTACTS
5. RESOURCES
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Coach Accreditation
Professional Development
Training Plans
Coach Meetings
Resource Library
6. APPRAISAL
6.1
Coach Evaluations
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.1
Procedures
8. TRAINING
9. WET WEATHER PROCEDURE
10. GAME DAY
11. CLUB EVENTS
11.1 Club & Team nights
11.2 Presentation Day
11.3 Awards
12. Injuries
12.1 Insurance for Injured Players
12.2 Dealing with Injured players & Rehabilitation
13. EQUIPTMENT
APPENDIX
(i) Code of Conduct
(ii) AFL Coaches Code of Conduct
(iii) Sydney Harbour Rules & By Laws
(iii) Skills Matrix by Age Group
(iv) Instructions to Operate ELS Flood Lights
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1





1.2
Club Charter
To provide a safe and friendly environment for junior footballers to learn the
fundamentals of playing football as a member of a team.
To develop individual skills so that teams may be competitive.
To provide an environment where junior players enjoy playing football.
To provide a welcoming environment to visiting teams where the focus is the
enjoyment of football.
To provide a welcoming environment to parents and family of players, to
engage them and ensure they are enjoying the experience and that they can
see their children develop their football skills.
Coaching Philosophy
To cater for the inclusion and development of all individuals whilst providing a
positive team and club environment that encourages participation, learning
and enjoyment by all involved.
2. CODE OF CONDUCT



2.1
To be fully aware of the clubs policies and procedures and to follow these
procedures and policies.
To attend Club Coaching meetings as wells as support club initiatives, including
recruitment planning at seasons end & recruitment drives at the beginning of
each season.
To be an accredited coach.
Expectations of Coaching Staff
2.1.1 The Role of the Coach as a Teacher



The development of all players’ skills, knowledge and attitudes.
Acknowledgement that all players are unique and have their particular
strengths and weaknesses, which need to be addressed.
Positively support and encourage players for their efforts helping to build
self esteem
2.1.2 Equity of Opportunity
The spirit of equity is that all players have the same opportunity to develop
and enjoy their football. We acknowledge that as our players
Move through the age groups the implementation of equity may vary. The
following points will apply for season 2013.
(Junior U9’s – U12’s)
Every effort should be made to ensure that all players have the
opportunity to play as much football as possible in relation to:
 The number of games played in a season.
 The on field playing time each week. Every effort should be made to
ensure each player plays a min. 3 quarters per game.
 Team managers are requested to keep notes on interchange
movements so that any issues raised by parents about the game time
their child has had can be resolved quickly and with documented
evidence.

Opportunity to be involved in the game while on the field.

Players should be rotated through differing positions to expand their
knowledge of the game and positional play.
All players must be on the field prior to half time and preferably by the
beginning of the second quarter.

(Youth U13’s – U16’s)

All points above except that it must be equitable over the season rather
than game by game.
2.2 Coaches Code of Conduct







Abide by the Code of Conduct for Junior Australian Football Clubs & the
AFL Coaches Code of Conduct (appendix 1 & 2)
Maximize enjoyment before winning.
Remember the age of your team – keep things in perspective.
Attain coaching accreditation and keep up with new ideas.
The consumption by coaching staff of alcohol prior to training and any match
that North Ryde Football Club is involved in will not be tolerated.
Communicate professionally with player’s parents about their child’s progress and
areas that may require improvement.
Coaches are required to report, to the committee, any official or spectator who
they believe are behaving in a manner which may reflect badly on the North
Ryde Football Club, as soon as possible
2.3 Officials Code of Conduct
 Abide by Code of Conduct for Junior Australian Football Clubs (appendix 1)
2.4 Players Code of Conduct
 Abide by Code of Conduct for Junior Australian Football Clubs (appendix 1)
2.5 Parents & Spectators Code of Conduct

Abide by Code of Conduct for Junior Australian Football Clubs (appendix 1)
3. PLAYER MANAGEMENT
At the very core of our club is the maintenance of equity of opportunity to play football. This
has a profound impact on the self-esteem of the child, the development of their skills, fitness
& understanding of the game. Two key policies have been developed & are now
mandatory3.1 Player Selection Policy
It is the goal of North Ryde Football club to field 2 teams in both U9’s & U10’s age groups
expected that all players will be rotated equitably. The primary goal for the children at this
age is to learn to play the game. Winning or losing is a secondary issue to the development
of children and teams and to that end the following points will apply when selecting teams
(Junior)





When there are enough players to field two sides in U/9’s & U/10’s, players will
be divided into two competitive teams by the two coaches at the start of the
season. These two teams will remain as a group for the duration of the season
unless some other eventualities dictate otherwise.
At the coaches discretion players are permitted to play up a year in U9s &
U10’s, however priority must be given to reaching adequate numbers to
achieve the club’s goal of having two teams in each of the age group.
Under 11’s players should play in their own age group (i.e. they turn 11 years in
that year), particularly if this is critical in achieving two teams in a lower age
group. Players in Under 11’s may play up a year if:
– They have the U11 coach’s support & in turn the U11’s coach has the
support of the committee.
– If this does not reduce ability to achieve 2 U10’s teams, or inflate U11
player numbers to the point where it limits game time unnecessarily.
Each team should comprise a “leadership” group of at least 4 to 6 players.
Children need leaders and will gain when there is on field leadership.
The leadership group should be marginally larger in the higher grade.
(Youth)







It is at these age groups players are now answerable for their football.
Players will be selected in each grade on merit, discipline and ability.
Players must play in their own age group from U12’s onwards.
Players may be promoted to the higher grade or demoted to the lower
grade.
The team selections will be made and any changes will be announced by the
coaches prior to the end of the last training session of a given week.
Coaches should ensure that players are given a full and frank explanation for
selection decision that is made.
If the coaches deem necessary parental consultation should also take place.
3.2 Finals Selection Policy
It is generally recognised that finals football is different from the home and away
games. The policy will be based on the following principles.



An opportunity for as many players as is possible to experience finals football.
An understanding that player selection and playing time for individual players
gives the team the best possible opportunity to win.
An understanding that the policy will provide coaches in the youth age
groups a greater scope for varying playing time for individual players than in
the junior age groups.
4. CONTACTS
Coaches
(Age Group)
Contact
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
Assistant
Coach
Contact
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
H:
W:
M:
Fax:
e-mail:
5. RESOURCES
5.1 Coach Accreditation
To coach within the league, it is mandatory that all coaches are accredited level one
coaches. As a club we endorse this policy and expect that all Assistant Coaches are
also Level One Accredited. The club will cover all costs incurred in Level One
Accreditation.
5.2 Professional Development of Coaches
The club appoints each year a Club Coach Co-ordinator who will attend various, AFL
run “train the trainer” sessions. It is the role of the Club Coach Co-Ordinator to bring
back key lessons & resources & then distribute them throughout the Club & to
develop a culture of continual improvement in Coach Knowledge & resource.
Coaches are expected to use the knowledge, the resources available & any other
means of development to aid in building a culture of continual Coach improvement.
5.3 Training Plans
A number of age specific training plans can be found within the Resource Library.
These training plans allow for coaches to use already constructed lessons or develop
their individual training plans using the templates provided.
5.4 Coach Meetings
The club conducts a number of Coaches Meetings throughout the year. Coaches
are expected to attend these meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to address
issues relevant to coaching at the football club, share resources amongst the
coaches and maintain a level of consistency amongst the coaches.
5.5 Resource Library
The club aims to develop on it’s website a resource library that allows access for all
coaches to various resources such as, training manuals, Skills & Drills, Books, DVD’s etc.
6. APPRAISAL
6.1 Evaluations
Evaluations should be conducted on all coaches within the club as an avenue for
continual improvement.
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.1 Procedures
There are three positions that need to be sanctioned by the committee:



Coach
Assistant Coach
Team Manager
In the event that a team needs to appoint a person to one of these positions, this
persons details need to be submitted to the Secretary of the Club prior to an
appointment being made.
8. TRAINING







Each North Ryde Docker’s teams have access to 1 training session per week.
North Ryde Docker have use of ELS oval No. 3 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays only
A training schedule will be developed & distributed at the start of each season.
Every effort will be made to ensure each team has adequate space, but ground
sharing is a reality & a community spirit is requested.
Lights will be required. These are activated by entering ground no. & length of
time required & then sms to a Ryde Council Phone number. Designated mobile
numbers only will have access to this light service
Access to the light service is given to the Coaches of the earliest training session
each day. It will be made known at the start of each year that these people are.
The ELS ground car park is padlocked. A key will be provided to the Coaches of
the earliest training session each day as well as to Ground Manager on game
days. It will be made known at the start of each year that these people are. Last
person to leave the ground on training nights & game day are required to lock up
9. WET WEATHER PROCEDURE

At wet weather hotline phone number is listed on the North Ryde Docker’s
website. A recorded service will advise if ELS oval is open for training & game day.
Coaches are to refer to this if field access is unknown. Opposition clubs have a
similar service otherwise; contact is to be made with their Coaches. Details of
opposition Coaches are usually found on that club’s website.
10. GAME DAY
North Ryde Docker’s home ground will always have a Game Day Ground Manager. It is the
responsibility of each Coach to be aware of whom this person is, each day. It is also the
responsibility of the Coach & Manager of each team to supply at least 2 volunteers:



Time Keeper
1 Goal umpire ( 2nd Goal umpire comes from opposition team)
A third volunteer may be required to set up the ground for play
For away games, each team is expected to supply 1 Goal Umpire.
Coach & Managers must supply 2 team sheets (filled out previously) for their team. 1 copy is
to be supplied to the visiting team Manager & the other team sheet should be supplied to
ground manager. For home game Coaches must also supply to umpires 1 (appropriate size)
game ball.
11. CLUB EVENTS
11.1 Club & Team Nights

All Coaches are expected to attend & promote club nights, especially where
Club fundraising is required.

Individual teams can organise their own ‘Team Nights’ according to the
coaches’ plans. There are many options for these nights, ranging from ‘pie
nights’ at the club to attending training at a senior club, or visiting alternative
training venues such as the pool.
11.2 Presentation Day
North Ryde Docker’s will host a presentation day 1-3 weeks after the conclusion of each
season. All are requested to attend. Club elections are sometimes held on the same day.
11.3 Awards
Individual team awards are at the discretion of the Coach, however Auskick & U/9’s are to
be focussed on participation, rather than performance. U/10’s can bring in elements of
performance & U/11’s & upwards are generally performance based. Guidelines for awards
to be handed out for U/10’s upwards are:





Best & Fairest
Best & Fairest Runner up
Johnny Docker Award (Coaches discretion)
Anchor Award (for most consistent/ best club person)
Coaches Award (Coaches discretion)
To ensure fairness, it is advised that for Best & Fairest awards, points are tallied each week for
best 3-5 on ground (taking in fair play as well). 3 points for best play, 2 for 2 nd best & so on.
Top point scorer at the end of the year is awarded Best & Fairest.
Awards should also include thanks for Coaches & particularly, for Team Managers.
12. INJURIES
12.1 Insurance for Injured Players
The club has limited cover for injuries incurred whilst playing (Public Liability Insurance).
This covered under the National Insurance Cover. In the event of an injury, the player must
inform his coach or team manager immediately. Further details regarding the policy can
be gained by contacting the secretary of the club.
All families are strongly encouraged to have their own private medical cover. We would
strongly recommend that all families have Ambulance cover.
12.2 Dealing with Injured Players and Rehabilitation
Prevention of Injury.
Many injuries can be avoided by implementing the following:
 Ensuring all players is wearing a mouth guard. This is compulsory for all North Ryde
Players.
 Ensuring that all players are adequately warmed up and prepared for the game.
 Ensuring that the ground conditions are suitable for safe play.
During the Game.
The welfare of players during the game is an important responsibility that the club and
the individual teams need to ensure. For this reason every team should have in
attendance at least one person who can assist with First Aid needs.
In the event of an injury a player needs to be immediately removed from the field and
the injury fully assessed. Most minor injuries will be treated on the spot, however in the
event of more serious injury an ambulance may need to be called, or the player taken
to a hospital or doctor.
Ideally the qualified first aid positions should be filled by parents. Any parents interested
in assisting in this area should contact the Junior Coordinator.
Follow Up.
It is important that discussion occur with parents of the player to ensure that appropriate
follow up to an injury occurs (In particular soft tissue injury). It is the responsibility of the
parents to ensure that appropriate follow up treatment occurs.
Under no circumstances should a player with a head injury be left alone or fail to be
checked out by a doctor.
13. EQUIPMENT
At the commencement of each season, Coaches will be provided the below list of
Equipment which Coaches are to hold on to, for the duration of the season.
1. TRAINING BALLS & a PUMP
2. TRAINING HATS/MARKERS
3. COACHES MAGNETIC FOLDER/BOARD
4. FOOTBALL JUMPERS
5. OFFICIAL GARMENTS (goal umpires jacket, 2x goal flags, coach’s bib, manager’s
bib)
6. FIRST AID KIT WHICH COACHES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLENISHING
The first aid kit should contain the following items:Torch, scissors, sling, pins, bandages, band aides, wads, eye pads, eye bath, sterile
water, cotton buds, cotton balls, gloves, savlon, betidine, tissues, gauze, thin tape,
wide tape, electrical tape, blood tape, whistle, pump and connection and an ice
pack..
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE UNDER THE VERANDAH AT ELS OVAL
IF YOU REQUIRE OTHER EQUIPMENT OR FIRST AID SUPPLIES PLEASE CONTACT PROPERTY
MANAGER.
ALL PROPERTY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE PROPERTY MANAGER AT THE END OF THE
SEASON.