SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND THUNDER
FOOTBALL CLUB
PS4 NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUES
PLAYER
MANUAL
2015
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
Page 1 of 18
Contents
Message from the President
Page 3-4
Player conduct and behaviour
Page 5-6
Player consequences
Page 7
Dress regulations
Page 8-10
Uniform Standards
Page 9-10
Training Sessions
Page 10-11
Training/ Playing Equipment Kit
Page 11-12
Team Coaches
Page 13-14
Team Managers / Helpers
Page 14-15
Injuries/Illness/Medical emergency
Page 15-16
Player Forms
Page 16
Competitions costs
Page 17
Codes of conduct / Behaviour
Page 18-23
Complaints procedures
Page 24-25
MY Football Club Registration
Page 26-28
Player/Parent agreement
Page 29
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
Page 2 of 18
Message from the President – Anthony Bigby
Dear Thunder Player
I wish to congratulate you on your selection as a South West Queensland Thunder player for the
2015 season, playing in the PS4 National Premier Leagues (NPL)
Being selected to represent our club at the elite level is something you should feel very proud of
achieving and is testament to your hard work and dedication to the game thus far. Your
selection carries with it tremendous responsibility for your conduct and behaviour both on and
off the field are a direct reflection of how our club is viewed by the wider public. It is now up to
you to be prepared to work to the best of your ability, not only for yourself, but also your team,
the other players in the squad and your Coaches.
It is imperative that you have a positive and supportive attitude to the Club and this must be
reflected in your behaviour both on and off the field of play.
The competition you are about to enter will pitch you against the very best players in
Queensland and as such I challenge you to rise to the competition standard and see how far
your football Journey can take you.
Your memories of your time as a Thunder player is precious and not guaranteed however we
hope your experiences will stay with you for many years to come. Your career pathway in
Football will only be as rewarding as You make it, so always aim to give your best, and most
importantly enjoy yourself whilst achieving it.
This Players Manual has been prepared to assist you and your parents with information that you
need to be aware of. If you have any questions regarding this manual, please ask your Coach or
Assistant Coach for assistance.
I wish you luck this season and welcome you to the Thunder.
Anthony
Please note that you will also be given a Athlete Profile to complete. Please complete all
information and hand back to your Manager as soon as possible
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
Page 3 of 18
PLAYER CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR
1.0 As a Club elite player, your standard of behaviour on and off the field MUST be of a very
highest standards. You are now representing your club and participating in the NPL and as such
you are an ambassador for Football Queensland, and the Thunder.
REMEMBER : That your actions will ALWAYS reflect an image that other people will
remember you by. Below are some important rules for you to follow at ALL times.
1.1
1.2
TRAINING.

Foul or abusive language is NOT permitted

Pushing, shoving, or hitting other players (even as a joke) is NOT permitted.

Always listen, and don’t talk when your Coach/Assistant is speaking.
ON THE FIELD

Never argue with the referee or assistant referees

Never argue with your fellow team players

Never argue with opposition players

Never criticize your fellow team players.

Never act on any advice from sideline spectators.

Never use foul or abusive language (or gestures) towards another player or
Official
1.3

Always obey the Referee’s decision.

Always listen to the advice or instructions from your Coach or Team Captain.

Always encourage and be supportive of your fellow team players efforts.

Always shake hands with your opposition before and after the game.

Always play the game in a fair and sporting manner.
OFF THE FIELD (At home/At School/At Work)

Never argue with or criticize other players from your team or other team.

Never use foul or abusive language or gestures, even if you think no one is
around.

Never criticize or make fun of any other player, or person, when watching other
games etc.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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1.4

Always be polite and use good manners towards others.

Always respect other peoples personal belongings or property at all times

Always listen to the advice or instructions from your Coach, Assistant Coach
PLAYER CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR - CONSEQUENCES
The Club will take a firm line with all players when the code of conduct is breached.
Players can expect consequences to their poor behaviour resulting in a range of
measures.

It is probable that from time to time spirited players will get involved in “Tom
foolery” or simply become unruly

It is quite possible that the standards expected of players in the team context,
will be different to that which they experience at home. Players will need to
understand clearly, that it is the standards the Club sets which will apply. Should
any player or parent/s be unable to accept the standards set by the Club, the
alternative is to remove the player from the team completely.

If so, in the first instance. Players will be cautioned.

If continued, the player will take no further part in training or the game, and the
matter will be referred to the Club

Depending on their behaviour, the player will ultimately be suspended from a
game situation for a specified time.

If bad behaviour persists players will be asked to leave the Club elite player
program and

Players & parents will be advised of this approach once the selection process is
finalised.
DRESS REGULATIONS
2.0 Players are expected at all times to be dressed in a presentable manner, whether at
training or games. The following will give you a guide as to what dress standards are expected
of you
2.1
TRAINING.

All players are expected to be neat and tidy in appearance, with shirts tucked in
at all times.

A training strip is compulsory to be purchased to be worn to all training sessions.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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
Closed in foot wear (not football boots) MUST be worn to and from all training
sessions. NO BARE FEET or thongs

2.2
Shin pads MUST be worn at all times while you are training
ON THE FIELD.

Playing Shirts must be tucked in at all times

Socks must always be pulled up.

Only Thunder playing strip is to be worn during games. (No other socks/over
socks/shorts)

Players MUST NOT remove or lift playing shirts after goals have been scored

Jewellery including watches, rings, earrings, necklaces is to be removed.

Shin Pads MUST be worn at all times
2.3
OFF THE FIELD.

When wearing your Thunder Club gear, shirts must be tucked in, and the player
must be of a tidy appearance

When in Thunder gear, you must always wear appropriate foot wear (NO BARE
FEET or THONGS)
2.4
UNIFORM STANDARDS
Playing Socks

This is now a FIFA Rule- If tape or similar material is applied externally, it must
be the same colour as that part of the socks it is applied to.

SWQ Thunder standards for ALL our teams are that any Shin Guard Straps worn
on our socks or lower leg are the same colour of the playing socks.

Don’t wear ankle socks over your playing socks

Don’t pull playing socks up over your knees
SKINS - The following guidelines apply.

If skins pants are worn they MUST be the same colour as the pre-dominant
colour of the shorts. They can be seen, as long as they are same colour. All our Shorts
are Royal Blue & Gold, skins must be Royal Blue or similar Blue or Gold.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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
Players can also wear long leg skins that come down past their playing shorts, as
long as they are the same colour as the playing shorts.

If skins are not the same colour as the shorts they must be tucked up beneath
the hem of the shorts. They should not be visible whilst the player is standing
stationery, jumping, running. If player goes in for a slide, & skins are seen, they
will most probably be asked to remove them.

Upper body skins are now being used more often and conditions also apply to
them. If the garment has short sleeves and cannot be seen under your jersey,
you can wear a different colour. If the garment has long sleeves then it should be
the same colour as the predominant colour in the sleeves of the playing jersey.
TRAINING SESSIONS
3.0
Your training session times, dates and venues will be
advised by your Coach as early as possible.

If you cannot attend training you MUST inform your Coach or Assistant, as early
as possible. Contact numbers will be provided to all players.

You should always try to be at training sessions ½ hour prior to the session start
time. This will allow you adequate time to prepare for the session (eg. Put on
boots, shin pads, and to warm up)

You will be given instructions on how to warm up and stretch properly.

Prior to training sessions, players should not go onto the field and kick balls, have
shots at goals etc. unless permitted by the Coach.

Your Coach/Assistant will record your attendance at all training sessions.

Jewellery as above is not to be worn during training sessions.
TRAINING / PLAYING EQUIPMENT KIT.
4.0
It is your responsibility to ensure your training/playing gear is
in a ready to use condition prior to training or games. Your
training/playing kit should include the following;

Football boots

Shin pads/Shin straps (Colour matched to socks)
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
Socks

Hat

Water Bottle/s

Sunscreen

Spare Boot laces

Insulation tape if required (Colour matched to socks)

Towel & toiletries (Compulsory for after match routine)

Change of Clothes

Tracksuit

Thongs for showering after games if available
4.1
Important things to REMEMBER and do;

Always arrive and depart training /games wearing closed
in casual footwear (NO THONGS), then change into football boots.

Keep all your gear together in your kit bag. Bag and Gear to be clearly named

Bring enough water for yourself for all sessions

Keep your gear clean & ready to use, so after training/games, make the effort to
clean your gear you have used.

If you bring valuables to training (watches, money, phone), it is your
responsibility to look after them. Keep them secured in your kit bag, or perhaps
ask your Manager to hang onto them. You are, however ultimately responsible
for all your possessions
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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TEAM COACHES
5.0
SWQ Thunder FC has appointed your Coach for this season, who will help you as players
achieve a level of game skill.
5.1
Your Coach will develop training sessions in line with the National Curriculum and under
the guidance of the Club Technical Director will develop a season plan to conform with the
expected outcomes of the elite player pathway. Sessions will be designed based on their
knowledge of the game and their education under the community or elite coach training
pathway. Coaches are selected on merit and are instructed to help you achieve your potential as
a footballer.
5.2
Decisions may have to be made by the Coach at times, that ensure the best
opportunities for the team as a whole - Matters such as the starting team, player positions and
substitutions for each game are all factored in when building a team for a particular game. The
Coach has been directed by the Club to field the most appropriate team at all times.
5.3
Players sometimes become unsettled because they have challenges with the position
they are being asked to play or are feeling uncomfortable with the group. In this instance,
Parents or Players are encouraged to direct any concerns or problems directly to the Team
Assistant Coach as early as possible.
5.4
It is the responsibility of the Assistant Coach to advise the Coach when appropriate, of
any genuine concerns and continue to liaise with the parent or player about such concerns.
Parents are requested not to approach the Coach while he is working with the team.
5.5
Your Coach is part of the team, and is there to help YOU, the player as much as
possible. As a player, if you have a problem with anything concerning training or games, contact
your Coach/Assistant as soon as possible and talk to them about it.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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TEAM MANAGER/HELPER:
6.0
The Thunder will appoint a Team Helper to assist with the general admin associated with
running an Elite Team in the NPL. This person’s role is a volunteer position within the Club who
has been asked to the following tasks:
Liaison person for players and parents

Passing on information, between Club/Coach and the team

Passing on information between parents, players and the Coach

Looking after and caring/washing of playing Strip.

Being aware of player illnesses/ injuries

Recording of new injuries.

Game preparation for the team- Forms/paperwork required

Assist with fundraising if applicable.
Your Team Manager/Helper is just as much part of the team, as the players themselves. He/She
may require your assistance from time to time. It is your responsibility to do as you are asked
promptly and with courtesy.
INJURIES AND ILLNESSES:
7.0
INJURIES.
Unfortunately, injuries will occur during the season. It is important to
make your team Coach and Assistant Coach aware of any injuries you may sustain during
training or games as soon as possible. Even if the injury seems only minor, it is best to let them
know so precautions can be taken to avoid making the injury worse.
Your Assistant Coach or Team Manager/Helper will complete an Injury Report Form, for any
injuries sustained during training sessions, and will contact parents accordingly.
Your coach has a duty of care for the team players, and may suggest you take no further part in
training or games due to the nature and extent of the injury. The Coaches duty of care extends
to you as well – meaning you are required to look after yourself.
In some cases, a Doctors certificate may be requested before allowing you to return to training
or play.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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Parents are requested to inform the Coach, if their child sustains an injury elsewhere that may
hinder the player’s performance at training sessions.
7.1
ILLNESSES. Please indicate on your Football Queensland Athlete profile form of any
illnesses or medical problems. Please alert your Coach immediately should an illness or Medical
problem becomes evident during any session.
7.2
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.
Football is a contact sport and from time to time
accidents and emergencies occur. The Club Coaches / Team Assistants will take all reasonable
steps to deal with a medical emergency unless a Parent intervenes and takes control of the
situation. When a Club Medical Professional is present, the Medical professional will take control
of the medical emergency until such a point that the Player is handed to either the Emergency
Services (Ambulance/Paramedic) or for walking emergencies, handed to the Parent or Guardian
to be taken to Hospital.
7.3
PLAYERS FORMS.
All Thunder players are to complete the Football Queensland Athlete Profile form. The form is
to be returned to your Team Manager/Helper by the 15th February.
COMPETITION COSTS
8.0
The Club has extensive overheads which require payment in advance. These
costs go towards Player registration, Insurance, Coaches/Assistants allowances/clothing,
hire of training venues/light usage, referees fees.
SWQ Thunder FC has set Costs for 2015 as follows8.1
Fees for 2015 Season are $1250.00 are payable by Sponsorship, Cheque or
Direct Bank Deposit before commencement of weekly competition. Payment plans are
available on request.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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SWQ THUNDER CODES OF CONDUCT / BEHAVIOUR
9
Players Code of Conduct / Behaviour

Always Play by the rules

Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or
manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.

Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players,
deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted
behaviour in any sport.

Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team's performance will
benefit so will you.

Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or
the opposition.

Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take
unfair advantage of another competitor.

Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there
would be no competition.

Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and
coaches.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their
gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Smoking, drinking of alcohol, smoking or taking on non-prescription drugs is
strictly forbidden.

Abide by the Club/FQ Sunsafe policy

Advise Team officials of any injury (or treatment) and maintain a personal written
log for the Club.

Be a good ambassador for the game, your Club and your family.
REMEMBER: Bad conduct or behaviour may result in your removal from the Team. This
may mean being sent home from competition or training games.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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10
Parents Code of Conduct / Behaviour

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

Focus on the child's efforts and performance rather than winning or losing

Assist in setting realistic personal goals related to his/her ability.

Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle
disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.

Encourage players to recognize the value of an honest effort so that the result of
each game is accepted with undue disappointment

Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances
and skilful plays by all participants.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

Respect officials' decisions and teach children to do likewise.

Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without
them, your child could not participate.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their
gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Notify Team officials and supervise the maintenance of a written log of any injury
or treatment needed by the players as a result of Club activities.
REMEMBER: Inappropriate conduct or behaviour may result in you being sanctioned by
the club and banned from attending fixtures in the future. The Club will not tolerate any
inappropriate behaviour and you are expected to show the highest standards at all times.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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11

Spectators Code of Conduct / Behaviour –
Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit,
not yours.

Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams.
Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game's
outcome.

Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.

Never ridicule or unduly scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive
comments are motivational

Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches,
officials or players.

Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.

Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials' decisions.

Do not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including the
use of obscene or offensive languages or gestures, the incitement of hatred or
violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting.

Consumption of alcohol at junior sporting events is strictly forbidden, other than
in clearly marked or approved bar areas.

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their
gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
REMEMBER: Inappropriate conduct or behaviour may result in you being sanctioned by
the club and banned from attending fixtures in the future. The Club will not tolerate any
inappropriate behaviour and you are expected to show the highest standards at all times.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
12.0 Any person may report a complaint about a member if they reasonably believe
that this member has breached or otherwise engaged in unethical or inappropriate
conduct or behaviour.
SWQ Thunder will;

Deal with any complaints seriously, sensitively and confidentially and in
accordance with the Complaints Handling procedure.

Keep complaints confidential and will not disclose information to another
person, without the complainant’s consent, except if required by law or if
disclosure is necessary to effectively deal with the complaint.

Recognize that natural justice is the minimum standard of fairness to be
applied in the investigation and adjudication of a complaint.
Complaints Handling Procedure
12.1 If a minor disagreement or minor complaint surfaces within the team regarding your
son/daughter, another player, Coach or Manager, the complainant shall initially attempt to
resolve this situation within your team.

If you have a complaint regarding players - you are required to contact your
Manager

If your complaint is with your Coach - you are required to contact your Manager

If your complaint is with your Manager - you are required to contact your Coach
If that attempt does not provide a satisfactory or reasonable outcome, the complainant may
notify the SWQ Thunder General Manager and make an informal complaint.
12.2
Serious or Sensitive complaints. If the complaint is of a serious or sensitive
nature, the complainant shall notify the SWQ Zone Administrator and make an informal
complaint.
12.3
Informal Complaints procedure. Any informal complaint must be submitted
on the appropriate form and returned signed to the Club within two days of notifying the Club
General Manager. In the event of an informal complaint, the Club;

Shall acknowledge the receipt of such complaint.

Will assist the complainant to resolve the complaint including the suggestions of
possible solutions.

Will maintain strict confidentiality.
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
Will notify appropriate authorities or the police if required to do so.
If the Informal process does not resolve the complaint to the complainant’s
satisfaction –
12.4 The Complainant will submit a formal complaint on the appropriate form and return it
signed to the Club Administrator. The Club will then appoint an appropriate person to
investigate the matter.
12.5 The Club representative will attempt to mediate the complaint or if necessary refer the
complaint to a Club’s disciplinary committee.
The Club will notify the complainant of the outcome.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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SWQ Thunder FC - Self Registration Guide
Please follow the following instructions to register online for our club:
1. Login:
a) Go to the MyFootballClub website: www.myfootballclub.com.au
b) Click on “Register Now”
c) Select “Player Registration”
d) Follow the prompts to proceed to login pages, find your FFA number and/or reset your
password
e) Login using your FFA number and password:


FFA Number:
Password:
2. Start Registration
a) Once logged in, select “Make a Registration” or “Register Now”
b) Update contact details if necessary.
c) On the next screen, enter the club name (South West Queensland Thunder - NPL
(Club))
NB: If you get a message saying there are no packages then click OK and check the club
name
d) Select the Registration role as: “Player”
NB: If this is the first time you have registered to play football in Australia you will need to
confirm whether you played in another country
e) Select the correct Registration Package that applies for your registration.
f)
Click the “Add” button.
g) Click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.
h) Read and acknowledge the Terms and Conditions then click Next.
i)
Click on “Pay Now” to pay online with a credit card - VISA or MasterCard (You incur a
2.3% transaction Fee ), or select “Manual Payment at Club” if you want to pay Direct Bank
Deposit or Cash.
NB: Payment must be made before a registration can be accepted.
j)
Answer the questions on the final page and click the “Save All Answers” button.
Your registration has now been submitted. Make sure you have paid your fees and completed
any necessary ID checks, etc.
3. Where do I go if I need help with my registration?
If you have any trouble with your registration you can use the following resources to helpyou.
 Visit the FAQ’s page on the MyFootballClub website.
 View the Player Registration guides and videos which are on the Resources page of the
MyFootballClub website.
Call FFA Support Centre (02) 8020 4199 if you are having problems with your password to login.
South West Queensland Thunder Football Club - Player Manual NPL 2015 – 11/2/2015
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PLAYER / PARENT AGREEMENT:
This agreement is to be signed by you the player and your parents/Guardian to meet all
financial commitments and abide by the Clubs Code of conduct / behaviour.
Cut---------------------------------------------------------------------------Cut
Please sign this agreement and return to the Team Manager/Helper
We, ______________________________________________________________
PRINT PLAYERS NAME
and______________________________________________________________
PRINT PARENTS/ GUARDIANS NAME
of _______________________________________________________________
ADDRESS
Postcode__________
Phone ( _______________) Mobile (_______________)
We have read and understand the Code of Behavior, and agree to abide by it or accept the
consequences. We abide by the Club Policies, and to make the necessary financial payments to
the Club.
______________________________________________
PLAYERS SIGNATURE
_____________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
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