Club Policies

Coaches Code of Conduct

All DLSOCAFC Coaches will:

• uphold the AFL Coaches’ Code of Conduct. (summarised below )
• maintain an AFL Coach Accreditation appropriate for the level of players that are being coached
• comply with the all Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Policies and Guidelines including but not limited to:
  • Team selection and Game Day guidelines
  • Team Formation Guidelines
• Abide by and teach the AFL laws of the game, and the rules of the club and league
• comply with all reasonable and appropriate instructions from the DLSOCAFC Committee
• Consider the safety, physical and mental wellbeing of their players and abide by the judgement of any suitably qualified training staff as to the welfare of a player, including the concussion policy of “if in doubt, sit them out”.

The AFL Coaches Code of Conduct

• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Football, by refraining from any discriminatory practices including, but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnic background, special ability/disability or sexual orientation, preference or identity
• I will abide by and teach the AFL Laws of the Game and the Rules of my Club and League/Association.
• I will be reasonable in the demands I make on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and wellbeing.
• I will be supportive at all times and will refrain from any form of personal or physical abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
• I will have due consideration for varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing practice schedules, activities and involvement in competition.
• I will stress and monitor safety always.
• In recognising the significance of injury and sickness, I will seek and follow the physician’s advice concerning the return of injured or ill players to training and games.
• I will endeavour to keep informed regarding sound principles of coaching and skill development, and factors relating to the welfare of my players.
• I will at all times display and teach appropriate sporting behaviour, ensuring that players understand and practise fair play.
• I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.
• I will ensure that players are involved in a positive environment where skill-learning and development are priorities and not overshadowed by a desire to win.
• I reject the use of performance-enhancing substances in sport and will abide by the guidelines set forth in the AFL Anti-Doping and Illicit Drugs policies.

Breach of this Code of Conduct

Supporters’ Code of Conduct

De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club (DLSOCAFC) is committed to providing men and women with the opportunity to play an enjoyable and competitive game of Australian Rules Football in a safe and supportive environment. This code of conduct has been developed to give supporters an understanding of their responsibilities to ensure these objectives are met.

All DLSOCAFC Supporters will:

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals, by refraining from any discriminatory practices including, but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnic background, special ability/disability or sexual orientation, preference or identity
• Respect umpires, officials and players by refraining from behaviour which may bring disrepute to the Club by:
  • Not abusing umpires, players or officials.
  • Controlling your temper and refraining from utilising inappropriate language which may impact the enjoyment of the game by others
  • Not deliberately provoking opposition players or officials including umpires
  • Avoiding any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory.
• Respect the facilities and the equipment provided.
• Not consume alcohol during VAFA games except at officially designated events.

Breach of this Code of Conduct

Any supporters who bring the DLSOCAFC into disrepute through breaching this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave the grounds by a Club Official.

This Supporters Code of Conduct was endorsed by De La Salle Old Collegian Amateur Club Committee at its meeting on 12/ 07/ 2021 and remains in affected until rescinded or replaced.

VAFA Player Code of Conduct

For a copy of the VAFA Player code of conduct, please download from the VAFA website here.

Grievance Procedure Concerning an Alleged Breach of Code of Conduct

The following procedure has been developed by De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club (DLSOCAFC) to ensure complaints against the Club’s Code of Conduct are dealt with in a consistent, respectful manner and the rights of both parties are considered.

Formal Complaint

A complaint concerning a coach, club official or player who has allegedly breached the Code of Conduct must be directed to the Club Secretary who will refer the matter to the Club appointed Grievance Officer/s.

All complaints concerning a breach of Code of Conduct shall:

1. be in writing
2. identify the person against whom the complaint is made
3. set out specific details of the complaint and provide examples of how they have breached the Code of Conduct
4. identify the name and address of the complainant
5. be signed by the complainant

The Grievance Officer will determine whether the complaint is made in the proper form as set out above and comes within the scope of the Code of Conduct policy. If the Grievance Officer determines the complaint does not comply with the above, the complainant will be informed in writing and may submit a corrected complaint.

Notification

Within seven days of the formal complaint being received, the Grievance Officer will provide confirmation of receipt of the complaint to the person against whom the complaint is made.

Investigation

The Grievance Officer will investigate any allegations made by the complainant which may include meeting/contacting them personally or persons who may have witnessed the alleged breach of conduct.

The person the complaint has been made against shall have 7 days to respond to the complaint in writing or in person to the Grievance Officer.

Whilst the investigation is occurring the Grievance Officer may impose conditions and restrictions on both or either parties to protect individuals which must be complied with.

Additionally, the Grievance Officer may seek the assistance of a colleague to investigate any allegations or rebuttals made

Determination

The Grievance Officer will consider the complaint and response to determine whether:

• the complaint is to be dismissed or further investigation is required,
• the complaint is upheld, or
• where intervention or disciplinary action is deemed appropriate, make recommendations to the Club Executive, or a grievance panel where established, concerning any sanctions/conditions to be imposed.

All final determinations made by the Grievance Officer and agreed should be confirmed in writing

Appeal Process

Any appeal to the decision made by the Grievance Officer must be made to the Club Secretary in writing and within five days of the Grievance Officer’s written determination.

Where an appeal is lodged the Secretary will notify the Investigating Grievance Officer and the Club President and/or Vice President, in consultation with Club’s Executive Office bearers, shall appoint an appropriate panel of 3 to hear the complaint.

The Panel is to be made up of impartial persons who have had no prior involvement in the matter or direct relationship with the parties.

The majority decision of the panel will be final.

Any sanctions/conditions recommended by the Grievance Officer will remain in force pending the outcome of an appeal.

This Grievance Procedure was endorsed by De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Club Committee at its meeting on 12/ 07/ 2021 and remains in effect until rescinded or replaced.

Social Media and Communications Policy

Introduction 

Social media offers the opportunity for people to gather in online communities of shared interest and create, share or consume content. The De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club (DLSOCAFC) recognises the benefits of social media as an important tool of engagement and enrichment for the clubs and associated members. All Players, club officials and associated members are expected to behave and express themselves appropriately, and in ways that are consistent with the DLSOCAFC’s codes of conduct and the values of the club, including but not limited to:

• Respect
• Fairness
• Safety
• Sportspersonship and team support
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Inclusiveness
• Respecting diversity
• Promote the philosophy that “How you play” is more important than “Winning”

1.0 Purpose 

This policy aims to provide some guiding principles to follow when using social media and digital communications. The intent of this policy is to include anything posted online or shared digitally where information is shared that might affect members, colleagues, clients, sponsors or the DLSOCAFC and bring it or its members into disrepute. 

2.0 Scope

This policy applies to all of the DLSOCAFC community, including members, players and support staff or associated parties (parents and/or supporters) or any individual representing themselves or passing themselves off as being associated with DLSOCAFC. This policy covers all forms of social media. Social media includes, but is not limited to, such activities as:

• Maintaining a profile page on social or business networking sites (such as, but not limited to LinkedIn, Facebook, Shutterfly, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter);
• Content sharing, including but not limited to, Flicker (photo sharing), Canva and YouTube (video sharing);
• Commenting on blogs for personal or business reasons;
• Personal and corporate websites
• Leaving product or service reviews on retailer sites, or customer review sites;
• Online votes and polls; 
• Taking part in conversations on public and private web forums (message boards);
• Editing a Wikipedia page;
• Email; or
• SMS / MMS

3.0 Guiding Principles

The social media sphere is not an anonymous one and it should be assumed that posting or uploads, things that are written or said can be traced back to an individual or group. All members of the DLSOCAFC community must respect the Club’s values and ensure its intellectual property or its relationships with sponsors and stakeholders is not compromised, or the organisation is brought into disrepute.

3.1 Usage 

When using social media and communications the following expectations should be adhered to:

• Must not contain, or link to, libellous, defamatory or harassing content. This also applies to the use of illustrations or nicknames.
• Must not comment on, or publish, information that is confidential, defaming, insulting or in any way sensitive to the DLSOCAFC, its members, or its affiliates, partners or sponsors, or other VAFA clubs or members.
• Must not bring the DLSOCAFC into disrepute.
• May not use the DLSOCAFC brand, images to endorse or promote any product, opinion, cause or political candidate unless approved by the Executive Committee or directed as part of their role; and it must be abundantly clear to all readers that any and all opinion shared are those of the individual, and do not represent or reflect the views of the DLSOCAFC.
• In addition, DLSOCAFC members must not breach the VAFA Social Media Policy.

3.2 Official websites, social pages and online forums

For websites, blogs, social pages and online forums:

• When creating a new website, social networking page or forum for staff/club member use, care should be taken to ensure the appropriate person has given consent to create the page or forum. 
• The Secretary will keep a record of such permissions. Similarly, appropriate permissions must be obtained for the use of logos or images. 
• Images of minor children may not be replicated on any site without the written permission of the child’s parent and/or guardian.
• Posts must not contain, nor link to, pornographic or indecent content;
• All material posted or linked to must be consistent with values and support diversity and inclusion and not vilify or discriminate.
• Some hosted sites may sell the right to advertise on their sites through ‘pop up’ content which may be of a questionable nature. This type of hosted site should not be used for online forums or social pages as the nature of the ‘pop up’ content cannot be controlled.
• All materials published or used must respect the rights of other members and the copyright of third parties. As such, it should be considerate of others in such circumstance and should not post information when they have been asked not to or consent has not been sought and given. They must also remove information about another person if that person asks them to do so.

3.3 Consideration towards others when using social networking sites

Social networking sites allow photographs, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. As such members of the DLSOCAFC community must recognise that it may not be appropriate to share photographs, videos and comments in this way. 

4.0 Breach of Policy 

The DLSOCAFC monitors online activity in relation to the club and its members. Detected breaches of this policy should be reported to the DLSOCAFC President. If detected, a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action from the DLSOCAFC Executive Committee. If it is found that the player in question breached the policy then penalties will be imposed which range from a warning or suspension, to immediate de-registration  

Advice

Should any member of the DLSOCAFC community requiring consultation or advice on this policy or wish to report a breach of this policy please contact the DLSOCAFC President.

Privacy Policy

This following document sets forth the Privacy Policy for the De La Salle OCAFC website.

De La Salle OCAFC is committed to providing you with the best possible customer service experience. De La Salle OCAFC is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Crh), which sets out a number of principles concerning the privacy of individuals.

Collection of your personal information

There are many aspects of the site which can be viewed without providing personal information, however, for access to future De La Salle OCAFC customer support features you are required to submit personally identifiable information. This may include but not limited to a unique username and password, or provide sensitive information in the recovery of your lost password.

Sharing of your personal information

We may occasionally hire other companies to provide services on our behalf, including but not limited to handling customer support enquiries, processing transactions or customer freight shipping. Those companies will be permitted to obtain only the personal information they need to deliver the service. De La Salle OCAFC takes reasonable steps to ensure that these organisations are bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations in relation to the protection of your personal information.

Use of your personal information

For each visitor to reach the site, we expressively collect the following non-personally identifiable information, including but not limited to browser type, version and language, operating system, pages viewed while browsing the Site, page access times and referring website address. This collected information is used solely internally for the purpose of gauging visitor traffic, trends and delivering personalized content to you while you are at this Site.

From time to time, we may use customer information for new, unanticipated uses not previously disclosed in our privacy notice. If our information practices change at some time in the future we will use for these new purposes only, data collected from the time of the policy change forward will adhere to our updated practices.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

De La Salle OCAFC reserves the right to make amendments to this Privacy Policy at any time. If you have objections to the Privacy Policy, you should not access or use the Site.

Accessing Your Personal Information

You have a right to access your personal information, subject to exceptions allowed by law. If you would like to do so, please let us know. You may be required to put your request in writing for security reasons. De La Salle OCAFC reserves the right to charge a fee for searching for, and providing access to, your information on a per request basis.

Contacting us

De La Salle OCAFC welcomes your comments regarding this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy and would like further information, please contact us by any of the following means.

Post:
Attn: Privacy Policy,
De La Salle OCAFC,
PO Box 561
Bentleigh East VIC 3165

E-mail:
[email protected]

Illegal Drug Policy

De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club (Club) understands and accepts that it has a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment for its members, players, officials, volunteers, supporters, visitors, and families.

All members have a responsibility to protect their own health and safety and to ensure any actions they may take do not have a negative impact on the health, safety, and enjoyment of others.

Any use of illicit drugs by players or members is contrary to the culture of our club. As such, any illicit drug use by any club member, player, official, or supporter that falls within the scope of this Drug Policy will not be tolerated. This policy reflects our commitment to the health,
safety, and welfare of all our members and it is the intention of the Club to be vigilant and proactive in relation to this policy.

Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure everyone involved with the Club understands the club’s position regarding illicit drugs and how the Executive Committee will respond to drug related incidents within its jurisdiction. It is intended that this policy applies to all club members,
players, coaches, officials, parents/guardians, spectators, and visitors.

This policy reflects our club’s commitment to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone associated with the Club and those attending club activities as well as the club’s reputation.

The policy also outlines where drug related incidents occur outside of the club’s jurisdiction, the way in which the Club will offer its support to the family and individuals involved. Where there is a breach of this policy our club will seek support for individuals and their families
whilst also applying the appropriate disciplinary measures where applicable.

Definitions
Executive Committee (for the purpose of this Illicit Drug Policy only) Shall comprise those members of the Committee who are Officers of the Club as defined by the s.23(1) of the Constitution of the Club, unless one of those persons is reasonably suspected of being involved in any aspect of the circumstances relating to illicit drugs proposed to be the subject of investigation, inquiry, or sanction. Where reasonable suspicion has been established, that person is disqualified from membership of the Executive Committee for the purposes of this policy.

Sub-committee
Any sub-committee delegated by the Executive Committee to undertake any investigation or inquiry or make recommendations under this policy shall be constituted as follows:

1. It shall comprise not less than two and no more than three persons; and
2. Any person who has been a registered player of the Club, a coach or assistant coach or official, or appointed to any position under s.21, s.22, s.24, s.25 and s.27 of the Club Constitution in the three years preceding the appointment of the sub-committee shall be ineligible to be appointed a member of the sub-committee.

Illicit drugs
Illicit drugs include but are not limited to.

• Illegal drugs.
• Prescription medicines that have been obtained illegally or are being used in a way different than prescribed.
• Performance enhancing drugs.

Club function
A club function is:

• An event that has been organised and/or approved by the Committee or club officials or coaches.
• and occurs either at club premises or at any other venue; and
• continues from the designated start time until the designated end time.

Club premises
The club premises includes the clubrooms of the Club including the grounds, courts, changerooms, carparks or anywhere within the boundaries of anywhere the Club’s players are training or playing.

Application of this policy
This policy applies to incidents that occur at the club premises, at a club function whether that be at the club premises or a different premises, at any place where the club has organised an activity or at any other place were the Club’s representatives are training or playing. Any allegation of noncompliance with this policy must be referred to the Committee for determination.

The Drug Policy
The Club prohibits the possession, use, distribution, or sale of illicit drugs on club premises at any time or at any club function or at any other activity organised by the club. Further, the Committee prohibits any person being present on club premises or at any function or activity organised by the club at any time under the influence of illicit drugs. The Executive of the Committee will investigate, either itself or by delegation to a subcommittee may investigate or inquire into all apparent or alleged breaches of this policy and determine an appropriate course of action after all relevant facts and circumstances are known.

Responsibilities
The Committee is committed to:

• Ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for all members.
• Promoting this policy as widely as possible via our website, email & social media.
• Abiding by this policy and modelling expected standards of behaviour.
• Investigating potential breaches of this policy discreetly and in a timely manner.
• Meeting legal requirements in relation to illegal drugs.
• Providing or referring the person/s to support where medical or welfareprofessionals are needed.
• Offering support for any club members and/or families who have been impacted by illicit drugs.Reviewing this policy annually or as required.

Individuals will be expected to:

• Abide by the policy.
• Model behaviours consistent with this policy and any Codes of Conduct.
• Report any issue of concern to a member of the Executive Committee
• Honour our Club’s commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of all its members.
• Managing illicit drug incidents

When responding to issues involving an illicit drug-related concern or incident, the Executive Committee, and/or its delegated sub-committee will

• Be fair and reasonable.
• Focus the initial actions and responses on the safety, welfare, and duty of care of those directly and indirectly involved.
• Give individual(s) concerned an opportunity to be heard.
• Consider any evidence presented to it including CCTV footage.
• Advise the individual(s) concerned of the relevant support services available.
• Subject to its right to contact Victoria Police where necessary, the Club will maintain the privacy of those involved where possible.
• Treat the issue confidentially within the Executive Committee, and/or its delegated sub-committee, or where absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, the Club will act with discretion.

The Executive Committee, and/or its delegated sub-committee, may consider the following circumstances:

• Whether there is any immediate medical risk to any person.
• Whether the matter involves the personal use of an illicit drug or the supply/sale of an illicit drug to other people.
• Where the use or possession of the illicit drug takes place or is alleged to have taken place.
• The evidence and information gathered concerning the impact on the Club, other members, players, patrons, visitors, and the community.
• The age of the persons involved or alleged to be involved.
• Whether this is a person’s first violation of this policy.

Affected or Using Drugs at the Club or Club Activity
If a member or visitor within our Club’s premises or at a club function appears to be affected by an illicit drug, is found in possession of an illicit drug, or found using an illicit drug, the initial response by the Executive Committee will focus on the safety and welfare of those directly and indirectly involved.

This may include.

• Identifying any potential or perceived risks.
• Speaking with the individual/s peers to collect more information.
• Determining whether medical support is required.
• Organising safe transport or
• Contacting Victoria Police.

Once the risk of immediate harm to anyone at the Club has been reduced, the nominated Executive Committee member will contact the person to:

1. Arrange a meeting with the person concerned to discuss the circumstances.
2. If the person is aged under 18, a parent or guardian will be informed. If the person is aged 18 or over, a parent or guardian will not be informed.
3. Where deemed appropriate, a penalty may be imposed. Depending on the seriousness of the breach this might include the issuing of an official letter of warning for a first breach or might result in a suspension.
4. Refer the individual(s) to the relevant Drug & Alcohol Service.
5. If the person is associated with another club, the President/Executive Committee may inform that club President/Executive Committee.

Concern about Illegal drug use by people under 18 years
Where it is identified that a child under the age of 18 years is involved in illicit drug use, the Executive Committee will:

1. Notify the child’s parent/s or guardian/s (where it’s safe to do so) and provide the Quick Referral Guide to assist parents who wish to seek advice.
2. Ensure parents or guardian/s understand that confidentiality will be maintained.
3. Support parents or individuals and where requested contact support services for referral information and/or advice where appropriate.
4. Allegations Concerning Sale or Supply of Illicit Drugs within the Club

Any member who has an allegation regarding sale or supply of illegal drugs within the Club’s premises or whilst involved in Club functions or Club activities, will be referred to the Committee who may refer the matter to the police.
All members of the Club’s Committee and or appointed positions (e.g., coaches, team managers) who witness first-hand sale or supply of illegal drugs at the club must refer the incident to the President or representatives of the Executive Committee.
Any person who has concerns about a member’s welfare related to substance use will bring those concerns to an Executive Committee member in confidence.

Handling illegal drugs that are found within our Club’s jurisdiction.
If illicit drugs are found at Club premises or at a Club approved event, or are confiscated from a Club member, visitor or person within our Club’s jurisdiction, the President, or a committee member will be contacted as soon as possible.

The Club will:

• Take possession of the drug, if safe to do so, and seal in a plastic bag.
• Secure the area.
• Contact Victoria Police.
• Arrange a meeting with the person concerned to discuss the circumstances if they so desire to discuss it.
• If the person is aged under 18, a parent or guardian will be informed. If the person is aged 18 or over, a parent or guardian will not be informed.
• Where deemed appropriate, a penalty may be imposed. Depending on the seriousness of the breach, this might include the issuing of an official letter of warning for a first breach or might result in a suspension.
• Refer the individual(s) to the relevant Drug & Alcohol Service.
• If the person is associated with another club, the President/Committee may inform that club’s President/Committee.

Sale or distribution of illegal drugs in the Club’s jurisdiction
If it is suspected or known that a person is selling, distributing, or supplying drugs at the club premises the following will occur:

• The Club Committee will report the incident to Victoria Police.
• Arrange a meeting with the person concerned to discuss the circumstances if they so desire to discuss it.
• If the person is aged under 18, a parent or guardian will be informed. If the person is aged 18 or over, a parent or guardian will not be informed.
• A penalty may be imposed in the form of a suspension or expulsion from the Club.
• Refer the person to the relevant Drug & Alcohol Service.
• If the person is associated with another club, the President/Committee may inform that club’s President/Committee.
• In the case of any visitor, the individual (s) may be banned permanently from the Club.

Managing media
All media enquiries related to a drug-related allegation or incident within the Club’s jurisdiction will be directed to the President.