WJFNC Policies
Code of Conduct
Woodend Junior Football Netball Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable environment for all children and young people participating in football and netball.
Our Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for the behaviour of all members of the club community, including players, parents/carers, coaches, volunteers, officials and spectators.
The Code supports our broader child safety framework and aligns with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the safeguarding requirements of AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and the RDFNL.
At WJFNC, we expect everyone to:
Treat children and young people with dignity and respect
Promote a positive, supportive and inclusive sporting environment
Encourage participation, learning and enjoyment
Respect coaches, officials, volunteers and opposition teams
Follow the rules and spirit of junior football and netball
Behave in a way that ensures child safety and wellbeing is always the priority
Behaviour that is not acceptable includes:
Swearing, abuse or aggressive conduct
Bullying, harassment or discrimination
Sexist, racist or derogatory comments
Negative or hostile criticism of players, coaches or umpires
Any behaviour that undermines the safety or enjoyment of junior sport
Raising concerns
WJFNC takes all concerns seriously. Any issues relating to behaviour or child safety should be raised through appropriate club channels, including the Child Safety Officer or club committee.
Coaches & Volunteers Child Safe Code of Conduct
Coaches & Volunteers – Our Commitment
Woodend Junior Football Netball Club is committed to ensuring that all coaches, team managers, trainers and volunteers provide a safe, respectful and child-centred environment for every participant.
All coaches and volunteers are expected to:
Put child safety and wellbeing first at all times
Maintain professional and appropriate boundaries with children and young people
Use positive, respectful and development-focused coaching methods
Avoid any behaviour that could be harmful, intimidating, discriminatory or inappropriate
Hold a current Working With Children Check (where required)
Follow AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and RDFNL safeguarding expectations
Report any child safety concerns immediately to the Club Child Safety Officer
Coaches and volunteers play a vital leadership role in creating a safe club culture.
👉 Download the full Coaches & Volunteers Code of Conduct
Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy
Woodend Junior Football Netball Club (WJFNC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all children and young people participating in football and netball.
The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority. This Policy outlines our commitment to protecting children from harm, abuse or neglect and meeting our obligations under the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
This Policy applies to everyone involved in the club, including:
Committee members
Coaches, officials and volunteers
Players and parents/carers
Spectators and club supporters
Our commitment includes:
Creating and maintaining a child-safe culture across all club activities
Zero tolerance for child abuse, grooming, bullying or harm
Screening and supporting coaches and volunteers, including Working With Children Check requirements
Ensuring all members understand their responsibilities in keeping children safe
We are committed to:
A child-centred approach where children feel safe, respected and heard
Cultural safety and inclusion for all children and families
Empowering children and young people to speak up if they have concerns
Responding to concerns
WJFNC encourages reporting of any concerns about child safety or wellbeing. Concerns should be raised with the club’s Child Safety Officer and will be managed respectfully and in line with reporting obligations.
Alignment with governing bodies
This Policy aligns with guidance and safeguarding expectations from:
Football Victoria / Play AFL
Netball Victoria
Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL)
Player Code of Conduct (Child-Friendly)
Player Behaviour – What We Expect at Woodend JFNC
At Woodend Junior Football Netball Club, every player has the right to feel safe, included and supported.
All players are encouraged to:
Be kind, respectful and inclusive of others
Play fairly and follow the rules
Support teammates and show good sportsmanship
Respect coaches, umpires and opponents
Never bully, tease or make others feel unsafe
Speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong
Junior sport should always be fun, safe and welcoming for everyone.
👉 Download the full Player Code of Conduct
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
Woodend Junior Football Netball Club is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive and respectful club for all children, young people and families.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate in football and netball in an environment that is safe, supportive and free from discrimination.
WJFNC is committed to inclusion for all participants, including:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
Children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Children with disability or additional needs
Participants of all genders and identities
Families of all backgrounds and circumstances
We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind.
Our club works to ensure that all children feel they belong, are treated fairly, and can enjoy sport with confidence and respect.
Parent & Spectator Behaviour Policy
Parents & Spectators – Supporting Safe Junior Sport
Parents, carers and spectators are essential to creating a positive and enjoyable environment for junior football and netball.
At WJFNC we ask all supporters to:
Encourage all children in a positive and respectful way
Respect umpires, officials, coaches, volunteers and opposition teams
Allow coaches to coach and players to play without sideline interference
Model calm, supportive behaviour at all times
Never engage in abusive language, bullying, intimidation or harassment
Raise concerns through appropriate club channels rather than during games
We are committed to ensuring match days remain safe, welcoming and child-focused.
👉 Download the full Parent & Spectator Behaviour Policy
AFL Concussion Guidelines
Community concussion guidelines (March 2024)
THE AFL has released updated guidelines on the Management of Sport-Related Concussion in Australian Football at all levels of the game outside AFL and AFLW.
The detailed guidelines include a dedicated section on the management of concussion in children and adolescents. View the guidelines: The Management of Sport-Related Concussion in Australian Football (2024)
The guidelines, designed to help those involved in the game including medical staff, volunteers, coaches, players, parents and administrators, outline the steps in the initial management of a suspected concussion and the stages for return-to-play following concussion.
In following the guidelines, the earliest that a player may return to play (once they have completed a graded loading program and have obtained medical clearance) is on the 21st day following the concussion (where the day of concussion is designated day “0”).
👉 Download the full Community concussion guidelines (March 2024)
Netball Victoria Concussion Guidelines
Netball Australia Guidelines for the management of sports related concussion in Netball
Netball Australia has released important updates to the concussion protocols for all levels of sport, including community netball. The new guidelines, which are designed to protect the health and well-being of all participants, are in alignment with the recent Australian Institute of Sport’s Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement. They have been prepared by Netball Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Laura Lallenec in conjunction with Member Organisations, Suncorp Super Netball teams and the Australia Netball Players’ Association.
Netball Victoria are aligning themselves to these newest guidelines, effective immediately.