Southern Highlands Football Club – Code of Conduct

PURPOSE:

Southern Highlands Football Club (SHFC) is proud to participate in the Junior Premier League (JPL) Australia.
Our mission is to provide players with an opportunity to experience high-quality, developmental, and competitive football in a positive, safe, and inclusive environment.

Football teaches valuable life lessons, teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience and it is our collective responsibility to ensure every child enjoys a healthy sporting experience both on and off the pitch.

This Code of Conduct outlines the minimum behavioural standards expected from all players, parents, coaches, officials, and supporters representing SHFC.

1. General Principles

  • SHFC is responsible for the behaviour of all its coaches, managers, players, and spectators.

  • All participants must demonstrate respect, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times.

  • The wellbeing and safety of players take priority over all other considerations.

  • The Club encourages a learning-oriented environment, free from undue pressure or negative criticism.

  • Any form of abuse, intimidation, or harassment whether verbal, physical, or online will not be tolerated.

2. Player Conduct

Players representing SHFC must:

  • Play fairly, safely, and within the laws of the game.

  • Show respect to referees, teammates, coaches, opponents, and spectators at all times.

  • Accept all referee decisions without argument.

  • Never use foul, abusive, or discriminatory language.

  • Refrain from any form of unsporting behaviour, such as diving, time-wasting, or retaliation.

  • Always strive to give their best effort and support teammates positively.

  • Take pride in representing Southern Highlands Football Club with honour and respect.

3. Parent & Spectator Conduct

Parents and spectators must:

  • Encourage players and applaud good play from both teams.

  • Never coach or instruct players during matches, that role belongs to the coaching staff.

  • Never abuse, insult, or swear at players, referees, officials, or other spectators.

  • Remain behind designated spectator barriers and must not stand behind goals or in technical areas.

  • Respect the authority of referees, officials, and coaches at all times.

  • Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or being under the influence of drugs before or during matches.

  • Support the club’s focus on player development and enjoyment over winning at all costs.

4. Coach & Team Official Conduct

Coaches and team officials must:

  • Serve as positive role models, demonstrating respect and composure at all times.

  • Focus on player development, learning, and enjoyment, not just results.

  • Avoid shouting continuous or aggressive instructions during games.

  • Never ridicule, criticise, or swear at players.

  • Address poor behaviour constructively, including substituting players if necessary.

  • Remain in the designated technical area at all times (except at half-time).

  • Never abuse referees, opposition staff, or players.

  • Ensure that any club-appointed assistant referees do not coach or instruct players.

  • Maintain professional conduct and avoid smoking, alcohol, or drugs before or during matches.

5. Agreement to Comply

By registering with Southern Highlands Football Club or attending JPL Australia matches, all participants - including players, parents, coaches, and officials agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and the spirit in which it is written.

6. Sanctions for Breaches

SHFC and JPL Australia take breaches of this Code seriously.

  • Each team is responsible for the conduct of its supporters.

  • If a team’s parents, spectators, or coaches enter the field of play or require repeated warnings from referees or league officials, disciplinary action may be taken.

  • First offences may result in a formal warning and recommendations for corrective behaviour.

  • Further or severe breaches may result in suspension or banning from SHFC or JPL matches for a period determined by the league.

  • The Club reserves the right to take additional disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate.

7. Our Commitment

Southern Highlands Football Club is committed to:

  • Providing a safe, respectful, and enjoyable football environment for all.

  • Promoting fairness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

  • Supporting all participants, players, parents, and coaches to uphold the values of the Junior Premier League and the wider football community.

Together, we make football better.

By respecting this Code of Conduct, we ensure the Southern Highlands Football Club remains a place where every player can grow, learn, and love the game.