Description

A designated Home Club person, who is a visible first point of contact, to assist with any queries
in relation to any match related matters for home and visiting club officials, parents, spectators,
umpires and statutory authorities.

This document sets out guiding principles which are of a general nature only and provides general advice regarding the management of the role. These Guidelines are not intended as a standard of care and should not be interpreted as such, however the League and Clubs require Match Day Officials to adhere to the following guidelines as far as practicable, ensuring Codes of Conduct are promoted and adhered to at all time. The person ideally should assume a Public Relations role, reinforcing the philosophy of the importance of parental role models upon children.

Requirements

• Match Day Officials must be over the age of 18 years and be appropriately briefed in the responsibilities of the role.
• Must wear the appropriate Pink Vest.
• Must not undertake any other official match day role which draw away visibility of the person and the activities he/she is designated for.
• Must have read and understand the Club’s Code of Conduct, support it and act within the Code if desired.
• They should be able to provide a pro-active service to all the participants of Junior Football on the day and solve problems as they arise.
• Match Day Officials should deal with situations calmly and diplomatically. They should not act aggressively or become hostile. If nominated Match Day Officials are uncomfortable in dealing with a difficult issue, they should walk away at any point and direct the issue to the Club President.

Role

Although the responsibility of the Match Day Official will vary from club to club, in general this position is responsible to see that all activities or League rules associated with the actual playing of the game (other than coaching) are carried out or adhered to.

The Match Day Official should make the following observations

• Ensure a stretcher is available if required.
• Be aware of unusual loitering of unknown persons in and around change rooms and toilet facilities.
• Ensure first aid kit and ice packs are available for the public.
• Ensure fields are set up properly and that games are running to schedule.
• Ensure toilets and gates are unlocked and that there is clear access for an ambulance in the event of an emergency.
• In the event of an accident or incident (whether physical or verbal), ensure that a Club Incident Report is completed.
• Policing the “No Smoking” policy.

What is a Code of Conduct or behaviour?

A Code of Conduct or behaviour can be described as a set of statements that set out what your club considers to be an acceptable standard of behaviour and conduct. These codes explain how your club expects its members and their guests to behave. Codes of Conduct or behaviour provide a guide and basis of expectations for a club. They encourage commitment to ethical and
professional behaviour and outline principles on which a club is based. An important tool for defining and communicating acceptable standards of behaviour is a documented Code of Conduct. Ideally the Code of Conduct must apply to all involved in the club and its activities.

Different groups of people which should be covered by the Code of Conduct include:

• Players
• Coaches and team officials
• Club committee and office holders
• Parents
• Spectators

Such behaviours include but are not limited to:

• bullying or intimidation
• sexual harassment
• racial, ethnic or sexist slurs
• loud, rude comments
• abusive or offensive language
• offensive sarcasm, condescension or surliness
• threats of violence, retribution or vexatious litigation
• demands for special treatment
• passive aggression