Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct – 2010
Introduction
The Code of Conduct covers both on-field and off-field activities. It covers verbal as well as physical conduct and applies to all members, players, umpires, coaching staff, support staff and supporters.
The Code of Conduct is for the benefit of all members, players, spectators, their friends and families.
Code of Conduct Principles:
1. The Rules of Victorian Country MAF shall be adhered to at all times.
2. The Philosophy of Masters Australian Football shall be adhered to at all times.
3. Disputing the Umpire’s decision will not be tolerated.
4. Violence, fighting or threatening behaviour at any game or club function will not be tolerated.
5. Swearing, abusive and threatening language at any game or club function will not be tolerated.
6. Racial or religious abuse, vilification or actions that may offend another will not be tolerated.
7. Members, players and supporters shall respect and abide by directives of the Club administration.
Procedures for Reporting of Breaches.
Any person (the complainant) who witnesses a breach of the MAF Code of Conduct shall report such incident directly to any member of the Club Executive Committee.
Reports of minor indiscretions or incidents may be reported verbally. Incidents of a serious nature can initially be communicated verbally but must be followed up in writing.
Investigation Procedures.
Any verbal or written report of a breach of the Code of Conduct shall be heard by the Executive Committee who shall convene a meeting at the earliest possible time in order to investigate the alleged incident.
The complainant may, if desired, remain anonymous to all but the Executive Committee who shall keep the person’s identity confidential.
The Executive Committee will fully investigate all aspects of the reported incident and must consult with all parties involved, all the time maintaining the complainant’s confidentiality if requested.
The Executive Committee shall have the power to impose any or all of the prescribed penalties.
The Executive Committee shall report the outcome of their investigations firstly to the offending party, secondly to the complainant, thirdly to all Club Members and be fully reported in the Minutes of the next Executive Committee Meeting. The opposition club shall also be informed in writing of the action taken.
The Executive Committee have the authority and power to impose any or all of the prescribed penalties on any complainant if the Committee deems the complainant’s report to be frivolous, unjust, spiteful or intended to unfairly injure or discriminate against any person or persons.
Disciplinary Actions and Prescribed Penalties.
In all reported cases, the Executive Committee shall counsel the offending person(s) and instruct them in the Philosophy of Masters Australian Football and how they should conduct themselves.
Where the incident is considered to be a minor offence:
The offending person(s) may be cautioned and receive a warning not to re-offend.
A second or subsequent breach of a minor nature will be treated as a significant offence.
Where the incident is considered to be a significant offence:
The offending person(s) will have their membership suspended for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
A second or subsequent breach of a significant nature will be treated as a serious offence.
Where the incident is considered to be a serious offence:
The offending person(s) will have their membership cancelled indefinitely.
The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing indefinitely.
The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions indefinitely.
The Executive Committee shall report the outcome of their investigations firstly to the offending party, secondly to the complainant, thirdly to all Club Members and be fully reported in the Minutes of the next Executive Committee Meeting. The opposition club shall also be informed in writing of the action taken.
The Executive Committee have the authority and power to impose any or all of the prescribed penalties on any complainant if the Committee deems the complainant’s report to be frivolous, unjust, spiteful or intended to unfairly injure or discriminate against any person or persons.
Disciplinary Actions and Prescribed Penalties.
In all reported cases, the Executive Committee shall counsel the offending person(s) and instruct them in the Philosophy of Masters Australian Football and how they should conduct themselves.
Where the incident is considered to be a minor offence:
The offending person(s) may be cautioned and receive a warning not to re-offend.
A second or subsequent breach of a minor nature will be treated as a significant offence.
Where the incident is considered to be a significant offence:
The offending person(s) will have their membership suspended for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
A second or subsequent breach of a significant nature will be treated as a serious offence.
Where the incident is considered to be a serious offence:
The offending person(s) will have their membership cancelled indefinitely.
The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing indefinitely.
The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions indefinitely.