I hereby commit, to the best of my ability, to uphold the St Annes Sports Association's Player Code of Conduct.
I understand that as an integral component of my registration, I must maintain a standard of behaviour and conduct myself in the best interests of the game and my team, Coach, Club Officials and the St Annes Sports Association's and Football Federation Victoria.
In representing myself in an honest manner and without bringing the St Annes Sports Association's, Football Victoria, and the Game into disrepute, I will endeavour to uphold the following to the best of my ability.
1. I will play by the rules
2. I will play fair. Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Playing fair requires courage and character and is more satisfying. Playing fair earns respect, while cheats are detested.
3. I will never argue with an official. If I disagree, I will have my captain approach the official during a break or after the competition. Fair play means respect. Referees are there to maintain discipline and fair play.
4. I will control my temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent, are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
5. I will be honest with the coach concerning illness and injury and ability to train and compete to the best of my ability.
6. I will work equally hard for myself and my team. A professional appearance relating to language, manner, temper and punctuality will be adopted at all times.
7. I will accept defeat with dignity. Nobody wins all the time. I will learn to lose graciously. I will not seek excuses for defeat, genuine reasons will always be self-evident. Winners will be congratulated with good grace. I will not blame the referee or anyone else. Good losers earn more respect than bad winners.
8. I will treat all participants as I would like to be treated. I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. I will reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence and other dangers to our sport.
9. Bullying within the St Annes Sports Association's is strictly prohibited. This includes physical, verbal, indirect, intimidation, social alienation and cyber bulling. I understand that if this occurs the 1st warning will be verbal (a parent to be present if under 18 years of age), the 2nd warning will be a written warning and the 3rd warning will be a meeting with the Committee with the possibility of being asked to leave the Club.
10. As a player of the St Annes Sports Association's, I will not place anything of an offensive nature on the internet.
11. I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
12. I will never address remarks at opposing coaches, players, referees and spectators (except for genuine friendship, respect or in response to a question by a referee).
13. I will never intentionally attempt to cause injury.
14. I will not decline to play an assigned position or do so with only half effort.
15. I will always control my temper and not retaliate, even if I disagree with a decision. I understand that displays of temper will not be tolerated on the field or in the playing area.
16. I will show good sportsmanship before, during and after soccer games, conduct myself with honour and dignity. I understand that soccer is a game, and that the players on the other team are my opponents, not my enemies.
17. I will convey a consistently positive attitude toward my teammates, coaches and trainers. My true strength of character will be displayed on the field.
18. If I am substituted and will no longer take to the field, I will remain on the bench until the completion of the match.
19. I will attend all possible games and practices. I understand that I must contact my Head Coach if I am unable to attend practice. I further understand that unexcused absences from practices or games may result in loss of playing time.
20. I will make all efforts to provide 24 hours notice if I am unable to attend a game so that my Coach may have time to plan an alternate strategy.
21. I will not arrive late for games and practices.
22. I will never speak to the media without the consent of the President.
23. I will support all club functions and encourage others to do the same.
24. I will assist the club with any help they may need and when called upon to help, I will do so without complaint.
25. I will pay all fines that the St Annes Sports Association's receives due to my accumulation of yellow cards or red cards.
26. If a family member or associate of a St Annes Sports Association's player is issued a penalty through Football Victoria whilst attending a club fixture, they will be responsible for covering the fine.
27. I will ensure that I follow the instructions of the trainer for my own benefit and for the benefit of the team.
28. I will always remember: NO ONE IS BIGGER THAN THE CLUB.
