Parents Code of Behaviour

• If children are interested, encourage them to play sport. However, if a child is not willing to play, do not force them.
• Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
• Teach children that honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage children to always play according to the rules.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good plays by both teams.
• If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials volunteer their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.
• Non-compliance with the code of behaviour may result in disciplinary action by the Club.
• Remember your behaviour reflects on the entire club.

Spectators Code of Behaviour

• Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performance and efforts by your team and their opponents. Congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the officials’ decision. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach the children to do likewise.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to play according to the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person -regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Ensure you are aware and follow the correct processes to follow if you have an issue or complaint – do not perpetuate issues with gossip or general criticism.
• Spectators are also subject to report by EDJSA and/or SAASL officials.
• Non-compliance with the code of behaviour may result in disciplinary action by the Club, EDJSA and/or SAASL.
• Remember your behaviour reflects on the entire club.

Players Code of Behaviour

• Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss this with your team coach during a break or after the game.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent or throwing equipment is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
• Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays whether they are by your team or the other team.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Co-operate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Learn the rules of the game and play by them at all times
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants – regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Do not expect or accept “special” favours from a coach or person involved in team or club management.
• Speak to an adult you trust if you have an issue, feel unsafe or are concerned about someone else.
• Non-compliance with the code of behaviour may result in disciplinary action by the Club.
• Remember your behaviour reflects on the entire club.

When undertaking the role of Ground Marshall, you must seek permission from the other team Ground Marshall for photos and/or videos to be taken during the game prior to the commencement of the game. The Ground Marshall shall advise all parents, caregivers, spectators of the outcome. Should the other team refuse the taking of photos and/or videos, this must be respected for the safety and wellbeing of all junior players.

All communication must be referred through your Team Manager in the first instance. Most problems can be resolved quickly and easily this way.

If the problem persists, or is not resolved to your satisfaction, please submit your complaint in writing to the age groups Registrar, who will address your issue at a forthcoming committee meeting. You will be advised of the outcome.

Please note that under no circumstances is ANY individual from our club permitted to complain in writing or verbally to any other club, EDJSA, SAASL or FFSA. Every complaint of this nature MUST be brought to the attention of the committee via your Registrar who will assist you.

The clubs Risk Management Plan (RMP) and Work health & safety (WHS) is to ensure we provide a safer environment for all members, participants, Team Coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers. By agreeing to participate in soccer at the club, participants will have consented to risks which are generally part of soccer and whilst the law doesn’t require clubs to provide a completely risk-free environment, the Tea Tree Gully Soccer Club does take the safety of all involved seriously and has adopted reasonable precautions against risks which may cause injuries or damage that are reasonably foreseeable

TTGCSC continues to monitor Covid-19 guidelines as we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our members. We ask all members to follow and comply with SA Health guidelines and should you or your child be deemed Covid positive or a close contact, please follow our notification procedure:

1. Parents to advise Covid positive case/s to the team Compliance Officer and manage as per SA Health guidelines
2. Team Compliance Officer to notify Team Manager
3. Team Manager to notify Club Compliance Officer

TTGCSC is committed to maintaining a high standard of health, safety and welfare to minimise the risk of an accident or injury occurring.

In the unfortunate event that an accident or injury does occur, timely reporting and investigation enables the club to quickly take corrective action to address any hazards identified as part of the incident or injury.

In the event of an injury or incident, it is the policy of the club to investigate the incident to ascertain its cause and take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. Therefore, it is very important that all Coaches, Team Managers and Members comply with following all accident or injury reporting requirements:

In the event of an injury or incident/Complaint

• Any injury or incident MUST be reported to the TTGCSC committee by the person involved, Team Coach or Manager no matter how trivial or minor it may seem to the individual.
• In the event of an injury an Injury Report Form Must be completed in full and submitted to the club as soon as possible following the injury.
• In the event of an incident or complaint an Incident/Complaint Report Form Must be completed in full and submitted to the club WITHIN 12 HOURS following the Incident.
• Once received a representative of the committee must follow up the matter immediately by ways of investigating and if applicable forward on the Incident/Complaint to the association for further investigation.

Once received a representative of the committee must follow up the matter immediately by ways of investigating and if applicable forward on the Incident/Complaint to the association for further investigation.

Injury Report Form 2023 View/Download (.pdf)

Communication and Dispute Resolution Guide has been developed to assist parents, volunteers, members, Coaches and the Committee in communicating effectively and managing disputes. The following principles can serve as guidelines to help parents and soccer staff (coaches, volunteers and Committee members) to work effectively together.

Assume Good Intentions: We all care about the kids playing in our Club and share in the goal of providing these kids with a competitive soccer environment, whereby each of them can enjoy a fun, positive experience, whilst developing and playing soccer.

Build Positive Relationships: Showing appreciation when things are going well will go a long way toward creating good will. Build on this principle during games and training by encouraging team mates to recognise the contribution their teammates make.

Be Respectful When Communicating: Being respectful of time, feelings, and privacy in all of our interactions can lead to better communication. Consider how people like to be communicated with to ensure information is provided in the best possible way.

Solve Problems Effectively: Productive resolution of problems is possible when we focus on the player, share ideas and feelings only with those directly involved and remain focused, respectful, and honest.

Be a Role Model: Parents and Coaches who work together successfully can act as role models for our children and other players.

Be respectful when communicating: If you have an issue with another member of our Club, please try to approach them directly to discuss it and come to a resolution. Please do not involve other people (whether through gossip or sending Club or Team-wide emails) in what could potentially be a very personal issue.

Please be sensitive to the fact that before and after practices and games may not be the best time to have a conversation. Consider who may overhear your conversation as players may be present whilst waiting for a game or a ride.

Email can be an effective tool to use when either alerting someone to a concern or trying to set up a time to meet. However, you should avoid using email if the situation is very complex. Just as in face-to-face communication, in email you should focus on the concern you are trying to resolve. It should not be seen as an opportunity to blame or cause greater dispute.

The following are some reminders of strategies to use for respectful and productive discussions:

• Allow time for dialog and response. Some problems can’t be addressed immediately. Schedule a time that is mutually convenient.
• Discuss your child – not others. Parents should frame their concerns and questions in terms of the effect on their child only. For example, saying, “I am really concerned about my son. He doesn’t feel that he is getting much playing time. He feels that he works really hard in practice, but he doesn’t get to show what he’s learned in games” is a much more appropriate approach than, “Marcus and Andy show up to practice late every week, why are they getting more playing time than my son?”
• Use “I” messages that frame your concerns from your perspective. For example, you could say, “I am concerned that Amy is not enjoying practice” rather than, “Why are you yelling at Amy so much during practice?”
• Follow up with the coach or parent. If the person handles the problem well, take the time to thank him/her. If the problem is unresolved or resurfaces, communicate clearly and promptly to the appropriate people as described below.

Communication plan
In all communications, please try to approach the person you are dealing with directly first.
If that proves to be ineffective, then please refer to the steps listed below.

If you have any concerns for a child’s wellbeing, ensure that you report the incident to the member of the Committee (or the Coaches Coordinator) with whom you are most comfortable WITHIN 24HRs OF THE INCIDENT. This person will action the appropriate steps to ensure all children’s safety.

If You Are a Parent Who Has a Conflict with a Coach

Contact your Team Manager: He or she will try to mediate the situation. If the manager cannot mediate, then the issue can be raised to the next level.
Contact the Coaches Coordinator: The Coaches Coordinator will investigate the complaint and decide whether the issue can be mediated at this level or if it needs to be reported to the Committee.

If You Are a Coach Who Has a Conflict with a Parent

Contact your Team Manager: He or she will try to mediate the situation. If the manager cannot mediate, then the issue can be raised to the next level.
Contact the Coaches Coordinator: The Coaches Coordinator will investigate the complaint and decide whether the issue can be mediated at this level or if it needs to be reported to the Committee.

If You Are a Team Manager Who Has a Conflict with a Coach

Contact the Coaches Coordinator: The Coaches Coordinator will investigate the complaint and decide whether the issue can be mediated at this level or if it needs to be reported to the Committee.

If You Have a Conflict with the Coaches Coordinator

Contact the TTGCSC Chairperson. If you are unable to resolve your conflict directly with our Coaches Coordinator, please contact the TTGCSC Chairperson. He/she will work with both parties to mediate the situation and decide whether the issue needs to be brought to the Committee’s attention.

If You Have a Conflict with a Committee Member

Contact a Committee Member. If you are unable to resolve your conflict directly with the Committee Member in question, please contact the member of the Committee (or the Coaches Coordinator) with whom you are most comfortable. That person will work with both parties to mediate the situation and decide whether the issue needs to be brought to the Committee’s attention.

Conflicts/disputes resulting from a game day situation

If you have a dispute with the Final Match Card
If you have a reportable offence i.e. Coach, player or spectator conduct

Notify in writing the TTGCSC Club Secretary and Coach Coordinator within 24 hours of the incident and your concerns will be forwarded to Elizabeth & Districts for action.

Please note that the TTGCSC and Elizabeth & Districts do not recommend direct communication to the association. It is highly recommended that this communication be directed through the Club Secretary.

Team Training or pre-season trial game

Team Coach to contact all players ASAP to notify them of the cancellation
Note – it is the Coach’s responsibility to ensure that all team members receive this communication.

Sanctioned EDJSA Match
U/6 & U/7 only

TTGCSC Team Coach must contact the Club Secretary and Coach Coordinator (via email) by 5:00pm the day before the match.
Club Secretary will forward to the EDJSA League Secretary. TTGCSC Team Coach MUST contact the opposition coach immediately to notify of cancellation

Sanctioned EDJSA Match

Both teams are required to attend the ground for the match. Decision to abandon the match is the officiating referee’s decision only. TTGCSC Team Coach is to notify the Club Secretary and Coach Coordinator (via email) within 24 hours of the referee’s decision to abandon the match.
Note – At all times it is the Referee’s decision, and his/hers alone to abandon or delay any game (not cancelled by EDJSA) due to current weather or ground conditions. It is hoped that all referees, however so appointed, will consider the EDJSA Weather Policy when necessary. If a referee chooses to allow play to continue in direct contradiction to the EDJSA Weather Policy, they may be held liable for any resultant player injuries.

Our club takes all complaints about on and off-field behaviour seriously. Our club will handle complaints based on the principles of procedural fairness (natural justice), that is:

• all complaints will be taken seriously;
• both the person making the complaint (complainant) and the person the complaint is against (respondent) will be given full details of what is being said against them and have the opportunity to respond (give their side of the story);
• irrelevant matters will not be taken into account;
• decisions will be unbiased and fair; and
• any penalties imposed will be fair and reasonable.

More serious complaints may be escalated to the EDJSA and/or SAASL.

If the complaint relates to suspected child abuse, sexual assault or other criminal activity, then our club will need to report the behaviour to the police and/or relevant government authority and the EDJSA and/or SAASL

Complaint Handling Process

When a complaint is received by our club, the person receiving the complaint (e.g. Chairperson, Junior Registrar) will:

• listen carefully and ask questions to understand the nature and extent of the problem;
• ask what the complainant would like to happen;
• explain the different options available to help resolve the problem;
• take notes; and
• maintain confidentiality but not necessarily anonymity.

Once the complainant decides on their preferred option for resolution, the club will assist, where appropriate and necessary, with the resolution process. This may involve:

• supporting the person complaining to talk to the person being complained about
• bringing all the people involved in the complaint together to talk objectively through the problem (this could include external mediation);
• gathering more information (e.g. from other people that may have seen the behaviour);
• seeking advice from EDJSA and/or SAASL or from an external agency (e.g. State Body MPIO, State Department of Sport or anti-discrimination agency);
• referring the complaint to the EDJSA and/or SAASL; and/or
• referring the complainant to an external agency such as a community mediation centre, police or anti-discrimination agency.

In situations where a complaint is referred to the EDJSA and/or SAASL and an inquiry is conducted, the club will:

• co-operate fully;
• ensure the complainant and respondent are not victimised;
• where applicable, ensure the complainant is not placed in an unsupervised situation with the respondent(s); and
• act on the EDJSA and/or SAASL recommendations.

At any stage of the process, a person can seek advice from or lodge a complaint with an anti-discrimination commission or other external agency.

Incident / Complaint Form 2022 View/Download (.pdf)