INDOOR NETBALL NSW REPRESENTATIVE HANDBOOK Team Officials
Congratulations on gaining selection as an Official for an Indoor Sports NSW State Team. Selection into a NSW State Team is a great honour and carries certain responsibilities. This Representative Handbook is to be kept with you and used as your personal point of reference for all matters concerning your representation of Indoor Sports NSW. It is hoped that the information contained in this handbook assists you in your journey as a NSW State Representative. All State Representatives are required to abide by the rules set out in this handbook and confirm on the ISNSW Acceptance Form that you agree to be so bound. As a NSW Official you are responsible for ensuring that your players display a high standard of conduct at all times. It is important that you attend all scheduled training sessions and make your payments on time. Team Managers are also responsible for making sure that all deadlines set down by ISNSW are met by your players. On behalf of the Board of Directors of ISNSW I would like to wish you a successful representative season. Anton Croxford Chairman Indoor Sports NSW Inc. 2 P a g e
Indoor Sports NSW Inc. (ISNSW) is a government recognised non-profit sporting association affiliated to Indoor Netball Federation of Australia and Cricket Australia. These bodies coordinate National and International Competitions in collaboration with the respective State and International bodies. ISNSW is supported by various Sport Specific Sub-Committees. These Sub- Committees are responsible for the overseeing of the NSW State team management, sponsorship and promotion of the sport. ISNSW has partnered with Cricket NSW to promote Indoor Cricket in Metropolitan and Regional areas with an emphasis on Junior Development, in order to provide opportunities for the development of Players, Officials and Coaches to participate in Indoor Cricket at the highest level. It is hoped that in the near future negotiations can commence to form an affiliation with Netball NSW to assist with the promotion of Indoor Netball in NSW and provide further opportunities. ISNSW is proudly supported by NSW Communities Sport & Recreation. 3 P a g e
This Official s representative handbook has been designed to provide all State Coaches, Managers, Players, and Officials with a comprehensive guide to their respective roles and responsibilities when selected to represent NSW. It is the intent of this document to provide clear statements and directions to ensure optimal performance both on and off the court. This document reflects the attitude of the ISNSW Board and its Sub-Committees to the ongoing commitment to increasing the professionalism within the sports of Indoor Netball and Indoor Cricket. Non-Discrimination All ISNSW Representatives must ensure that they do not discriminate against any persons whom they deal with on the basis of Age, Sex, Race or Ability. Personal Conduct NSW State Team Officials and Players shall conduct themselves at all times with respectability and decorum and refrain from any conduct that may be considered detrimental to their Team, Officials, Players and State body. Swearing (directly or indirectly) at Players, Spectators, State and/or Tournament Officials will not be tolerated. Penalties will apply. ISNSW Alcohol Policy Players and Officials under the age of 18 are NOT to consume any alcohol whilst on Tour representing NSW. This includes all training sessions leading up to the tournament and from the time you leave Sydney and arrive in camp through to when you return home following the completion of the tournament. Players that have already turned 18 who are participating in the 18/U Ladies or 18/U Mixed division MUST NOT consume alcohol from the time you leave Sydney and arrive in camp through to the Saturday after the last grand final game. Players and Officials 18 years and over ARE NOT to consume alcohol at the host centre while wearing State uniform. 4 P a g e
NSW Officials including but not limited to Coaches, Managers, Players and Umpires, MUST NOT consume alcohol under any circumstances unless or until their game related duties have concluded on each particular day. The objective of this rule is to ensure that no alcohol is consumed by a NSW Official in between games under any circumstances. Fee Payment All Players and Officials must ensure that all fees are paid to ISNSW within the stated payment timeline received in their Player/Officials package. Failure to comply with the timeline may result in your expulsion from the team. Documentation All Officials must sign and return all ISNSW and tournament related documentation including the ISNSW Acceptance form and Official s Contract. Training Attendance Team training sessions will be organised by Team Management (Coach, Manager and Assistant Coach) Officials & Players must attend all required training sessions. Failure to attend the required amount of sessions will first be met with a warning. Continued failure to attend may result in possible expulsion from the team. Team Management must give players ample notice of all training sessions a minimum two (2) weeks notice. There will be up to three (3) compulsory squad training sessions in the lead up to the National Tournament ALL PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THESE SESSIONS. Important information will be given out at these sessions. Training Schedules and team obligations are the responsibility of the Team Management. Uniform Current State Uniform as outlined by Team Management is to be worn to and from all venues including training and playing venues. When out in public in your State Uniform you must remember that you are representing NSW and observe the rules as set out in this Handbook at all times. 5 P a g e
Team Meetings Attendance at team meetings is compulsory, with location and times to be set by Team Management. These meetings are an important part of each Tour, as they allow for debriefing of the day s games and the plans for the remainder of the week. Accommodation All team accommodation is to be booked by ISNSW and all Players & Officials must stay in team accommodation. Whilst away any cost of repairs needed due to damage to any room or contents will be passed onto the occupants of that room. This includes extra cleaning charges. Phone bills charged to any room must be paid by the persons accommodated in such room. Disciplinary action may be taken if the apartments are not kept to the standard of the Accommodation s own policies. Motor Vehicle Hire The team vehicles are the responsibility of the whole team. If there is any damage to a motor vehicle then the cost of repairs will be billed to the Team via the Manager. All motor vehicles are to be returned with FULL tanks of petrol if they are not returned full, then the fee will be billed to the team via the Manager. Any Toll fees that are accumulated by a motor vehicle whilst on tour will be billed to the team via the Manager. Toll charges can sometimes take up to 3 months after the tour to be passed on but will still remain the responsibility of the Team. Social Media and Public Comments As ISNSW representatives you must be aware that you are on display to the public at all times including online. No Player or Official is to make comment on State Trials, the Tournament, NSW functions or Official Tournament functions that will negatively impact on their team, the NSW squad, or ISNSW. Officials must act appropriately at all times on social media sites. This includes any content that is posted to any public forum or discussion group. Any Official that makes negative comments / inappropriate posts on any form of media or 6 P a g e
social media that is seen to bring the sport into disrepute will be penalised accordingly. Grand Final Attendance All NSW teams - Players and Officials - must be in attendance at ALL grand finals that NSW are involved in. In circumstances where it is not reasonable for you or your team to be present, approval to not attend must be given by the Tour Manager. An example of reasonable grounds for you or your team to seek such approval from the Tour Manager is if your team is participating in the game immediately following or is in excess of three scheduled time slots away from the said Grand Final match. 7 P a g e
When selected to represent NSW, Players and Officials must be fully aware of their responsibilities as a NSW Representative. Responsibilities of a State Official: No Official should misuse their position of trust to exert improper influence on players or other Officials, in any manner; All State Officials MUST complete a NSW Working With Children Check and supply ISNSW with their official Working With Children Check number; You must be fully aware that you are always on display as an ISNSW representative. Players and Officials are representing themselves, the team, the competition, and all members of ISNSW and as such must present themselves in the best possible light; Completion of all documentation for ISNSW, INFA; Compliance with all criteria in relation to team training and obligations; Ensuring all fees are paid to ISNSW; Ensuring a high standard of discipline and restraint is displayed on and off the court; All Officials must understand the ASADA regulations. National Tournaments are endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission, and players can therefore be drug tested; NSW Officials must give total support to the competition, umpires, players and other Officials; NSW Officials must promote sportsmanship and fair play; NSW Officials must not bring the game into disrepute ; NSW Officials must respect all opposition teams and officials; and all Tournament Officials at all times; NSW Officials must respect all facilities and equipment whilst training or at the tournament including sports centres, motor vehicles and accommodation ; NSW Officials must show a willingness to promote and support the development of the sport at all levels; NSW Officials must show a willingness to assist in fundraising activities organised by their home centre/ team in order to raise funds to assist the players; 8 P a g e
NSW Officials must know and understand the rules and encourage others to learn them; and NSW Officials must adhere to the INFA Code of Conduct and the rules set out in this Official s Handbook; If you have any issue that cannot be resolved within the confines of your team, the Tour Manager must be approached to mediate. If you still have unresolved issues then please contact the ISNSW Office. 9 P a g e
The role of the ISNSW Team Manager is to assist with the organisation and preparation of the State Teams. It is your role to ensure that all players are meeting payment timelines and completing all relevant documentation. The duties and responsibilities of Team Managers are broken down into 3 stages; pre-tournament, during tournament and post tournament. Pre-tournament Liaise with Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Players and Member Centres in regards to training sessions; keep an accurate and up-to-date record of attendance; Ensure that all the relevant forms are completed and returned to ISNSW Head Office from each Player and Official. Forms must be handed in by the requested date; 1. CA/INFA Player & Official Registration Forms 2. Acceptance Forms 3. Medical Information Forms 4. Player information 5. Sponsorship forms Ensure that all Players and Officials keep up-to-date with the payment timeline set out in the Player/Official package. Liaise with ISNSW in the event a Player is unable to make payment on time; For aged events ensure ISNSW has Player s proof of age i.e. Drivers Licence (or birth certificate for Players under 18 years of age); Ensure that all Players complete their uniform order on time or risk not receiving their uniform; Provide ISNSW with all Players and Team Officials flight details; Attend meetings and training sessions as and when required by the Team Coach and/or ISNSW; Obtain ISNSW approval before organising any function, seeking team sponsorship and or commencing any fundraising activities; Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct throughout your tenure as Team Manager; Be responsible for the conduct of the Team for the duration of your tenure ensuring that all Players adhere to the INFA Code of Conduct; Ensure that you collect a copy of medical profiles for Players and Team Officials, and keep this information on hand at all times during the Tournament; 10 P a g e
Maintain all ISNSW supplied equipment and ensure that all equipment supplied is kept clean and in good condition; Coordinate the final team training session at the Tournament venue through the ISNSW Head Office. During Tournament Maintain records of Expenditure. Managers must keep all receipts and tax invoices for the Teams monetary spends. Where possible provide a proposed budget and be transparent with your Players Check team in and out of accommodation, ensuring all team rooms are checked, clean and up to standard before checking out of the accommodation Attend the Managers meeting that is held on the Saturday afternoon prior to the commencement of the tournament. Ensure that the Team Sheet is completed and any late forms are handed in at this meeting; Ensure that any Player s medication is with you at all times (where necessary and appropriate); Co-ordinate meals for Team and ensure all Players are adequately fed; Ensure that any serious injury is seen to by the Team/ State Sports Trainer, seek appropriate medical treatment if required. Report any serious injury to the Tour Manager; Co-ordinate team meetings as advised by Team Coach; and Ensure all Players uniforms are washed and maintained for the following day Post Tournament Submit a report within 28 days of the conclusion of the Tournament which shall include details and recommendations related to: 1. Administrative tasks undertaken 2. Travel, Accommodation, Expenditure, uniform and other provisions 3. Tournament organisation 4. Player behaviour whilst on tour Return all allocated equipment clean and in good order to ISNSW within 14 days of returning from the tournament or some later time as arranged with ISNSW. 11 P a g e
The role of the ISNSW Team Coach is to prepare your Players to compete at the National Tournament. If you require an assistant Coach, he/she will need to be approved by ISNSW. You will need to work closely with your Team Manager who will look after the Team administration. Coach s responsibilities: Maintain the highest standard of professional conduct throughout your tenure as Team Coach Be responsible for the conduct of your team for the duration of your tenure ensuring that all Players adhere to the INFA Code of Conduct You are responsible for notifying ISNSW in the event of a Player withdrawal; and for recommending which shadow Player is to be brought in as the replacement for approval by the ISNSW Board A minimum of 2 weeks notice is to be given to all Players in regards to training times and location A record of Player attendance at training sessions must be maintained by your Team Manager. If a Player misses more than 3 training sessions without a suitable reason, ISNSW is to be notified, and a meeting between yourself and the Player is to be arranged to try to resolve any issues that may have arisen. Players should receive warnings by Team Management if they appear to be at risk of dropping below the attendance levels Ensure all Players are in attendance at whole squad training sessions, set and maintain Squad standards and discipline Liaise closely with Tour Manager/ISNSW in regards to any issues raised by the Team Name Captain/s or Vice or Co-Captains as required by ISNSW Submit a typed report within 28 days of completion of the Tournament including the following: o Review of Player performances o Squad performance o Support staff performance o Tournament performance 12 P a g e
ISNSW State Players must agree to be bound by the Player Contract upon selection into the NSW State Team, which binds Players to abide by the rules and regulations set out in relation to conduct during trials, training and on tour. ISNSW State Players and Officials are at all times representing not only themselves but their home centre, their State and the sport of Indoor Netball and must be on their best behaviour at all times. If a Player or Official is put on report or disciplined for any reason by the Tournament Officials or Team Management the Tour Manager is to be notified. If a Player has a complaint against another Player or Official it is to be reported to the Tour Manager. 1. If an incident is brought to the attention of the Tour Manager during the course of the Tournament, the Tour Manager will use their discretion as to whether or not the issue requires immediate attention or if the matter can be addressed once the Tournament is over. 2. The Tour Manager has the discretion to: a. Take no action; b. Issue a verbal or written warning to the relevant person(s); c. Investigate the matter and liaise with relevant officials or other person(s) in order to determine the validity of the issue(s) raised and what action should be taken; d. Arrange for a disciplinary hearing to take place once the Tournament concludes; and/or e. Insist that the relevant person(s) remove themselves from the Tournament and be sent home at their own cost. 3. If a disciplinary hearing is to take place, the relevant person(s) will be notified by ISNSW in writing of the potential breaches and be given a selection of dates to choose from in respect to the disciplinary hearing. 4. If the person(s) is unable to make him/herself available for a disciplinary hearing within the time specified by ISNSW then ISNSW reserve the right to rule on the potential breaches in the absence of the person(s). 5. The person(s) will be invited to nominate 1 support person and a reasonable number of witnesses at the discretion of the ISNSW 13 P a g e
disciplinary panel committee and must identify those people by the time nominated by ISNSW. 6. The disciplinary hearing panel will consist of at least three (3) members appointed by ISNSW who will discuss the various potential breaches with the person(s) and give the person(s) an opportunity to raise any objections to the complaints made. 7. Within 14 days from the date of the disciplinary hearing, the disciplinary hearing panel will advise the person(s) of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. 8. The person(s) will have up to seven (7) days of being notified of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing to request a review of the decision. Such appeal is to be sent in writing to ISNSW and may only be made on the basis of additional evidence not available at the disciplinary hearing. Notice of the appeal must set out in full, the grounds upon which the appeal is based and identify the additional evidence upon which the appeal is made. 9. The Board of ISNSW may take whatever steps they believes necessary to review the request for review/appeal and may confirm, reverse or amend the decision of the disciplinary hearing panel as he/she deems fit and appropriate. 10. The decision of the Board of ISNSW shall be final and no further request for review/appeal may be made. 14 P a g e
Representative Handbook Amended January 2015 15 P a g e