NSFA 6-A-SIDE SUMMER TWILIGHT

NSFA 6-A-SIDE SUMMER TWILIGHT FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS PLAYING CONDITIONS MANUAL 2017 SUMMER SEASON 1

Contents Introduction... 4 Contact Details... 4 Season Dates... 4 Communication... 4 Within Your Team... 4 Website www.nsfc.com.au... 5 General Fees... 5 Team Entry Fee... 5 Player Refund... 5 In General... 5 Electronic Match Cards... 6 Paper Match cards... 6 Competition Tables... 6 Forfeits... 6 Playing Rules... 7 Number of Players... 7 Interchange or Substitution:... 7 Changing the goalkeeper... 7 Players Equipment... 7 Match Officials... 8 Duration Of Matches... 8 Start and Restart of Play... 8 Offside... 8 Free Kicks... 8 Accumulated Fouls (Under 18 and Older)... 9 Goal Keepers... 9 Cautions / Send Offs... 9 Walking Football... 10 Code Of Conduct... 11 Players... 11 Parents... 11 Coaches... 11 Officials... 12 Spectators... 12 2

Preventing Sport Rage... 13 Sport Rage... 13 Tips for Supporters... 13 Responsibility in Community Sports (NSFA 6-a-side Competitions)... 14 Working with Children... 16 Child protection is a top priority.... 16 How we are creating a safe environment for children... 16 How can I be sure that employed NSFA 6-A-Side staff are suitable people to be working with my children?... 16 What do our competition staff members know about child protection?... 16 NSFA 6ASIDE Football Forfeit Form... 17 3

Introduction This Manual is available to Team Managers from the NSFC 6-A-Side web site www.nsfc.com.au (in Playing Conditions ) - to assist in the smooth management of teams involved in the NSFC Summer Twilight 6-A-Side Competitions. It does not replace the NSFA Constitution or By-Laws and is subject to change during the season as determined by NSFA Management. It should assist Team Managers in understanding the rules under which the competition is conducted and the requirements of the Team Manager. This manual is a guide only and in the event of any discrepancy with the By-Laws, the By-Laws take precedence. TEAM MANAGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PRINT A COPY OF THESE PLAYING CONDITIONS, FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THEM IN FULL, AND TO KINDLY KEEP THIS DOCUMENT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES WHILST AT THE GROUND Contact Details Website: www.nsfc.com.au Competition Organisers: Adam Cloughton & Marcia Allman NSFA Office: Suite 2/4-10 Bridge Street Pymble NSW 2073 Contact: Email 6aside@nsfa.asn.au Phone 9449 4933 Season Dates COMPETITION Mills Park, Asquith NTRA Blackman Park, Lane Cove Tuesday Evenings Wednesday Evenings Thursday Evenings 11th September 14th December 11th September 14th December 11th September 14th December 11th September 14th December 11 th September 14 th December Communication Within Your Team As Team Manager, it is your responsibility to handle your team members and / or parents communications within your own team. It is the Team Manager s responsibility to communicate with NSFA on the behalf of the players and / or parents, should the need arise. Many queries and / or issues can be sorted out at team level, without the need to refer to NSFA. Any problems should be addressed through the appropriate channels. Only official correspondence (emails are acceptable) from teams will be dealt with. Players / Parents Team Manager Competition Organiser 4

Website www.nsfc.com.au The NSFC 6-A-Side website contains the season Draw for all age groups. Also on the website are procedures for players ordered from the field or cautioned, inclement weather procedures, ground locations, the Playing Conditions Manual, News Items, FNSW Policies, Fundraising Activities, assorted 6-A-Side photos, etc. Please check the website for any changes on the night before or on the morning of the game before 8.00am, prior to setting out for the day. This will make sure that parents and players are at the correct ground at the right time for kick- off. General Fees Team Entry Fee Are as per the respective NSFA 6-A-Side Centre, being; Blackman Park, Lane Cove Mills Park, Asquith North Turramurra Recreational Area (NTRA) Team fees are payable in full for teams to be include in the Draw Player Refund Team Managers are strictly responsible for the payment of Team registration fees, which includes the respective players Insurance Levy. For players who withdraw from the Competition for injury or other personal reasons, you need to negotiate with the respective Team Manager for any refund to be given. In General Team Bonds are NOT required for the 2017season. There is to be a minimum of six (6) players per team with a maximum of ten (10) players per team unless the Competition Organiser grants dispensation. We suggest Junior Age Groups have a maximum of eight (8) players to maximise the amount of time for each player on the field. The only exception is for Mixed All Age teams we allow up to 12 (twelve) registered players. No more than ten (10) players can play in any game (6 x field players / 4 x flying subs ). Mixed can have twelve (12) players (6 x field players / 6 x flying subs ). The minimum number of teams in any competition division will be four (4). The Competition Organiser will determine the maximum number of teams in any competition, once Team Entries are closed, though in isolated cases some late team entries will be accepted, at the discretion of the Competition Organiser. Some competitions will be split or regraded following one complete round of games, with all teams playing all other teams once, before being split into 2-3 divisions, or at the discretion of the Competition Organiser, in order to complete the season. 5

General Information a) All players must register on MyFootballClub. No players shall take the field unless they have registered on-line. New players may be registered at any time during the season prior to taking the field. All registered players must have a photo uploaded on the MyFootballClub FFA registration system. Players without a current photo on the Electronic Match Card System will be ineligible to play in any game. b) Players may register to play for more than one (1) team on the same night or alternate nights as long as the teams are not in the same division. A breach of this rule will result in an automatic forfeit c) The maximum number of interchange players is four (4) players per team in any one (1) game, unless it is a mixed AA competition where the number of interchange players is increased to a maximum of six (6) players d) Playing of unregistered or suspended players will result in a forfeit. In these circumstances a 3-nil result will be recorded Electronic Match Cards e) Electronic match cards (EMC s) will be used for all competition age groups (U12 upwards). Each team is required to submit an EMC no later than ten (10) minutes prior to the published start time of the match. To include a player on the EMC, each player needs to have a unique number and be marked as Yes. All players listed by not taking part in the match should be marked as No. f) Should the Team Manager be unable to locate an eligible player in this list, the details of the player (Full name, FFA ID number & shirt number) can be entered into the match card comments box. g) Team managers must review and accept the opposition match card no later than five (5) minutes before the published start time of the match. A match cannot commence until both team managers have completed this step. h) For non-competition age groups (U8-11), managers are required to carry a season results card on which will be recorded the results of all matches played by that team. The score of each match should be verified by the opposition manager. Paper Match cards i) In the event that the EMC does not operate for one or both teams then a paper match card must be used by both teams. The name, shirt number and ID number must be listed for all players in the match. Competition Tables j) If teams are equal on competition points at the end of the competition, goal difference (total goals scored for minus the total goals conceded over the season) will decide the final placing. If teams have the same goal difference then the team with the most goals scored is the higher placed team. If the teams are still equal, the regular season win / loss record between the equal placed teams will decide the higher placed team, or goal difference between the teams in these matches if required. If the teams are still equal, a coin will be tossed to determine the higher placed team. Competitions points will be awarded as follows; Three (3) points for a win, including a win by a Forfeit (3-nil) One (1) points for a score draw or scoreless draw; and Zero (0) points for a loss Please note, forfeits without adequate notice or without any notice, incur Fines of $25.00 and $50.00 respectively, which must be paid in full prior to the team s next scheduled game. Failure to pay any Fine before the commencement of the next game will result in team expulsion from the Competition. Forfeits k) Forfeits will be awarded when an opposing team does not field a minimum of 4 (four) players, one of whom must be the designated goalkeeper, 10 minutes after the scheduled commencement of the game: i) A forfeit will be awarded to the non-offending team and will be recorded as a 3 - nil win. ii) Forfeits without notice will incur a $50.00 (fifty dollars) Fine, which MUST be paid in full to prior to the kick-off time of the next scheduled game. Managers will be invoiced forfeit fines. 6

iii) Late forfeits (i.e. within 48 hours of the game) will incur a $25.00 (twenty five dollars) Fine, which MUST be paid in full prior to the kick-off of the next scheduled game. Managers will be invoiced forfeit fines. iv) Forfeits with adequate notice DO NOT incur Fines. v) For all forfeits, Team Managers are to complete a Forfeit form (www.nsfc.com.au Library ) and forward to the Competition Organiser, prior to the commencement of the next scheduled game. m) Games affected by adverse weather conditions Games cancelled due to Wet Weather, Lightning 30:30 Policy, Dust Storms etc. will be played at another date if time permits and / or the results have a bearing on the respective final competition Points Table. Playing Rules All rules and regulations of the Laws of the Game (Laws 1-17 inclusive) will apply unless otherwise directed below. Number of Players a) The minimum number of players required for a team to take the field is (four) 4, one of whom must be designated as the goal keeper. b) For designated Mixed Competitions (2014 / 15 season e.g. Mixed AA Thursday Division): o o o Interchange or Substitution: A minimum of 3 female players must be on the field of play at all times; or If there is only 2 female players then the team can only have 5 players on the field until the third female player enters the field of play. Any goal scored by a female player adds 2 goals to the total team goals scored. A substitution may be made at any time, whether the ball is in play or not. To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be observed: o The player leaves the pitch via his own team s substitution zone. o The substitute only enters the pitch after the player being replaced has left. o The substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone. o The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone. o The substituted player may take further part in the match. o If a period is extended to allow a penalty kick, a kick from the second penalty mark or a direct free kick without a wall to be taken, only the goalkeeper of the defending team may be substituted. Changing the goalkeeper o Any of the substitutes may change places with the goalkeeper without informing the referee / s or waiting for a stoppage in the match. o Any player may change places with the goalkeeper. o The player changing places with the goalkeeper must do so during a stoppage in the match and must inform the referee / s before the change is made. o A player or substitute replacing the goalkeeper must wear a goalkeeper s jersey with his number on the back. Players Equipment o o o o Teams shall wear matching shorts, socks, and shirts. ALL playing strips are to have clearly visible permanent numbers. All players must wear shin pads. Referees shall not allow any player to take the field of play without shin pads. Playing boots to be worn at Blackman Park, Lane Cove must have rubber dimples or cleats. Hard plastic cleats or dimples are not permitted as they can have sharp edges that can cut synthetic turf. Running style shoes are also acceptable at the Centre. Running style shoes are acceptable, but not recommended, at St Ives Showground or Mills Park - Asquith. 7

o No jewellery whatsoever is permitted to be worn by any player or official. All kinds of jewellery are potentially dangerous. Players may not use tape to cover items of jewellery. Rings and earrings, as well as leather and rubber articles are not necessary and can only cause injuries. The word dangerous can be ambiguous and controversial; hence for uniformity and a consistent approach NO player, substitute or official is permitted to wear any type of jewellery or adornment. Please note: Match Officials may wear wristwatches for timekeeping purposes, though no jewellery or adornment. Match Officials a) Fully qualified referees and / or accredited 6-a-side officials (ASO) will be appointed to games where possible. b) If a fully qualified referee or ASO has not been appointed to your game, the Home team shall supply their own volunteer referee. Whistle can be obtained at the ground controllers desk. Duration Of Matches a) Playing time allowed for each game shall be: - b) Up to and including Under 16 fourteen (14) minutes per half; no half time break; c) Under 18 and older twenty (20) minutes per half; no half time break; d) There will be no added time for injury and other stoppages; e) Kick off times are listed on the draw. f) Games will commence on time and the Ground Manager will be the sole timekeeper for all games. All games MUST start and finish on the siren unless otherwise instructed by the Ground Manager (or if a penalty kick is being taken), who will advise the appointed Match Officials, who will then commence / stop play through the use of their whistle. Extra time is NOT to be added on to any games for any reason. Start and Restart of Play a) A kick-in shall be taken when the ball crosses the sideline. The following conditions apply: - i) The ball is placed either on the touchline or outside within 25 centimetres of the touchline before kicking. ii) The kicker's foot not kicking the ball must be outside or at least on the touchline; if it crosses the touchline all of the way, into the pitch, the kick-in is given to the opposing team. iii) The kick-in must be taken within 4 seconds; if it is not, the kick-in is given to the opposing team. iv) The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until another player has played it; infringement of this rule entails an indirect free kick to the opposing from the point of infringement. v) All opposition players must be at least 5 metres away from point of kick-in. vi) A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in. Any player within the field of play must touch the ball first, prior to wholly crossing the goal line. b) Corners that are taken incorrectly or which exceed four (4) seconds will result in a goal clearance being awarded to the defending team. c) Goals can NOT be scored directly from a kick off. Offside There will be no offside rule applied in any game in the competition. Free Kicks a) All free kicks will be awarded as direct or indirect, as adjudicated by the referee. b) The minimum distance an opposing player may be from the ball in any free kick situation is five 8

(5) metres. c) Once the referee has signalled to take a direct or indirect free kick the team has four (4) seconds (not penalty kicks). d) Penalty kicks are to be awarded when a defending team commits a direct free kick offence inside the D radius. e) Penalty kicks are to be taken six (6) metres from the goal line, in the centre of the D radius. f) Sliding tackles are permitted in 6-a-side football, PROVIDED the player makes contact with the ball, not the player in possession of the ball. g) There will be no offside rule applied in any game during the competition. Accumulated Fouls (Under 12 and Older) a) Are those penalised with a direct free kick or penalty kick to be taken at the 2 nd penalty mark 10 meters from the goal line b) The accumulated fouls committed by each team in each half period. c) The referees may allow play to continue by applying the advantage if the team has not previously committed five accumulated fouls and the opposing team is not denied a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity. d) If they apply the advantage, the referees use the mandatory signals to indicate an accumulated foul to as soon as the ball is out of play. e) If extra time is played, accumulated fouls from the second period continue to accumulate during extra time. Direct free kick beginning with the sixth accumulated foul in each period f) Infringement occurred. The defending team s players may not form a wall to defend free kicks. g) The goalkeeper remains in his penalty area at a distance of at least 5 metres from the ball. h) The players, except the kicker and the defending goalkeeper, remain behind an imaginary line that is level with the ball and parallel to the goal line and outside the penalty area, at a distance of 5 metres from the ball. They may not obstruct the player taking the free kick. No player, except the kicker, may cross this imaginary line until the ball is in play. i) If a player commits his team s sixth accumulated foul in his own half of the pitch between the imaginary 10 metre line and the goal line but outside the penalty area, the attacking team decides whether to take it from the second penalty mark or the place where the infringement occurred. Goal Keepers a) The Goalkeeper can punt kick or drop-kick the ball (out of their hands) over the half-way line on the full. b) The Goalkeeper can throw the ball (out of their hands) over the half-way line on the full in general play or from a Goal Clearance. c) The Goalkeeper CAN kick the ball on the full over half-way from general play. d) The Goalkeeper cannot pick the ball up directly from a kick-in taken by a member of his / her own team. This infringement will result in an indirect free kick at the point of the offence. e) The Goalkeeper must release the ball within four (4) seconds of gaining control of the ball in their hands and / or feet. The penalty for this indiscretion will be an indirect free kick at the point of the offence. f) After play the ball, the Goalkeeper is not permitted to touch the ball for a second time after it has been deliberately played to him by a team-mate without an opponent playing or touching it. This infringement will result in an indirect free kick. g) The usual goal-kicks are taken by throwing the ball (out of their hands) into play beyond the radius circle. This is called a Goal Clearance. h) If a ball is thrown by the Goalkeeper directly into his / her own goal, wholly crossing the goal line, play is recommenced with a corner kick to the attacking team. i) A goal keeper cannot score a goal by throwing the ball into the goals that they are attacking. Cautions / Send Offs a) Referees at their discretion may issue yellow cards. An accumulation of four (4) yellow cards will 9

result in an automatic one-match suspension. The committee has the authority to adjust suspensions at their discretion. b) The referee may sin bin a player for periods of thirty (30) seconds and up to five (5) minutes at their discretion for offences committed. A player may not be substituted whilst in the sin bin. c) Referees at their discretion may issue a red card and send the player from the field of play. Dismissed players may be substituted two (2) minutes after the player has left the field of play or when a goal is scored by the opposition team within that 2 minutes period of time. The Referee will advise when the substitute can enter the field of play. d) The following mandatory suspensions apply: o Second cautionable offence in a match 1 match; o Deliberate hand ball to prevent a goal scoring opportunity 1 match; o Serious foul play to prevent a goal scoring opportunity 1 match; o Serious foul play of a non-violent nature 1 match; o Offensive, insulting or abusive language loudly to opponents or teammates 1 match; o Offensive, insulting or abusive language to referees, officials or spectator 2 matches; o Serious foul play of a violent nature 2 matches; o Violent conduct 2 matches. o The Ground Manager has the discretion to cite and / or suspend any player / official / spectator for breaches of the respective Codes of Conduct in consultation with the respective team manager and NSFA (please see attached Codes of Conduct ). This disciplinary action may include instances of violent and / or abusive behaviours before, during or after a game. Please note all serious offences will be subject to referral to the NSFA P&D Committee. e) All Suspensions will be served in the next scheduled game / s, and will NOT include any washed out games. f) The NSFA P&D committee has the discretion to review or confirm all suspensions. g) Appeals by Team Managers against non-mandatory suspensions are to be submitted in writing addressed to the NSFA P & D Chairperson, P.O. Box 3288 Asquith NSW 2077. Walking Football (1) Walking Rule o Walking is defined as always having at least one foot in contact with the ground. o The referee will award a direct free kick against any player who is seen to be not walking. o The referee will award a direct free kick against any player who is seen to be not walking. (2) Height of Ball Restrictions o A height restriction is set at a designated height of 6ft (1.83 metres), above which an indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team. o The exception to this rule shall be when the ball rises above the designated height restriction resulting from a save or block performed by a goalkeeper. Play should continue in this circumstance. (3) Additional Applicable infringements o A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences: Running Deliberately heading or handling the ball Attempting a Slide Tackle in an attempt to win the ball Playing the ball from the ground Kicks, Trips or Strikers (or attempts to) an opponent Furthermore, the below offenses will be deemed punishable should they be deemed by the Referee/Game Leader in a manner considered to be careless, reckless or using excessive force: o Shoulders, pushes, lunges at an opponent o Tackles an opponent (deemed careless or with excessive force) 10

Code Of Conduct For the benefit of all participants and their enjoyment of the game of soccer, all players, Managers, Coaches, Accredited 6-A-Side Officials, Referees, parents and spectators must exhibit what is considered socially acceptable and respectful behaviour and comply with these Codes of Conduct when they participate in competitions of the Association or carry out their duties for their respective team / s. It is an offence to: Use offensive, provocative, discriminatory, insulting or abusive language or gestures. Make unsporting remarks towards any player /s. Publish inflammatory, defamatory, discriminatory or unsporting remarks via any written or electronic media (e.g. club newsletter or website or email) Bring the game into disrepute. Act in a manner that is prejudicial to any other participant, team or the Association. Offenders will be cited to appear before the relevant competition sub-committee or Competition Organiser. Players Play by the rules. Never argue with any official. If you disagree, have your Captain, Coach or Team Manager approach the official in a respectful and non-threatening manner after the completion of the game. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging opposition players and / or your teammates, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport. Work equally hard for yourself and / or your team. Your team s performance will benefit, and so will you. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether it is your team or the opposition team who makes them. Treat all participants in your sport, as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. Cooperate with your coach, teammates, Referees and opponents. Without them there would be no competition. Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Parents Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Encourage children to participate, do not force them. Focus on the child s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game of soccer. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Respect Referees decisions and teach children to do likewise. Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. No one is to stand on or behind the goal line during the game in progress. Coaches Remember that young people participate for pleasure and wining is only part of the fun. Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake or not coming first Be reasonable in your demands on players time, energy and enthusiasm Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport and teach your players to do the same. Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of equal attention and opportunities Avoid overplaying the talented players; the just average need and deserve equal time. 11

Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players. Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same. Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young people. Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player s skill development. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. No one is to stand on or behind the goal line. Officials Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people. Compliment and encourage all participants Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions. Condemn unsporting behavior and promote repsect for all opponents. Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors. Encourage and promote rule changes that will make participation more enjoyable. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words. Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young people. Remember, you set an example. Your behavior and comments should be positive and supportive. Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else. Give all young people a fair go regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. Spectators Remember that young people participate in sport their enjoyment and benefit, not yours. Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game s outcome. Respect the decision of officials and teach young people to do the same. Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players. Show respect for your team s opponents. Without them there would be no game. Encourage players to follow the rules and the official s decisions. Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. No one is to stand on or behind the goal line. 12

Preventing Sport Rage Sport Rage Sport Rage is an initiative of the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation and is fully supported by the NSFA. Sport rage can come in many forms an unruly supporter abusing a referee, a player punching another player, or a spectator shouting racial taunts. These moments of madness can result in serious injuries, disciplinary action and even lifetime bans. Dealing with sport rage is now a major challenge for clubs. Not only does sport rage reflect badly on the clubs involved, it can deter participation at all levels. It is important that everyone involved in sport unites to combat sport rage. Tips for Players While sport rage is often the result of many factors, players can help reduce incidents by creating a positive sporting environment. Players should consider the following four points: Be a good Sport Remember the principles of fair play respect, integrity & fairness. Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. If you win, don t rub it in. If you lose, don t make excuses. If you make a mistake, learn from it and be ready to play on. If a team member makes a mistake, offer encouragement not criticism. Control your temper, - don t use bad language or harass others. Cooperate with your coach, teammates and officials Learn the rules of the game and abide by them. Visit www.playbytherules.net.au to learn more about fair play. Respect your opponent Treat your opponent the way you would like to be treated. Give encouragement to injured players and recognition to outstanding performances for both teams. Don t sledge or make any kind of derogatory remarks to your opponents during the game, especially comments of ethnic, racial or sexual nature. Don t bully or take unfair advantage of another player. Always thank the Match Official at the end of the game. Respect officials Accept and respect the Match Official s decision. Always thank the referee at the end of the game If you have an issue with a decision, raise it in controlled and professional way with the coach or your captain. Uphold the code of conduct for players Don t drink alcohol or use illegal drugs at matches or arrive at the field intoxicated or stoned. Tips for Supporters While sport rage is often the result of many factors, supporters can help reduce incidents by being good role models and helping to create a positive sporting environment. Supporters should consider the following points: Keep your emotions in check While some sideline emotion can be well intentioned, always consider the impact is having. Bad behaviour, such as abusing an official or ridiculing the opposition, is unacceptable. Respect for coaches Coaches and team managers play an essential role in providing a sporting experience. Without them there 13

would be no team and no game, so show respect for the people in these roles. Respect for Referees and officials Referees and Accredited 6-A-Side Officials are there to help make the game fair and more enjoyable for everyone. But they are human and may occasionally make mistakes. Your behaviour toward all officials will affect the attitude of players. Supporters should never approach the Referee or Accredited 6-A-Side Official directly. If you have an issue raise it in a controlled and professional way through the Coach or Team Manager. Upholding the Code of Conduct It is important you understand, support and uphold the supporter s code of conduct. Your club is entitled to enforce this code. For example, while it may not be a criminal offence for a spectator to verbally taunt an opposition team, such behaviour may well breach the code of conduct and disciplinary action may be taken. Dealing with Sport Rage Despite everyone s best intentions, sports rage incidents sometimes occur. While it is mainly the responsibility of ground officials and NSFA 6-A-Side Committee Members to deal with incidents, it is important that everyone understands and supports the process. Here are some of the steps that can be taken depending on the seriousness of the incident. Responsibility in Community Sports (NSFA 6-a-side Competitions) Reporting inappropriate behavior Responsibility of everyone Behaviour that contravenes any of the Codes of Conduct should be reported to the Ground Manager. Any person who is unsure who the Ground Manager is should report the incident to a NSFC Committee member. Approaching the offender Responsibility of the Ground Manager / Competition Organiser Issuing warnings Responsibility of the NSFA 6-A-Side Committee The first time a person breaches a code of conduct, they might be issued with a warning. The person may not be aware that their behaviour is unacceptable and should be notified of club rules. 14

Taking disciplinary action Responsibility of the NSFA 6-A-Side Committee The NSFA 6-A-Side Committee should consider taking disciplinary action in accordance with its rules if the conduct is repeated or of a serious nature. This might result in counselling, suspension or expulsion. Removing people from the field of play or venue Responsibility of the Ground Manager / Competition Organiser The Match Official should communicate directly and immediately with the Ground Manager in order to remove a person from the field. The NSFA can request offenders to leave the venue, or otherwise can discipline the person for the breach of the respective Code of Conduct. Suspending play Responsibility of the Match Official The Match Official may suspend play and refuse to restart until appropriate action has been taken. He/she may request that a person is removed from the sideline and, in serious cases, abandon the game altogether. Involving the police Responsibility of the Ground Manager / Competition Organiser If it is considered the behaviour of an individual constitutes a criminal act the Ground Manager / Competition Organiser will notify the police immediately. While it is lawful for the NSFA to detain a person who has committed a criminal offence until the police arrive, it is recommended that this is done only as a last resort. The Ground Manager / Competition Organiser are able to exercise reasonable force in detaining a person who has committed a criminal offence until the police arrive, but this should not be disproportionate to the conduct of the offender 15

Working with Children Child protection is a top priority. NSFA is committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children is maintained at all times. Our aim is to promote a safe environment for all children and to ensure that all participants in our programs are provided with the best possible experience. How we are creating a safe environment for children All staff (paid, voluntary, permanent or casual) of NSFA must validate a declaration to confirm their awareness of the requirements of the new child protection legislation and the NSW Sport and Recreation Department's own policy. The NSW Sport and Recreation Department is an Approved Screening Agency and assist all community sports organisations to conduct background checking for all our competition employees in accordance with the requirements of the Working With Children Check. How can I be sure that employed NSFA 6-A-Side staff are suitable people to be working with my children? All staff employed to organise the NSFA 6-A-Side competitions meet the requirements of the Working With Children Check. Prior to employment, staff members undergo a national criminal record check that focuses on a person's suitability to work with children. Staff must also validate a Prohibited Employment Declaration to indicate they have not been convicted of a serious sex offence. What do our competition staff members know about child protection? All staff employed in child related positions are aware of their responsibilities in relation to child protection. They are aware of the indicators of child abuse, their obligations to report suspected child abuse and neglect and the appropriate procedures to follow. For more information contact the NSW Sport and Recreation Child Protection Infoline on 1300 366 407 Please go to the link: https://check.kids.nsw.gov.au/volunteer-declaration.php to complete the form online, print and bring along to the Ground Manager for checking off and filing. 16

To be emailed to NSFA 6aside@nsfc.asn.au MATCH DETAILS Club Forfeiting: Date Of Forfeit: Opposition Team: Competition: Time: Field: REASON FOR FORFEIT NSFA 6ASIDE Football Forfeit Form Team Manager _ Date: OFFICE USE ONLY NSFA Date / Time Received: Ground Manager Website Updated: Opposition Advised: Date / Time All Advised: 17

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