USAFL Code of Conduct for Coaches, Players and Officials

By checking the box in the "USAFL POLICIES" Section of the Player Registration form, I agree to the following:

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

• Play by the rules – the rules of your club, your league and the laws of the game.
• Never argue with an umpire or other official.  Players must not before, during or after a match threaten or address an umpire in insulting terms, or act in a provocative manner towards a fellow player or umpire.
• Control your temper. Players shall not exhibit obnoxious, impolite or antisocial behavior of any sort that would adversely affect the image of the game as a serious and disciplined endeavor. This includes verbal abuse of officials and/or other players.
• Be a team player. It’s a team game, treat it that way.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly.
• Co-operate with your coach, the umpires and teammates.
• Don’t use negative remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability.
• You are a representative of your club, your league and the USAFL, you will conduct yourself accordingly on and off the field.
• Players who represent their teams are ambassadors of their club, their regional league, and the United States Australian Rules Football League, as well as the game of Australian Rules Football in general.  As such, each player is expected to be on good, responsible behavior at all times, both on and off the field.
• Participation in the United States Australian Football League brings with it a responsibility to ensure that by their personal behavior, players, coaches, administrators and team support staff do not damage public respect and support for Australian Football and the USAFL.

TEAM OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT

• Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.
• Teach that enjoyment is more important than winning.
• Never ridicule mistakes or losses – officials are there to support not downgrade.
• Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, umpires and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
• Recognize all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time.
• Never publicly criticize umpires – raise personal concerns with club officials in private.
• Don’t use negative remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability.
• Control your temper.  Team Officials shall not exhibit obnoxious, impolite or antisocial behavior of any sort that would adversely affect the image of the game as a serious and disciplined endeavor.  This includes verbal abuse of officials and/or players.
• You are a representative of your club, your league and the USAFL, you will conduct yourself accordingly on and off the field. 
• Team Officials who represent their teams are ambassadors of their club, their regional league, and the United States Australian Rules Football League, as well as the game of Australian Rules Football in general.  As such, each team official is expected to be on good, responsible behavior at all times, both on and off the field.
• Participation in the United States Australian Football League brings with it a responsibility to ensure that by their personal behavior, players, coaches, administrators and team support staff do not damage public respect and support for Australian Football and the USAFL.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

I hereby commit, to the best of my ability, to uphold the USAFL Coaches' Code of Conduct.

I understand that as an integral component of my participation in the United States Australian Football League, I must maintain a standard of behaviour and conduct that is in the best interests of the game and the players/staff in my care.

In representing myself in an honest manner, and without bringing the coaching profession or the game into disrepute, I will endeavor to uphold the following to the best of my ability:

• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all individuals within the context of my involvement in Australian Football and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background or special ability/disability.
• I will abide by and teach the USAFL Laws of the Game as adapted from the official AFL Laws of the game and the rules of my club and league.
• I will be reasonable in the demands I make on the time commitments of the players in my care, having due consideration for their health and well-being.
• I will refrain from any form of personal abuse or unnecessary physical contact with the players in my care.
• I will have due consideration for the varying maturity and ability levels of my players when designing training schedules and activities and during competition.
• I will not 'overplay' the talented players, but will ensure that all players have equal game time.
• I will stress safety always.
• In recognizing the significance of injury and sickness, I will seek and follow the doctor's advice concerning the return to training of injured or ill players.
• I will endeavor to stay informed about sound principles of coaching and skill development and of factors relating to the welfare of my players
• I will, at all times, display and teach appropriate sporting behavior, ensuring that players understand and practice the principles of fair play.
• I will display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, parents and spectators.
• I will ensure that my prime role - to provide a positive environment where players can learn skills and develop - is not overshadowed by a desire to win.
• I acknowledge that the USAFL may take disciplinary action against me if I breach the code of conduct. I understand that the AFL, or a body affiliated with the AFL, is required to implement a complaints handling procedure in accordance with the principles of natural justice, in the event of an allegation against me.