Code of conduct Policy

 

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document.

Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club is committed to upholding the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of Partnership, Protection and Participation.

Values

Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club knows everyone involved in the activity/sport is here because of a shared passion for the activity/sport and care for the people involved.

Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club aims to provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone involved in its activities. People are expected to show respect and courtesy in their interactions with others.

Children and young people in particular must be cared for, treated with respect and their welfare placed at the centre of everything we do in the activity/sport.

Everyone involved in the activity/sport joins with good intentions and we are all expected to do our part responsibly and to comply with our policies and rules.

Purpose

  • We aim to provide guidance on the behaviour expected of all people when  when participating in Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club’s activities

  • Support an inclusive environment where all people are treated with dignity, respect and courtesy. 

Application

This code applies to anyone involved in Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club and its regional and national organisations where applicable.

This includes volunteers, participants, supporters, club members, employees, service providers, and families/ whānau of participants.

It is to be read together with Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club’s policies and procedures. 

 

Expected behaviours

Everybody involved with Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club must obey the law, at all times. Everyone is expected to:

  • act in good faith towards Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club.

  • Show commitment to Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club’s purpose

  • follow the principles of fair play, and encourage others to do the same

  • respect the rights, dignity and value of others

  • be considerate and treat everyone fairly and equally

  • be a positive role model

  • communicate with others in a way that is honest and considerate

  • be committed to providing a quality service and activity/sporting environment

  • behave professionally, responsibly and ethically, at all times

  • not behave in a way that is discriminatory, bullying, harassing, racist, sexist, violent, abusive or otherwise  inappropriate towards others, in person or online. 

  • NO GANG SIGNS at any time especially wearing club kit and on social media.  

  • remain free of the influence of drugs, performance enhancing substances and alcohol while involved  in Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club 

  • ensure safe and healthy practices at all times

  • follow this code and report any breaches of Pacific Coast Sharks American Football Club policies and procedures, and any applicable rules issued by New Zealand American Football Federation in a timely and appropriate way.

 

Participants are expected to:

  • play competitively and fairly

  • play by the rules of the activity/sport

  • be humble in both success and defeat

  • be respectful of officials/referees, coaches, team managers, teammates, and other competitors

  • refrain from arguing with or abusing officials/ referees, coaches, and team managers

  • be cooperative with officials/referees, coaches, team managers, teammates, and other competitors.

 

Family/whanau are expected to:

  • lead by example 

  • remember participant enjoyment of the activity/sport is most important

  • encourage participants, not force them

 

Team managers/supervisors are expected to:

  • be responsible and accountable for the overall management and wellbeing of the team/group

  • create a collaborative and inclusive team/group environment 

  • have a good understanding of Pacific Coast Sharks Sharks American Football Club’s policies and other relevant NZAFF rules or guidelines, ensuring the team/group acts in accordance with them.

 

Organisation based referees/officials are expected to: 

  • officiate matches fairly and impartially, placing participant safety at the heart of their approach

  • have a thorough understanding of NZAFF rules

  • condemn unsporting behaviour and encourage respect for competitors

  • support other referees/officials and encourage respect for them

  • treat all participants equally, and with dignity and respect and

  • conduct themselves in an ethical way. 

Reporting a breach 

Individuals who wish to report an alleged breach of this policy should follow the complaints procedure outlined in the Complaints Policy and Procedure. In the first instance players or parents should report to their coach or head coach.