Port Kennedy Soccer Club

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Introduction

1.1 Membership of the Port Kennedy Soccer Club (PKSC) should be seen as a privilege and all members have the responsibility of ensuring that our club retains its reputation of being a “friendly” and “professional” Soccer Club.

1.2 The underlying spirit of PKSC lies in the principle of being a “club” wherein the members are responsible for the Club’s existence, both financially and operationally. Hence, the club requires the voluntary input of its members in order to care for the facilities and to function smoothly. This is expected from all Members.

1.3 The objective of PKSC’s Code of Conduct is to provide a standard code of behaviour for its members and to:
	Assist club members to understand the standards of conduct that are expected of them.
	Promote consistently high standards of behaviour across all activities within our club.
	Ensure the club fulfils its statutory duty to be ethical, fair and honest to its members and obligations to its volunteers.
	Build community trust in the club and enhance public opinion of the sport of Soccer.  
	To ensure the safety and welfare of members and guests of all ages and abilities.
	Ensure that PKSC is enjoyed by all members and guests.

1.4 The Code of Conduct of PKSC is based on the key categories of Conduct, Behaviour, Child Protection, Club Integrity and Privacy, Guests, and Compliance.

2. Conduct

2.1   PKSC seeks to operate in an open and friendly environment, where people show respect for each other, personal property and the club. Each Member should be a positive “role model” and as such, Members shall:
	Show respect and courtesy to all club members and volunteers.
	Not tarnish the reputation of the club, its members and committees or bring the club into disrepute. This includes but is not limited to Social Media, emails, txts or other forms of trying to deface our Club and its members.
	Endeavour to operate in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure each person has an equal opportunity and is given a “fair go”.
	Be mindful of their actions in relation to their individual safety and the safety of all others involved in the Club.
	Abide by the Constitution, by-laws and policies of the club.
	Comply with and adhere to reasonable directives and requests of Club committee and duty officers of the club.
	Act responsibly at all times and accept responsibility for their actions. Each member should understand the possible consequences of breaching PKSC’s rules and regulations and comply with and adhere to any penalty imposed by the Club.
         
3. Behaviour

3.1 All members are expected to demonstrate the following behaviour. They must:

	Respect the privacy of and be ethical, fair and honest in all their dealings with other people.
	Comply with all applicable laws, including liquor laws and responsible service of alcohol standards.
	Act in a sportsman like manner and operate within the rules and spirit of the sport when representing the both on and off the field.       
	Operate within the rules of the sport including national and international guidelines that govern the sport of  Soccer through MFC, FFA and Football West
	When participating in a match, Members will accept all Referee decisions, any officials decisions, any outcomes and disciplinary action as seen fit by governing bodies such as Football West and the Clubs own Committee  and above all must not display rudeness, harassment or improper conduct towards other competitors, guests or officials. Disciplinary action could be taken by the Club Committee as they see appropriate.
	If a red card and/or fine is issued to a team or individual by a Football West Official, it will be up to the team and/or individual to pay the full amount or Volunteer at Club events.  Any individual’s behaviour is NOT the responsibility of PKSC.  Each member is responsible for their own actions.
	The use of mobile phones should be discreet and considerate of others in the vicinity. 
	Smoking is prohibited in all PKSC Buildings and grounds.

3.2  PKSC will not tolerate:

	Offensive language or rudeness,
	Excessive use of alcohol under the Liquor Licensing Laws,  
	A person is committing an offence if they consume or bring liquor into any sports ground, stadium or similar.
	It is an offence to supply alcohol to a minor, a guest who is intoxicated or an individual who has been banned from Port Kennedy Soccer Club.  If found to be doing this, an instant ban will be imposed to those involved and the matter will be referred to Police.
Public roads and private vehicles
	It is an offence (except where a permit or licence applies) to drink liquor on any public road or street. This includes drinking in a motor vehicle on any public road or street.
Powers of the police in relation to public drinking
	Under section 155 of the Act, a police officer may seize and dispose of any opened container of liquor that is in the possession of a person in a public place. As far as unopened containers are concerned, a police officer may seize the liquor where it is suspected that it will be unlawfully consumed in a public place. Unopened liquor will be taken as evidence.
	Inappropriate display of temper, abuse (eg abusive, intimidating and/or threatening behaviour to members or guests), harassment, ridicule - whether physical, verbal or by electronic form.
	Physical Violence (eg touching, pushing, fighting or that involving threat or use of a weapon). 
	The use or encouragement of illegal drugs within the premises.
	Wilful destruction of property – either to others or the club. Any damage to ANY property  will be at the expense of the individual and NOT PKSC (This rule applies to  but is not limited to Game Days,  Social Nights, Presentation Days, and any other event which is associated with Port Kennedy Soccer Club).
	Any form of discrimination
	PKSC is under NO obligation to consult with the member’s coach, manager or other if the member is in breach of any part of the Code of Conduct.   PKSC will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that our Club member’s guests and officials are safe to enjoy our Club’s facilities at all times. 

4. Child Protection

	4.1 The safety and welfare of our junior members and other children is paramount.
	All Coaches at PKSC must obtain a WWC at the commencement of each season at the cost to PKSC. (This includes coaches whose children play at the Club)
	Members must demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with person 18 years of age and under. Your words and actions are an example
•	Members, Office Bearers and volunteers must comply with the Child Protection laws                                                                                                      
•	Any members working with children must obtain the “Working With children Check”.
	Persons under the age of 18 shall not be permitted to purchase or be supplied with alcohol or tobacco. The Licensing Laws do not permit children under the age of eighteen years to be served or consume alcohol in any part of the Club.
	Members should avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons 18 years of age  and under  wherever possible.

5. Club Integrity & Privacy

5.1 It is the obligation of all club members to maintain the integrity and security of the PKSC’s confidential documents and information.

	No member shall represent the club in any dealings, unless authorised by the Club.
	Members shall not expect preferential treatment, nor seek favours from the Club’s Committee Members. Do not use your involvement in the PKSC to promote your own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of the Cub.

6. Guests

	6.1 A member will take responsibility for their guests at all times.
	Guests are required to be signed in by the Member however, it is preferred that all visitors are signed into the Visitors Register as required by the Registered Clubs Act.
	Members must ensure that Licensing Laws and Regulations are observed and ensure that their guests adhere to this Code of Conduct.
	Guests must remain in the company of the Member at all times while on PKSC’s premises.
	No alcohol is to be brought onto the premises of PKSC at any time. Members will face instant dismissal from the Club if found to be guilty

7. Compliance

7.1 Any breaches of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated at PKSC. Any Member or Guest who breaches this code may be asked to leave or be removed from the Club.

7.2 Any complaints in respect of a Member’s behaviour shall be directed to the Committee Representative, Officials or the most senior committee member available at the time. If a member is found to have breached the Club’s by-laws and/or policies then they may be brought before a Committee meeting to answer for their actions. Disciplinary actions may result.

7.3 This code is to be read in conjunction with the Policies, Procedures, Constitution and By-laws of the club. Any Disciplinary actions are dealt with under the PKSC’s constitution.

1 Document reviewed November, 2018