The primary objective of ALL Mitcham Junior Football Club Coaches is to maximise the enjoyment, development and in turn potential of the individual player within the structure and objectives of the team. It is paramount that this is achieved in a nurturing and positive environment that aims to provide the player and family with a positive social and football experience.
1. Winning games
Winning is not the primary objective of the club. The club considers winning as a potential outcome that stems from the development of the individual within the structure and objectives of the team.
2. Spirit of the Game
It is accepted the club aims to field competitive sides with players who display a healthy competitive spirit. This spirit is defined as trying ones best whilst displaying respect and tolerance for others. Including but not limited to umpires, opposition players / officials and of course our own team mates / officials.
3. Coaches as Leaders
Coaches as leaders are, above all, required to model the behaviour and attitudes outlined in point 2 (Spirit of the Game). All coaches are committed to the clubs racial and religious tolerance policy and bullying policy.
4. Development of the Individual
Taking into account the physical maturity, skill level and game sense of the player, coaches will aim to support players in the following areas:
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Development of skills;
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Development and knowledge of team play and tactics within
the three phases of the game; The three phases of the game are defined as
We have the ball ; They have the ball ; The ball is in dispute;
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Increased knowledge of positional play;
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Nurture and develop decision making ability through game related
training exercises.
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Foster personal development including leadership, self esteem and social skills.
Coaches are committed to the Club’s Rotation and Game Time Policy.
5. Game Time Policy
To assist players in their development coaches will give the opportunity
for players to practice what they learn at training by ensuring players
have a meaningful amount of game time. Every Player who attends training
on a regular basis should be given the following minimum playing time:
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Under 8's, 9's and 10's three quarters every week
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Under 11's and 12's three quarters or more averaged over a two week period;
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Under 13's and 14's two quarters or more
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15's and 17's two quarters or more
* Coach’s discretion will be applied in the case of injury, fatigue or poor attitude.
** In the event of a team making finals with more than 24 players on the list the coach will be required to inform ALL players and parents of his finals selection and game time policy at the earliest possible convenience.
6. Rotation Policy
The meaning of “development’ may change in the context of positional rotation as players progress through the age groups. In the junior years of 9 and10 it is important the players experience the challenge of playing in as many positions as possible.Positions are defined as backline, half back line, mid field (including wings, centre, ruck, ruck rover and rover), half forward line and full forward line.This will introduce players to the different requirements of each position and assist coaches in matching the individual to the suitable positions in years to come
As players progress through the years (under 11 onwards) coaches will give greater consideration to the player’s size, strength, skill level and game sense when rotating players positions. This may result in players playing in fewer positions. In turn, however, this will enhance the opportunity for the coach to help the player develop their knowledge of positional play which is one of the five primary objectives in developing the individual.
7. Continued Development of Coaches
All coaches are committed to the continued development of their coaching knowledge and methods. Coaches are expected to complete a Level 1 (Junior) Coaching Accreditation in their first year as coach.
The Club will assist coaches in paying for this. The Club will also provide regular opportunity’s for coaches to participate in formal coaching seminars and clinics. It is important those coaches engage in these opportunities the Club provides for the betterment of the team and their own coaching experience. ALL Coaches are required to have a current Working with Children Card.
ALL coaches will have a maximum of 3 consecutive year’s tenure with any one age group(Team).However, this policy can be reviewed by the Executive Committee should no Suitable applicant be obtained for the following season.
8. Voting and Value Awards
In addition to the current awards for Best and Fairest (1st, 2nd and 3rd), Most Improved,Coaches Trophy and Most Courageous which are determined through the voting process, all participating players will receive a personalised “value” award which recognises and highlights their individual contribution throughout the season. These will be awarded at the discretion of the coach and team officials.
Creativity is encouraged; however, some examples may include Tackling Award, Most Versatile, Mark of the Year, Most Reliable, Goal Sneak, Best Defender, Best Forward, Best attitude etc.
9. Injury prevention and safety
The Mitcham Junior Football Club view player safety as paramount.
It is the responsibility of the coaching staff in conjunction with the teams
suitably qualified trainer either personally or via delegation to
- Make sure that all grounds are checked before play for possible dangers (e.g. glass etc.);
- Players are wearing the appropriate protective equipment (e.g. Mouthguards and helmets in younger age groups where applicable);
- Players are monitored for signs of fatigue and rested where necessary;
- Appropriate medical attention is rendered as a priority should an injury occur;
- Children are not subjected to physical or verbal abuse from any player, parent or spectator.
10. All intervention is to be positive intervention
When instructing players, the use of fear or humiliation is not only inappropriate it is unlikely to be effective. Coaches will always instruct and intervene in a positive and encouraging way. It is the coach’s responsibility to provide a solution for the player or work with a player to find asolution.