JUNIOR TEAMS

Division 2
Division 5

Club Teams Ladder

31 July 2010

Team	Ladder Position	Rounds 1 to 17
Seniors	1
Reserves	1
u18-2	5
u16-2	3
u16-5	5
u14-2	7
u14-5	6
u12-2	9
u12-5	10
u10-2	3
u10-5	3
Legend		= Win = Draw/Bye=Loss

To all players and parents

14-April-2010

Over the last couple of years, under age coaches in the league have met with the full Board of Management of the EDFL to review previous season performance and identify any issues and/or concerns in relation to the conduct of our junior teams.

As a result of these discussions, it became apparent that there were numerous reports of inappropriate behaviour, aggression and (in some instances) violence throughout preceding seasons, resulting in various levels of investigation by the EDFL into the conduct of not only players - which in itself is disturbing - but also into the behaviour of parents and/or team supporters.

It is the role of the Team Coach and the Team Manager to manage player behaviour throughout the competition and I am pleased to say that the EDFL did not identify a single incident last season in relation to the kids in our junior teams.

The behaviour of parents and team supporters, however, is outside the scope of our control – it is up to the individual to ensure that they behave in accordance with the principles of courtesy, respect and common decency. I request that all parents and team supporters take the time to read our code of conduct for parents and supporters and ensure that they understand the correct ways in which to raise concerns, issues and grievances should they arise throughout the competition.

It is not appropriate, for any reason, for a parent or supporter to be aggressive, intimidating, disrespectful, abusive or bullying to any other parent, supporter, player, umpire, coach, or individual associated with the junior competition.

The EDFL has directed all junior coaches to be pro active in trying to stem any inappropriate behaviour from occurring both on the field and off.

We all understand the passion parents have for their children, for the game and for winning - and that sometimes in the heat of the moment the smallest of things may become blown out of proportion and an unacceptable situation occurs. Such situations detract from the spirit of the game, diminish our kid’s enjoyment and send a message to other teams and spectators that we have no respect for each other or for the game of football.

We strongly encourage all parents and supporters to get involved with the club and with their children’s teams – but we do not want situations and / or incidents that get out of control.
As a parent myself I know I don’t like hearing someone yelling abuse at my son and I am sure that every other parent would feel the same. So before you yell out and verbally abuse an individual player please stop for a second and think of how you would feel if it was your son on the receiving end of insults like “…you’re a little shit”or “…you’re soft” or “…you’re dirty” or whatever might be the case - think how YOU would feel and how YOUR son would feel if it was directed at him.

The kids, unfortunately, are not the only ones who cop the abuse. We also have an ongoing problem with abuse towards umpires. Please try and remember that without these guys and girls, WE won’t have a game and our teams could be deregistered from the EDFL competition if we continue to treat them inappropriately.
 
At our next game have a look at the umpires who are there - remember that some of them are not much older (and some are even younger!) than the players on the field. They are there to do their best, be as fair and impartial as they can, in a game that can be fast, furious and constantly changing.

In all the years I have been involved in football I have never known an umpire to change a decision once it has been made – I don’t think you need to be Einstein to realize that they’re not going to change one this week because you yelled abuse at them. SO REALLY what is the point!

If you’re having a bad day, don’t take it out on the umpire. They are doing their best and - like all of us at work or school or home - make mistakes now and then.  Does anyone call you a maggot or moron at work because YOU have made a mistake? And if they did, would you put up with it? Would you let them and say ‘that’s fair enough’???   Why should our umpires?

I know there are some who will say that there isn’t a problem – that this is nonsense. If you are one of these I suggest you should have a good look at what is going on at our games and listen to other people’s comments during the course of the game – then stop think hard about what you have said in the past.

I know our supporters are usually good and not over the top and we haven’t had any problems on the field either - just some good hard contests and good football which is what we all like to see.  I’d like to see all parents set a high standard in supporting and encouraging not only their own children, but all our kids in the coming year so everyone can enjoy the game at its’ best.

Hopefully you can understand what we are asking - the kids will be giving their best and we will give them every chance possible at succeeding if they have the right attitude during training and in how they hold themselves on game days.

They are making us proud, so let’s remember to ensure we set a good example to them as their PARENTS!!!

Good Luck for the coming year
Darryl Maher

Coach U16div 2
TLFC Junior Coaching Coordinator 2010