Armstrong Creek FNC Handbook
Armstrong Creek FNC Handbook
Armstrong Creek Football Netball ClubJunior Football Handbook2022 ContentsAbout Armstrong Creek Junior Football Netball Club 3Key ACJFNC football Facts 3Our Purpose 3Our Mission 3Our Vision 3Our Values 4Code of Conduct 4Committee Members 4Junior Football Program 5Junior Leadership team members and key responsibilities 5Purpose of Leadership Team 5Key Program Philosophies (in order) 5Player Rotations 5Player Selections 5Training Style 5Junior Football – 2022 season information 6Club Communications 6How to Register 6Key Dates 6Uniform 6Age Group Eligibility 7Match Days 7Mouthguard Policy 7Volunteer Roles 7Merchandise 7Grading of Teams 8Team Song 8First Aid 8Concussion 8ACJFNC Policies 8Match Day Issues 9
About Armstrong Creek Junior Football Netball Club
Key ACJFNC football Facts• Established: 2018• Mascot: Shark• Junior Teams: U14 mixed, U12 mixed, U10 mixed, U9 mixed• Auskick: 150+ participants• Members (2021): 68 players, 10 volunteers• Home Ground: 73-93 Central Blvd, Armstrong Creek
Our PurposeThe Armstrong Creek Football & Netball Club (ACJFNC) aims to provide the best possible environment for members to feel a sense of community and be a sporting club which promotes participation, achievement and contribution.
Our MissionACJFNC’s mission is to provide a supportive, respectful, inclusive club environment for Armstrong Creek and the surrounding community. Through sporting programs, the club aims to encourage, advance and assist in the development for boys and girls to realise their maximum potential and maintain their physical wellbeing. Together we will provide the opportunity to participate in sport that encourages family participation and teaches the values of discipline, commitment and teamwork that can be applied not only on the field or court, but also in life.
Our VisionWe recognise that the club is greater than any one individual, the aspirations for our club are:• To be an organisation that runs smoothly and professionally with quality facilities• To have qualified and accredited coaches to develop skills and people• For our older members to be role models for our younger junior members, both in their sporting ability and their social behaviour• For our members to be committed to coaching, training and their team as this will aid in establishing a style of play that promotes on field success• To have a community of playing and non-playing members who actively contribute to the club• For the club to be acknowledged as making a contribution to the broader community• For all members of the club to consistently display our core values• To have the full support of local businesses who are eager to sponsor, promote and support us• To have a stable leadership group who are positive, enthusiastic and open to change• To have a club environment which is inclusive and a great place to be• For our club to continue to grow with the community, and strive to be known as leaders in our league
Our ValuesEnthusiasm and Commitment• We train hard, play hard but most importantly have fun• We contribute positively both on the field/court and within the clubRespectfulness and Accountability• We respect all players, officials, spectators and member• We maintain a high standard of personal behaviour• We respect the decisions of the coaches and umpiresTeamwork and Collaboration• We play and train as a part of a team• We volunteer and take up roles to achieve the best outcome for the club• We are inclusive of players of all abilities and encourage participationDevelopment and Excellence• We win cleanly through spirit, talent and discipline• All players are given the opportunity to reach their potential• Development of all players, umpires and coaches will be a focus for our club
Code of ConductEach member who chooses to register for the season accepts that they will abide by the behaviours set out in the ACJFNC code of conduct. Any behaviours which go against the club values or the code of conduct will be reviewed by committee.
Committee Members• President: Chad Dunscombe• Vice-President: Lauren Simms• Secretary: Prue Bingham• Treasurer: Tarah Small• Director of Junior Netball: Angela Carlon
Junior Football ProgramJunior Leadership team members and key responsibilities• Mark James U14 mixed coach• Nic Kabylakis U12 mixed coach• Tim Cleeland U9 mixed coach• Luke McNamara U9 mixed coach
Purpose of Leadership Team• To manage the junior football program at ACJFNC in alignment with the club philosophies and values• To enable all aspects of junior football to voice • To report back to the ACJFNC committee• To raise sufficient funds for the junior football program
Key Program Philosophies (in order)1. Player retention – it is vital that we provide a fun, supportive, inclusive and constructive environment for players so they stay at the club2. Player development – it is vital that we focus on developing players of all abilities who have a desire to improve, not just the stronger players. This is to support the retention priority but also in recognition that given the differing growth and development rates in children.3. Player success – ACJFNC wants to instil a winning culture in our teams but never at expense of priority 1 and 2. Success isn’t just about scoreboard results, continuing to play hard when you’re behind and showing resilience, humility and good sportsmanship whether you win lose or draw is the ACJFNC way.
Player RotationsACJFNC requires that junior teams follow a policy of rotating junior players across multiple positions in junior competition. This is to ensure that players who may be smaller/less skilled at a young age do not miss out on crucial development opportunities, and similarly, that players who may be larger/more skilled at a young age are not pigeonholed into one position.
Player SelectionsGiven the differing player numbers and availabilities across age levels, ACJFNC will not enforce a selection policy on teams, however, recommends that teams select players for finals based on:• Attendance at training• Games played• Positional considerationsWhether the coach decides on this approach or has a different approach, the most important action is to clearly communicate their approach to the players and their families as early as possible in the season, and ideally multiple times via various channels.
Training StyleIt is recommended that each junior training should consist of the following:• Skills and fitness, with the aim being that each player touches the ball more than 50-75 times via kicking, handballs, bouncing, and including encouragement to use non-dominant side and develop these skills• Structured drills, with a focus on maintaining structure, creating space, etc• Games simulation, this includes keepings off or full end to end gamesJunior Football – 2022 season information
Club CommunicationsThe Club will endeavour to keep players and families well informed via multiple methods:• Email – we will use the email address/es supplied upon player registration• Website – www.armstrongcreekfc.com.au• Facebook: Armstrong Creek Sharks Football Netball Club (we would encourage you to follow our page as it is a source for instant news)Team specific communications will be established by each team. A mix of Facebook, SMS and email. Please speak to your coach or team manager about the preferred method for your team.To view results, fixtures and ladders, download Game Day by PlayHQ. Once it is loaded with the season fixtures you will need to select Australian football then search for AFL Barwon in the League tab, then Armstrong Creek to view all the fixtures for your preferred team/s.
How to RegisterPlayer registrations generally open in January. Registrations are required as early as possible to enable the committee to make informed decisions on team numbers.Register at https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/e9f706It’s a two-step process, and both steps need to be completed by Round 1, 2022:1. Register your player with PlayHQ to be recognised by AFL Barwon and covered by player insurance2. Join and pay for your ACJFNC player membership
Key DatesSeason 2022• Junior football Round 1 – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April• Bye Rounds – 17th/18th April and 3rd/4th July• Grand Final (U14 only) – 21st AugustClub EventsStill to be confirmed• Official season training begins – Wednesday 9th March Come and try session to be followed by free BBQ sausages• Football Guernsey Presentation – Wednesday 30th March To follow training, light meal to be offered also
UniformThe Club will provide each player with a guernsey that must be returned at the end of the season.As part of the registration fees the club will provide playing shorts and socks for players to keep. Any items worn underneath the uniform (eg. ‘Skins’ compression tops or shorts) are optional and much match the skin tone of the player. DeGrandi, Target and Best n Less have been known to sell a cheaper brand of compression shorts.
Age Group EligibilityAge groupings are based on the player’s age at 01 January. For season 2022 eligibility is:• U9 mixed: 01/01/2013 - 30/04/2015• U10 mixed: 01/01/2012 – 31/12/2012• U12 mixed: 01/01/2010 – 31/12/2011• U14 mixed: 01/01/2008 – 31/12/2009
Match Days• U9, U10 and U12 play Saturdays with some Friday nights• U14 play on Sundays
Mouthguard PolicyACJFNC have implemented a mouthguard policy for all junior football players under the guidelines set out by the AFL. All players should wear a mouthguard when participating in physical training drills, and also they MUST be worn on game day. ACFNC put this policy in place for the protection of its players as mouth guards have a definite role in preventing injury to the teeth and face. The Australian Dental Association recommends a custom fitted mouthguard for all players who participate in contact sport or sports with high risk of dental injury.
Volunteer RolesEach team requires many volunteers to enable their players to play a game each week. Volunteer roles that need to be filled are:• Coach and assistant coach• Team Manager• Field umpire• Goal umpire• Trainer / first aid• Runner (U12+)• Water carrier• Interchange Steward (U14+)• Scorer• Timekeeper• BBQ cooks• Canteen helpers• GroundskeeperSome positions require a Working with Children check and as a club we recommend all volunteers apply through the free application process via:https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply
MerchandiseSharks supporter merchandise can be ordered at any time throughout the year. Hoodies, Jackets, Beanies, Polo shirts, etc are optional only and can be ordered via the below website:https://shop.locosportswear.com.au/collections/armstrong-creek-jfcGrading of TeamsThe Club submits an estimated grading of each junior team to AFL Barwon so they can schedule the first 4 matches of the season. AFL Barwon grading of teams takes place during this period. At the completion of grading, teams are placed in the most suitable division and the remaining fixtures will be released. It can be hard to plan for but is essential as it ensures that games are not too one-sided (in either direction).
Team SongTo the tune of ‘Hawthorn Football Club’
We’re a happy team at ArmstrongWe’re the Mighty Fighting Sharks. We love our Club and we play to win,Riding the bumps with a grin (at Armstrong)
Come what may, you’ll find us fighting,Teamwork is the thing that counts, 4, 3, 2, 1…One for all and all for one the way we play at Armstrong
We are the Mighty Fighting Sharks!!
First AidEach team requires at least one designated volunteer first aid attendant/trainer. People who undertake this require a minimum level 1 first aid or an equivalent level of training or experience. ACJFNC also offers basic training for first aid attendants during the season.
ConcussionACJFNC supports the guiding principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out’.The ACJFNC concussion policy will align with AFL Barwon requirements, but is currently (as at 01 March 2022) as follows:• If an incident resulting in a possible concussion occurs, the player needs to be taken from the field to be assessed by the team trainer or first aid attendant using the HeadCheck app (smartphone download).1. If the HeadCheck assessment results in advice that the player should not continue playing, the player will not take the field again during that match.2. If the HeadCheck assessment results in advice that the player should not continue playing, the player is not permitted to play the following week unless they provide written medical clearance to their coach or team manager.https://www.headcheck.com.au/
ACJFNC PoliciesPlease refer to our website for Club policies including Vilification, Code of Conduct and Child Safety.
Match Day IssuesIn the unusual occurrence of players and spectators behaving inappropriately towards players, umpires or coaches, prevention is certainly more effective than a cure.Incidents can be prevented or minimised in the following ways:• Our team managers reminding families to never abuse umpires or other team players, volunteers or spectators, even if provoked. The way we act in these situations directly influences the way our kids act• ACJFNC coaches and volunteer umpires should meet and greet their opposition coach and umpire before each game, wish them well and remind them that we are all here to enjoy a fun game of footy. Our umpire should state at this time that the game will be played to the age-appropriate rules and free kicks will be paid (eg. No tackling to ground, no sling tackles, no abuse, etc).• Th ACJFNC umpire should pay free kicks against any player from either team who deviates from the rules, and any time they receive inappropriate sledging or abuse from any player or spectator from either team.• If issues arise during the game, the coaches should meet at the next break to highlight the issue and ask that it be addressed.• The umpire can give yellow cards with/without report or red cards without report.• In extreme cases if the above steps have been taken and the safety or wellbeing of our players or umpires are still at risk, the Club will support your decision to end the game.
About Armstrong Creek Junior Football Netball Club
Key ACJFNC football Facts• Established: 2018• Mascot: Shark• Junior Teams: U14 mixed, U12 mixed, U10 mixed, U9 mixed• Auskick: 150+ participants• Members (2021): 68 players, 10 volunteers• Home Ground: 73-93 Central Blvd, Armstrong Creek
Our PurposeThe Armstrong Creek Football & Netball Club (ACJFNC) aims to provide the best possible environment for members to feel a sense of community and be a sporting club which promotes participation, achievement and contribution.
Our MissionACJFNC’s mission is to provide a supportive, respectful, inclusive club environment for Armstrong Creek and the surrounding community. Through sporting programs, the club aims to encourage, advance and assist in the development for boys and girls to realise their maximum potential and maintain their physical wellbeing. Together we will provide the opportunity to participate in sport that encourages family participation and teaches the values of discipline, commitment and teamwork that can be applied not only on the field or court, but also in life.
Our VisionWe recognise that the club is greater than any one individual, the aspirations for our club are:• To be an organisation that runs smoothly and professionally with quality facilities• To have qualified and accredited coaches to develop skills and people• For our older members to be role models for our younger junior members, both in their sporting ability and their social behaviour• For our members to be committed to coaching, training and their team as this will aid in establishing a style of play that promotes on field success• To have a community of playing and non-playing members who actively contribute to the club• For the club to be acknowledged as making a contribution to the broader community• For all members of the club to consistently display our core values• To have the full support of local businesses who are eager to sponsor, promote and support us• To have a stable leadership group who are positive, enthusiastic and open to change• To have a club environment which is inclusive and a great place to be• For our club to continue to grow with the community, and strive to be known as leaders in our league
Our ValuesEnthusiasm and Commitment• We train hard, play hard but most importantly have fun• We contribute positively both on the field/court and within the clubRespectfulness and Accountability• We respect all players, officials, spectators and member• We maintain a high standard of personal behaviour• We respect the decisions of the coaches and umpiresTeamwork and Collaboration• We play and train as a part of a team• We volunteer and take up roles to achieve the best outcome for the club• We are inclusive of players of all abilities and encourage participationDevelopment and Excellence• We win cleanly through spirit, talent and discipline• All players are given the opportunity to reach their potential• Development of all players, umpires and coaches will be a focus for our club
Code of ConductEach member who chooses to register for the season accepts that they will abide by the behaviours set out in the ACJFNC code of conduct. Any behaviours which go against the club values or the code of conduct will be reviewed by committee.
Committee Members• President: Chad Dunscombe• Vice-President: Lauren Simms• Secretary: Prue Bingham• Treasurer: Tarah Small• Director of Junior Netball: Angela Carlon
Junior Football ProgramJunior Leadership team members and key responsibilities• Mark James U14 mixed coach• Nic Kabylakis U12 mixed coach• Tim Cleeland U9 mixed coach• Luke McNamara U9 mixed coach
Purpose of Leadership Team• To manage the junior football program at ACJFNC in alignment with the club philosophies and values• To enable all aspects of junior football to voice • To report back to the ACJFNC committee• To raise sufficient funds for the junior football program
Key Program Philosophies (in order)1. Player retention – it is vital that we provide a fun, supportive, inclusive and constructive environment for players so they stay at the club2. Player development – it is vital that we focus on developing players of all abilities who have a desire to improve, not just the stronger players. This is to support the retention priority but also in recognition that given the differing growth and development rates in children.3. Player success – ACJFNC wants to instil a winning culture in our teams but never at expense of priority 1 and 2. Success isn’t just about scoreboard results, continuing to play hard when you’re behind and showing resilience, humility and good sportsmanship whether you win lose or draw is the ACJFNC way.
Player RotationsACJFNC requires that junior teams follow a policy of rotating junior players across multiple positions in junior competition. This is to ensure that players who may be smaller/less skilled at a young age do not miss out on crucial development opportunities, and similarly, that players who may be larger/more skilled at a young age are not pigeonholed into one position.
Player SelectionsGiven the differing player numbers and availabilities across age levels, ACJFNC will not enforce a selection policy on teams, however, recommends that teams select players for finals based on:• Attendance at training• Games played• Positional considerationsWhether the coach decides on this approach or has a different approach, the most important action is to clearly communicate their approach to the players and their families as early as possible in the season, and ideally multiple times via various channels.
Training StyleIt is recommended that each junior training should consist of the following:• Skills and fitness, with the aim being that each player touches the ball more than 50-75 times via kicking, handballs, bouncing, and including encouragement to use non-dominant side and develop these skills• Structured drills, with a focus on maintaining structure, creating space, etc• Games simulation, this includes keepings off or full end to end gamesJunior Football – 2022 season information
Club CommunicationsThe Club will endeavour to keep players and families well informed via multiple methods:• Email – we will use the email address/es supplied upon player registration• Website – www.armstrongcreekfc.com.au• Facebook: Armstrong Creek Sharks Football Netball Club (we would encourage you to follow our page as it is a source for instant news)Team specific communications will be established by each team. A mix of Facebook, SMS and email. Please speak to your coach or team manager about the preferred method for your team.To view results, fixtures and ladders, download Game Day by PlayHQ. Once it is loaded with the season fixtures you will need to select Australian football then search for AFL Barwon in the League tab, then Armstrong Creek to view all the fixtures for your preferred team/s.
How to RegisterPlayer registrations generally open in January. Registrations are required as early as possible to enable the committee to make informed decisions on team numbers.Register at https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/e9f706It’s a two-step process, and both steps need to be completed by Round 1, 2022:1. Register your player with PlayHQ to be recognised by AFL Barwon and covered by player insurance2. Join and pay for your ACJFNC player membership
Key DatesSeason 2022• Junior football Round 1 – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April• Bye Rounds – 17th/18th April and 3rd/4th July• Grand Final (U14 only) – 21st AugustClub EventsStill to be confirmed• Official season training begins – Wednesday 9th March Come and try session to be followed by free BBQ sausages• Football Guernsey Presentation – Wednesday 30th March To follow training, light meal to be offered also
UniformThe Club will provide each player with a guernsey that must be returned at the end of the season.As part of the registration fees the club will provide playing shorts and socks for players to keep. Any items worn underneath the uniform (eg. ‘Skins’ compression tops or shorts) are optional and much match the skin tone of the player. DeGrandi, Target and Best n Less have been known to sell a cheaper brand of compression shorts.
Age Group EligibilityAge groupings are based on the player’s age at 01 January. For season 2022 eligibility is:• U9 mixed: 01/01/2013 - 30/04/2015• U10 mixed: 01/01/2012 – 31/12/2012• U12 mixed: 01/01/2010 – 31/12/2011• U14 mixed: 01/01/2008 – 31/12/2009
Match Days• U9, U10 and U12 play Saturdays with some Friday nights• U14 play on Sundays
Mouthguard PolicyACJFNC have implemented a mouthguard policy for all junior football players under the guidelines set out by the AFL. All players should wear a mouthguard when participating in physical training drills, and also they MUST be worn on game day. ACFNC put this policy in place for the protection of its players as mouth guards have a definite role in preventing injury to the teeth and face. The Australian Dental Association recommends a custom fitted mouthguard for all players who participate in contact sport or sports with high risk of dental injury.
Volunteer RolesEach team requires many volunteers to enable their players to play a game each week. Volunteer roles that need to be filled are:• Coach and assistant coach• Team Manager• Field umpire• Goal umpire• Trainer / first aid• Runner (U12+)• Water carrier• Interchange Steward (U14+)• Scorer• Timekeeper• BBQ cooks• Canteen helpers• GroundskeeperSome positions require a Working with Children check and as a club we recommend all volunteers apply through the free application process via:https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply
MerchandiseSharks supporter merchandise can be ordered at any time throughout the year. Hoodies, Jackets, Beanies, Polo shirts, etc are optional only and can be ordered via the below website:https://shop.locosportswear.com.au/collections/armstrong-creek-jfcGrading of TeamsThe Club submits an estimated grading of each junior team to AFL Barwon so they can schedule the first 4 matches of the season. AFL Barwon grading of teams takes place during this period. At the completion of grading, teams are placed in the most suitable division and the remaining fixtures will be released. It can be hard to plan for but is essential as it ensures that games are not too one-sided (in either direction).
Team SongTo the tune of ‘Hawthorn Football Club’
We’re a happy team at ArmstrongWe’re the Mighty Fighting Sharks. We love our Club and we play to win,Riding the bumps with a grin (at Armstrong)
Come what may, you’ll find us fighting,Teamwork is the thing that counts, 4, 3, 2, 1…One for all and all for one the way we play at Armstrong
We are the Mighty Fighting Sharks!!
First AidEach team requires at least one designated volunteer first aid attendant/trainer. People who undertake this require a minimum level 1 first aid or an equivalent level of training or experience. ACJFNC also offers basic training for first aid attendants during the season.
ConcussionACJFNC supports the guiding principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out’.The ACJFNC concussion policy will align with AFL Barwon requirements, but is currently (as at 01 March 2022) as follows:• If an incident resulting in a possible concussion occurs, the player needs to be taken from the field to be assessed by the team trainer or first aid attendant using the HeadCheck app (smartphone download).1. If the HeadCheck assessment results in advice that the player should not continue playing, the player will not take the field again during that match.2. If the HeadCheck assessment results in advice that the player should not continue playing, the player is not permitted to play the following week unless they provide written medical clearance to their coach or team manager.https://www.headcheck.com.au/
ACJFNC PoliciesPlease refer to our website for Club policies including Vilification, Code of Conduct and Child Safety.
Match Day IssuesIn the unusual occurrence of players and spectators behaving inappropriately towards players, umpires or coaches, prevention is certainly more effective than a cure.Incidents can be prevented or minimised in the following ways:• Our team managers reminding families to never abuse umpires or other team players, volunteers or spectators, even if provoked. The way we act in these situations directly influences the way our kids act• ACJFNC coaches and volunteer umpires should meet and greet their opposition coach and umpire before each game, wish them well and remind them that we are all here to enjoy a fun game of footy. Our umpire should state at this time that the game will be played to the age-appropriate rules and free kicks will be paid (eg. No tackling to ground, no sling tackles, no abuse, etc).• Th ACJFNC umpire should pay free kicks against any player from either team who deviates from the rules, and any time they receive inappropriate sledging or abuse from any player or spectator from either team.• If issues arise during the game, the coaches should meet at the next break to highlight the issue and ask that it be addressed.• The umpire can give yellow cards with/without report or red cards without report.• In extreme cases if the above steps have been taken and the safety or wellbeing of our players or umpires are still at risk, the Club will support your decision to end the game.