The Game of AFL Masters Australian Football (AFLM) provides the opportunity
for players 30 years and over to enjoy the game of Aussie Rules Football in a safe,
supportive, family orientated and fun environment.
AFL Masters Philosophy
[Club Name inc.] is committed to the ideals, principles and disciplines of AFL Masters as expressed in the attached Philosophy and Code of Conduct.
The Executive Committee of [Club Name inc.] requires all members, players and supporters to commit to and abide by the Philosophy and Code of Conduct.
All members, players and supporters should take the time to read them carefully and acknowledge their commitment by signing the attached Members Code of Conduct Form and returning it to [Club Name inc.].
The Members Code of Conduct Form must be signed by the member, the President and witness prior to the member being accepted as a member of the Club.
Principles and Procedures
Umpire penalties for on field offences
All players are reminded of the Order-Off-Rule that may be imposed by all field umpires and [State League inc.] Executive Committee members.
Please note that a player sent-off must leave the ground immediately.
A Yellow card penalty being automatic send-off for duration of the match / day. The player can be replaced.
A Red card penalty being automatic send-off for the remainder of game plus extra game/games suspension. The player can be replaced.
Principles of Conduct for all Players and Non-players
National and State Leagues have implimented their own Code of Conduct, covering both on-field and off-field activities.
They covers verbal as well as physical conduct and applies to all members, players, umpires, coaching staff, support staff and supporters. This Code of Conduct is for the benefit of all members, players, spectators, their friends and families.
Conduct Principles:
- The Rules of [State League inc.] shall be adhered to at all times.
- The Philosophy of AFL Masters shall be adhered to at all times.
- Disputing the Umpire's decision will not be tolerated.
- Violence, fighting or threatening behaviour at any game or club function will not be tolerated.
- Swearing, abusive and threatening language at any game or club function will not be tolerated.
- Racial or religious abuse, vilification or actions that may offend another will not be tolerated.
- Members, players and supporters shall respect and abide by directives of the Club administration.
Procedures for Reporting of Breaches.
Any person (the complainant) who witnesses a breach of the AFL MASTERS Code of Conduct shall report such incident directly to any member of the Club Executive Committee. Reports of minor indiscretions or incidents may be reported verbally. Incidents of a serious nature can initially be communicated verbally but must be followed up in writing.
Investigation Procedures.
Any verbal or written report of a breach of the Code of Conduct shall be heard by the Executive Committee who shall convene a meeting at the earliest possible time in order to investigate the alleged incident. The complainant may, if desired, remain anonymous to all but the Executive Committee who shall keep the person's identity confidential. The Executive Committee will fully investigate all aspects of the reported incident and must consult with all parties involved, all the time maintaining the complainant's confidentiality if requested. The Executive Committee shall have the power to impose any or all of the prescribed penalties. The Executive Committee shall report the outcome of their investigations firstly to the offending party, secondly to the complainant, thirdly to all Club Members and be fully reported in the Minutes of the next Executive Committee Meeting. The opposition club shall also be informed in writing of the action taken. The Executive Committee have the authority and power to impose any or all of the prescribed penalties on any complainant if the Committee deems the complainant's report to be frivolous, unjust, spiteful or intended to unfairly injure or discriminate against any person or persons.
Disciplinary Actions and Prescribed Penalties.
In all reported cases, the Executive Committee shall counsel the offending person(s) and instruct them in the Philosophy of AFL Masters and how they should conduct themselves.
- Where the incident is considered to be a minor offence:
- The offending person(s) may be cautioned and receive a warning not to re-offend.
- A second or subsequent breach of a minor nature will be treated as a significant offence.
- Where the incident is considered to be a significant offence:
- The offending person(s) will have their membership suspended for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
- The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
- The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions for a period determined by the Executive Committee.
- A second or subsequent breach of a significant nature will be treated as a serious offence.
- Where the incident is considered to be a serious offence:
- The offending person(s) will have their membership cancelled indefinitely.
- The offending person(s) will be suspended from playing indefinitely.
- The offending person(s), not being a member of the Club, will be suspended from attending Club games or functions indefinitely.
National Carnival Independent Investigations Procedures and Protocols.
In relation to States requesting Independent Investigations the following guidelines should be instigated.
Firstly, to clarify what would constitute an investigation request by States.
On Field:
Any alleged incident that happens on the field of play that isn’t witnessed and reported by umpires that could be deemed serious enough (in Masters case a red card offence) to be a reportable offence as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football.
Off Field:
Any alleged incident that is in breach of AFL Masters By Laws, Codes of Conduct including bringing the game into disrepute.
It should also be pointed out in some instances communication and cooperation between both State Officials may avoid the need for an investigation, of course this would be determined by factors such as the seriousness of the alleged offence.
Procedure:
Following a match or off field alleged incident, States have up to 5:00pm the next day to request an Investigation.
A requested for Independent Investigation form (attached to download) must be lodged with the National Body (lodged as determined by the Board, i.e. via General Manager) along with a non-refundable fee of $300 (or amount determined). No request shall be accepted after the deadline.
It is the State President (or person approved in writing by the president) who shall decide should a request be submitted.
Naturally investigations are to be taken seriously and we are all mindful to take emotion out of the equation.
Once a request for investigation is lodged:
- No further communication can be had between any parties.
- All State Officials, Team Officials, Players and other witnesses are expected to cooperate with the Investigator.
- During the investigation, evidence may come forward that indicates further persons may be requested for interview by the Investigator.
- Any person requested to be interviewed by the investigator has the right to refuse interview.
The investigator shall submit their findings and recommendations based on the evidence provided.
Should any person contact the investigator directly they could be in breach of by-laws and subject to sanctions, for this could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Protocol to follow:
- An alleged Incident has occurred.
- Person/s would approach their respective State President (or person deemed by the President).
- A decision made by the State Body to lodge a request for Investigation.
- A request form is lodged with the National Body along with a payment of $300 within the specified time frame.
- The National Body appoints an Independent Investigator and passes on all information relevant to the investigation. This would include copy of request, witness contacts, witness statements, video or footage of any alleged incident.
- No communication is to be generated by any party, the Investigator shall determine those of interest and has sole discretion on who they contact.
- The investigator shall undertake the investigation in a timely manner, based on availability of witnesses.
- The investigator has the right to conduct and conclude his investigation including his findings recommendations as he deems fit.
- The investigator provides his report to the AFL Masters Board for them to consider their findings and recommendations.
- The National Board notify the respective State Bodies of the outcome of the investigation. Upon request, make the Investigators findings known.
Investigators powers:
It must be noted; an Investigator has no power to impose a suspension, sanction or any other type of penalty, however it is the Investigators’ responsibility to provide the AFL Masters Board with their findings and recommendations based on the evidence and witness statements, this could include but not limited to suspensions, penalties or sanction.