A staged, child-safe process for reporting and responding to player behavioural concerns.
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Peninsula Strikers Junior FC – Discipline Policy Purpose To provide a consistent, fair, and child-safe approach to managing behavioral concerns across all age groups within the club.
1. Reporting of Behavioral Concerns Coaches and/or Team Managers must report any incidents regarding player behavior to the Age Group Coordinator (AGC) as soon as practicable.
2. Initial Review and Determination The AGC will meet with the relevant Coach and/or Team Manager to: - Review the incident. - Determine whether the matter can be addressed at the age group level or requires escalation to the Club Committee.
3. Written Documentation A written report must be completed at this stage, regardless of the action taken. This report must be submitted to the child safety officer or in the absence of this position being filled the club secretary for record. The report must include: - A description of the incident. - Actions taken to date. - Proposed next steps.
4. Consoling and Support Process (if resolved at age group level) If not escalated, support may be offered to the child. Any discussion with the child must occur: - In the presence of at least one parent/legal guardian, and - Two club representatives (e.g., Coach, AGC, Team Manager, or Committee Member).
5. Escalation to Committee – Disciplinary Actions If the matter is escalated to the Club Committee, the following actions may occur: - Support and Guidance: Senior Committee Member (preferably the President or Vice President) alongside the AGC and/or Coach. Any discussion with the child must occur in the presence of at least one parent/legal guardian. - Suspension: Two training sessions and one or two matches, depending on severity of the incident. - Additional Match-Specific Restrictions: Where needed, additional restriction from future matches against the involved team to mitigate the risk of reoffending or retaliation and to uphold child safety. - Parent/Guardian Communication: The parent or legal guardian will be contacted within 48 hours by the highest level of involvement, with details of the actions to be taken.
6. Repeat Offences If a similar behavioral incident occurs involving the same player: - It will be automatically escalated to the Club Committee. - Further disciplinary action may include additional suspension or expulsion from the Club.
7. Right to Appeal Any player and/or their parent/guardian has the right to appeal against a disciplinary decision made by the Club Committee. - Appeals must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the decision. - Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel. - The outcome will be communicated within 14 days and is final.