a.) The W.R.F.L. will adopt the A.S.M.F. infectious diseases policy. 

b.) BLOOD RULE. 

1. Upon a player being noticed by an umpire with blood on him, the umpire must stop the games by  blowing his whistle and cross his arms above his head to indicate the player concerned must leave the  ground to be attended to. This applies to a player with blood on him or his uniform whether it is  his/her blood or not. The player concerned shall be directed to leave the ground through the coach's  box. 

2. A trainer may remove any player bleeding profusely at any part of the Ground for treatment and that  player must be replaced from the coaching bench and if the player is to return to the ground, he/she  must go through the coach's bench. 

3. The game shall not be restarted until a replacement player takes up a position in the region of where  the other player was, and the other player is completely off the ground. The replacement player can  come onto the field before the other player is off. 

4. Should umpires have Blood on themselves or their uniforms, they must leave the ground to be  attended to as provided for. 

5. The attention required is for any bleeding to be stopped and/or any visible blood on his/her personal uniform is completely cleaned up and the uniform must be replaced or washed. 

6. This Rule applies to all persons, players, runners, water boys, umpires, trainers, and any person  entitled to be on the ground during game times. 

It is expected that all members of the Werribee Districts Football Club, will endeavour to: 

• Uphold the dignity and respect of the individual. 

• Promote the principle of equal opportunity; and 

• Refrain from any behaviour that attacks a person’s dignity and rights, morale, and work effectiveness. 

• Adhere to this Policy, as any breaches will lead to disciplinary responses by the Club additional to any  which may be imposed by law. 

Bullying - What Is It?

Bullying is when people repeatedly and intentionally use words and or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing. These actions usually involve an individual or group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

There are three main features of bullying:

• the misuse of power in a relationship.
• it is ongoing and repeated.
• it involves behaviours that can cause harm.

There are four main types of bullying:

• physical – examples include: hitting, pushing, shoving or intimidating or otherwise physically hurting another person, damaging or stealing their belongings. It also includes threats of violence.
• verbal / written – examples include: name calling or insulting someone about an attribute, quality or personal characteristic.
• social – examples include: deliberately excluding someone, spreading rumours, sharing information that will have a harmful effect on the other person and/or damaging a persons social reputation or social acceptance.
• cyberbullying – any form of bullying that occurs online or via a mobile device. It can be verbal or written, can include threats of violence as well as images, videos and/ or audio.

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incident and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online are not defined as bullying. 

Within the WDFC all persons have certain rights. Along with those rights, we also must take responsibility for our own actions.

All persons have the right: 

• To feel safe, cared for and respected whilst at the Club. 
• To be free from threat and intimidation. 
• To an enjoyable day at sport. 
• To have a pleasant, healthy and safe environment. 

All persons have the responsibility: 

• To consider the impact of their actions on others. 
• To respect the property and rights of others. 
• Not to accept bullying, but to report it. 
• To follow the Club’s Policies and rules. 

All Club officials have the responsibility to:

• Provide a safe, secure learning environment for our members/players. 
• Strive to provide an environment free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, and abuse. 
• Engender a culture where to “ignore” bullying is to condone it. 
• To always be a role model in word and action. 
• To follow Club Policy and conditions of employment (if any).
• To follow up and check in with any player/family involved in any bullying incident.

Our Club does not condone bullying or harassment and the following process will be followed by the Committee to deal with such unaccpetable behaviour should it occur:

Action to help the victim/victims:

• Take all signs of bullying seriously. Show interest and sympathy with every allegation of bullying and provide support.
• Ensure the victim/s are safe and reassure victim/s that they will be helped.
• Some forms of bullying constitute assault, harassment or discrimination under federal and state legislation and are therefore illegal. Seek advice from state department of sport and recreation or human rights or equal opportunity commission if suspected behaviour breaches legislation.
• Encourage members to speak out and tell someone – a parent, coach, manager or senior club member – if they are being bullied or if they witness bullying.
• A Player Wellbeing Officer may also be able to assist the victim and provide information as to what can be done.
• Speak to the bully(ies) and victim/s separately. If children are involved also speak to their parents. Keep records of what was said (i.e. what happened, who was involved, when the incident occurred, how was the matter handled).
• After a period of time, follow up with the victim/s (and parents if appropriate) to find out if the bullying has stopped.

Action towards the bully/bullies:

• Talk with the bullies (but not in presence of the victim/s). Explain the situation and try to get the bully/bullies to understand the consequence of their behaviour. If children are involved also speak to their parents. Keep records of what was said (i.e. what happened, who was involved, when the incident occurred, how was the matter handled).
• The bully may want to apologise to the victim/s for their behaviour; if so this will be encouraged.
• If necessary, impose sanctions.
• Encourage and support the bully/bullies to change their behaviour. A Player Wellbeing
• Officer may also be able to assist the bully and provide information as to what can be done.
• Monitor the behaviour of the bully/bullies over a period of time.

Sources:

• Australian Human Rights Commission 2023
• Australian Sports Commission 2023
• Department of Education Victoria 2023

A full copy of this policy can be accessed and downloaded via this link. 

All functions and events must be authorised by the Committee. No individual or group is authorised to act for the Werribee Districts Football Club to arrange a function or event in the name of the Club without express permission. This includes end of season trips, celebrations at external locations or use of the clubrooms.

Individuals who do not obtain written approval may be disciplined. Any damages or fines incurred during unauthorised events will be at the cost of the individual as this will not be protected under the Club insurance policy. Club property and volunteers must be always treated with respect and all laws should be abided by.

The club seeks to encourage a safe social environment for all participants. Liquor licensing rules will be strictly adhered to at all functions and events.

1. POLICY

The Werribee Districts Football Club (the Club) adopts the AFL Victoria Extreme Weather Policy (Policy), which is applicable to any Australian Football Program, League or Association (Football Body) that is conducted in Victoria.

The Policy applies to all players, coaches, officials, administrators and all people reasonably connected to the Werribee Districts Football Club and AFL Victoria.

2. POLICY STATEMENT

Extreme weather and environmental factors can affect the playing of Australian Football. While environmental factors will not regularly influence whether an Australian Football Match should commence or continue to be played, occasionally extremely adverse conditions may give rise to a need to assess whether players and/or officials are in environmental danger. This policy sets out the approach that the the Club should adopt when assessing extreme weather and environmental conditions.

3. EXTREME HEAT

Heat-related stress can lead to impaired player performance e.g. dizziness, headaches, collapse and illness. In its extreme form, heat can be life threatening. Preventing heat stress and injury maintains optimum performance and improves recovery. To prevent heat stress, careful planning and preparation is required.

3.1 Preliminary Assessment

The Club should assess the heat stress risk by reviewing information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology for the specific location of the activity. Heat stress management strategies should also be applied at all training sessions and matches.

3.2 Onus on Player

Players have a responsibility to ensure that the impact of environmental factors such as extreme heat is not exacerbated by their own conduct.

Accordingly, the following general guidelines should be followed by players:

• Ensure adequate fluid intake prior to game and during game (500-700mls per quarter).
• Monitor hydration.
• Notify medical and coaching staff when affected by heat or when performance is noticeably affected.
• Use water and electrolyte drinks.
• Use pre-game, game and post-game cooling strategies.
• Do not play in the heat with an illness
• Apply sun protection factor 30+ sunscreen in high UV conditions. 

Clubs have a responsibility to educate players in these guidelines for personal action.

3.3 Club Responsibility

All Clubs should monitor environmental factors such as extreme heat both in matches and at any training session or activity administered by the Club. The Club should assess the heat stress risk by reviewing information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology for the specific location, and heat stress management strategies should be applied at all Club administered sessions, activities, or games.

The following general guidelines should be followed by Clubs:

• Use cooling aids if available – ice vests, spray bottles, sponges, fans (in rooms and on interchange bench) and shade.
• Choose heat permeable jumpers and socks.
• Use a Club official to be delegated the primary responsibility of monitoring and managing players for heat stress issues as they arise.
• Provide adequate fluids in appropriate bottles.
• Ensure trainers are fit enough to access as many players as possible during a game.
• Coordinate training times/activities outside extreme conditions.

3.4 Hot Weather and Children

On a game or training day when the forecast maximum ambient temperature at a given location is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology to be equal to or exceeding 34 Degrees Celsius, there is an extreme risk of heat related injury to children and adolescents.

When football matches or training sessions involving children and adolescents are scheduled to be conducted at times when the above conditions may prevail, those matches or training sessions should be postponed to a more suitable time, altered or cancelled.

Clubs should consider the following strategies when it is determined to undertake training sessions or matches in these conditions;

• Provide ample sunscreen for participants.
• Provision of additional shaded areas for respite.
• Increase supply and availability of fluids by increasing the number of water carriers entering, and the length of time they remain, on the arena.
• Scheduling of game/training at a time to avoid the above conditions.
• Shorten the duration of the game/training session.
• In a game situation, increase the number of available interchange players.

3.5 Hot Weather and Adults

On a game or training day when the forecast maximum ambient temperature at a given location is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology to be equal to or exceeding 34 Degrees Celsius, there is also risk of heat related injury to adults and appropriate preventative measures should be implemented.

When football matches or training sessions involving adults are scheduled to be conducted at times when the above conditions may prevail, the following strategies should be considered:

• Provide ample sunscreen for participants.
• Provision of additional shaded areas for respite.
• Increase supply and availability of fluids by increasing the number of water carriers entering, and the length of time they remain, on the arena.
• Scheduling of game/training at a time to avoid the above conditions.
• Shorten the duration of the game/training session.
• In a game situation, increase the number of available interchange players.

4. EXTREME COLD

In conditions where extremely cold temperatures prevail, health risks exist for players not acclimatised to such conditions. It is advised that officials should note the following progressive signs of the onset of hypothermia:

• Shivering.
• Cold sensation, goose bumps, confusion and numbness.
• Intense shivering, lack of co-ordination and sluggishness.
• Violent shivering, difficulty with speech, confusion, stumbling, depression.
• Muscle stiffness, slurred speech and vision impairment.

At the earliest signs of the above symptoms officials should:

• Take the participant to a dry environment and warm the player with blankets or extra dry clothing free from further exposure to the elements.
• Substitute wet clothing for dry where practical.
• Maintain the intake of fluids.

All measures should be taken to ensure no players or officials are put at risk of serious health concerns by participating in a game or training session where extreme cold weather may be present.

When football matches or training sessions are scheduled to be conducted at times when the above conditions may prevail, the following strategies should be considered:

• Allow alterations to uniforms to provide more warmth for players.
• Shorten length of quarters or training session.
• Choose alternate training sessions not exposed to the weather conditions.
• Cancel match or training session if weather conditions are deemed to too extreme.

5. LIGHTENING POLICY

In the event of lightning being present in the immediate proximity of the venue during the course of a match or training session, play/training shall be stopped and all involved parties are to return to the pavilion.

5.1 General Lightning Safety Guideline

Increased awareness of lightning risk on a training or match day due to BOM weather warnings leading up to the activity should remain of concern for Club officials on the match day until the activity has finished.

Teams and officials should proceed to the venue unless otherwise directed. If lightning is predicted within no less than 10km of the match venue at the scheduled starting time the game commencement time may be delayed by up to 60 minutes. This decision to delay or suspend play as well as resume play will be made by the Umpires based on information obtained from the BOM and discussions with the Clubs.

5.2 Club Responsibility

All Clubs competing in a competition administered by the Football Body should monitor environmental factors such as lightning both in matches and at any training session or activity administered by the Club. The Club should assess the lightning risk by reviewing information provided by the BOM.

The following general guidelines should also be followed:

"If a lightning threat emerges, the nominated Club Official must contact all relevant staff and provide updates on a regular basis. A decision to delay, suspend or resume training or game should be made in consultation with all relevant umpires, coaching and administration staff. If players are training when the lightning threat becomes real then they should leave the training venue immediately and take shelter inside a building or metal framed car. They should not shelter under or near trees or bodies of water. Once the storm’s path has been reassessed, there must be a minimum of 30 minutes elapsed before returning to play/training. When there is no access to the BOM, the “30/30” rule serves as a guide for the suspension and subsequent resumption of activities."

6. OTHER EXTREME WEATHER OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

In the case of any other events of extreme weather or environmental conditions, including but not limited to extremely strong winds, flood, extreme fire danger, or fires being present in the vicinity of the training session/game, consultation of all parties involved must take place to determine the safest outcome for all involved.

7. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

In any case of extreme weather or environmental factors, it is the personal responsibility of each person involved; player, official, staff, spectator or volunteer, to ensure their own personal safety.

8. PREVAILING STATEMENT

Where possible, the Club will facilitate players to continue training or play where they are able to do so, however, player and official’s safety will remain the paramount consideration. All measures should be taken to ensure no players or officials are put at risk of serious health concerns by participating in a game or training session during extreme weather or environmental conditions.

It has been a long-time policy that NO player in Junior Football wear gloves without a medical certificate at this  Club.  

Any requests to wear gloves or braces following injury must be made to your coach to be sent to the Junior Vice President and Secretary and forwarded to the league for approval. Information required by the league will include a picture and information on the brand etc. Gloves or braces etc can only be worn once approval is provided back to the coach in writing.

A full copy of this policy can be accessed and downloaded via this link. 

The club wishes to advise that it is policy that no player is allowed to play whilst medically unfit. It has been a  long-time policy that NO player in Junior/Senior football be allowed to play if concussed the previous game. A medical certificate is now required for any player concussed or returning from a long-term injury such as  head injury, broken bone or other medical Injury which would prevent them from playing under normal circumstances. The Medical Certificate is to be held by the Committee or team manager prior to playing and  returning from injury. The Medical Certificate is to be attached to the Club Copy team Sheet and returned to  the Secretary. 

Note: Any reference to smoking in this policy refers to tobacco and other smoking including vaping. 

The Werribee Districts Football Club recognises that passive smoking is hazardous to health and that non smokers should be always protected, where possible, from smoke. The Committee hereby adopts the following no smoking policy which applies to all members, administrators,  officials, players, coaches and visitors of the Werribee Districts Football Club. 

The following areas of all our grounds are to be Smoke Free: 

• Administration and Office areas 

• Club Social Rooms 

• Change Rooms and Toilets 

• Eating areas (including canteens) 

• Coaches, trainers, officials, and volunteers to refrain from smoking while they are acting in an official  capacity. 

• Players to refrain from smoking while in uniform. 

• Cigarettes not to be sold (including vending machines) 

• All social functions at Club premises to be smoke free. 

• All social functions outside of club premises to be smoke free where possible. 

• All coaches discuss with players the effects on performance of smoking and actively promote this  policy. 

Any person not complying with this policy will be asked by any committee or official of this club to refrain  from smoking. If said person persists in ignoring this policy, said person shall be asked to leave and  summoned to appear before the Committee, to explain their actions. The Werribee Districts Football Club  will regard anyone who wilfully disregards this policy with bringing the club into disrepute, and the  committee will take appropriate action. 

No person in his/her capacity as a spectator or participant in the Club in the course of carrying out his/her  duties or functions as or incidental to being a participant in the Club shall engage in conduct that discriminates, directly or indirectly against another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or  national or ethnic origin. 

The Werribee Districts Football Club is committed to an environment which promotes racial and religious  tolerance by prohibiting certain conduct and providing a means of redress for victims of racial and religious  vilification and/or racial discrimination. 

The Club is bound by the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975  (Cth), and the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic) (the legislation). This Policy is consistent with the legislation  and the Australian Football League’s Rule 30 and the Victorian Football League’s Rule 7.3. This Policy is not a substitute for legislation. 

The Club will ensure that this Policy is communicated to spectators and participants of the Club. It will also ensure that participants of the Club receive anti-racial and religious vilification and racial discrimination  training on an annual basis. 

Nothing in this Policy prevents a person lodging a complaint in relation to racial and religious vilification and/or  racial discrimination under the legislation. In the event a complaint is made under this policy the Club shall  ensure that the parties are informed of their rights. The Werribee Districts Football Club is committed to an environment which promotes racial and religious  tolerance by prohibiting certain conduct and providing a means of redress for victims of racial and religious  vilification and/or racial discrimination. 

The Club is bound by the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975  (Cth), and the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic) (the legislation). This Policy is consistent with the legislation  and the Australian Football League’s Rule 30 and the Victorian Football League’s Rule 7.3. This Policy is not a substitute for legislation. 

The Club will ensure that this Policy is communicated to spectators and participants of the Club. It will also ensure that participants of the Club receive anti-racial and religious vilification and racial discrimination  training on an annual basis. 

Nothing in this Policy prevents a person lodging a complaint in relation to racial and religious vilification and/or  racial discrimination under the legislation. In the event a complaint is made under this policy the Club shall  ensure that the parties are informed of their rights. e this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

No person in his/her capacity as a spectator or participant in the Club in the course of carrying out his/her duties or functions as or incidental to being a participant in the Club shall engage in conduct that offends, humiliates, intimidates, ridicules, incites, threatens, disparages, vilifies, insults or harms another person or another person's property because of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. 

A full copy of this policy can be accessed and downloaded via this link.

The Werribee Districts Football Club has an ongoing commitment to responsible alcohol management and holds a Level 3 accreditation under the Good Sports Accreditation Program. The code of conduct has been established to underpin this program and support the club and our members in responsible alcohol management.

Principles

• Encourage and promote responsible attitudes and practices regarding responsible service and consumption of alcohol through leadership and support. All members of the WDFC have a role to play to help promote responsible drinking in society.
• The Club is committed to conducting its activities in a manner that encourages responsible service and consumption of alcohol.
• The WDFC accepts that it occupies a community leadership position in setting standards for a wide range of social and sporting behaviours. 
• Establishing benchmarks for responsible alcohol consumption and reducing the harm associated with excessive alcohol consumption is in the interests of football at all levels and the wider community.
• All people involved in its activities, whether or not in the public arena, should be treated with dignity and respect.

The Club will play its part by:

• Not allowing individuals to participate in any sporting activities if they are consuming alcohol or under the influence of alcohol (as a player, official or volunteer).
• Not encouraging the promotion or service of alcohol in and around competition areas at underage events.
• Using its best endeavours to ensure that food and low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks are available at any activity where alcohol will be served.
• Encouraging responsible alcohol practices as well as being mutually supportive of individuals covered by this Code of Conduct, including providing support for individuals seeking assistance on alcohol related matters.
• Ensuring that, where alcohol products are used as prizes/rewards, they are used in a responsible and appropriate manner; and
• Complying with all relevant liquor licensing laws regarding the responsible service of alcohol.

Individual Responsibilities

The Club expects that individuals covered by this Code and undertaking activities associated with football shall at all times where there is alcohol usage:

• Behave in a dignified and professional manner that promotes and upholds standards of integrity, dignity and professionalism.
• Act as role models for the club and team and football.
• Not put themselves, the club, team mates nor the general public at risk of serious physical and social harms.
• Accept that they are responsible and accountable for the choices they make and the consequences of these choices.
• Assist their club, team mates and others covered by the Code of Conduct if they have had too much to drink. 
• Take reasonable action to both prevent alcohol problems and address any alcohol-related issues as they emerge.

Who does this Code apply to?

The Code applies to following individuals whether in a paid or voluntary capacity:

• Registered players participating in teams or competitions conducted by or on behalf of the WRFL (including football and netball).
• Accredited coaches and assistant coaches.
• Support personnel, officials and volunteers.

Further, the WDFC will encourage others who have an association with the WRFL, such as members and affiliates, to support the principles of the Code of Conduct.

The Werribee Districts Football Club recognises the importance in holding a liquor licence in the value it adds  to the club, enabling it to generate income and hold social functions. In doing so, the club shall also ensure our  members are aware of this policy and are encouraged to make alternative transport arrangements when  drinking alcohol at the club. 

• Bar staff shall encourage members and visitors to make alternate transport arrangements if they are  considered to exceed 0.05 blood alcohol concentration. 

• Telephone calls will be made free of charge to arrange a taxi or other transport. 

• Contact telephone numbers for taxi services will be displayed at the bar. 

• In specific cases, where a designated driver who has been nominated by the club and that person has  accepted the responsibility to drive others home safely, will be provided with non-alcoholic drinks  free of charge by the club. 

A full copy of this policy can be accessed and downloaded via this link. 

No person in his/her capacity as a spectator or participant in the Club while carrying out his/her duties or  functions as or incidental to being a participant in the Club shall victimise another person. The Club will appoint a Complaints Officer (the Club’s Complaints Officer) to ensure that any breach of this  Policy is responded to in an equitable and prompt manner. Confidentiality must be maintained throughout the complaints process. All parties to a complaint, the  President (or Delegate), the Club’s Complaints Officer, any witnesses and the Conciliator must all agree, in  writing, to the maintenance of confidentiality. No person involved in the complaints process shall publicly  comment on any aspect of the complaints process without the prior written agreement of all parties.