Colac Otway Rovers AFC would like to advise all Club Associates and anyone else wishing to participate in or attend matches hosted by Colac, as well as all other FV sanctioned events, to read and familiarise themselves with the relevant Codes of Conduct/Behaviour and Conditions of Entry.

It is vital that everyone involved in Football, whether they are players, coaches, members, officials, volunteers, parents or spectators, understand their responsibilities to ensure that all participants enjoy the sport in a safe and family friendly environment. Through our affiliation with Football Victoria (FV), Colac Otway Rovers AFC has adopted and continues to promote the FV / FA specific Codes of Behaviour that must be strictly abided by.  Failure to comply with any of the Codes of Behaviour below, will be met with sanctions, as outlined in the FV By-Law.

Colac Otway Rovers AFC continues to support and promote the FV’s successful ‘zero tolerance campaign’. This campaign is designed to promote the principles of good sportsmanship and appropriate attitudes. The club encourages everyone to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully, and to abide by the FV Rules of Competition (RoC) and the Grievance, Disciplinary and Tribunal (GDT) By-Law.  Behaving inappropriately or any form of behavioural misconduct will not be tolerated, and offenders will be dealt with decisively, which may include severe financial penalties, points deductions and even relegations for clubs.

Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport

The Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport is a generic Code for community sport across the state.  The creation of welcoming and inclusive club environments is critical to the sustainability of football clubs. All football stakeholders need to take a proactive role in creating family friendly environments as well as promoting positive behaviour by players and spectators by showing respect towards all officials, players and spectators. By doing so it will make football environments more appealing, welcoming and inclusive.  The Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport outlines behaviours that are expected of every person involved in community sport and active recreation, as well as identifying the types of behaviours that will not be tolerated.

Every person: spectator, player, club member, official, participant, administrator, coach, parent or member of the community involved with the sport, should work to ensure:

• inclusion of every person regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation
• inclusion of every person regardless of their race culture or religion
• opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in the sport and develop to their full potential
• respect is shown towards others, the club and the broader community
• a safe and inclusive environment for all
• elimination of violent and abusive behaviour
• protection from sexual harassment or intimidation

The Code applies to community sport, training and club sanctioned activities.

As Colac Otway Rovers AFC members we will abide by the values and the fundamental principles of our Club. While barracking and cheering are a part of our great game, Colac Otway Rovers AFC members are accountable to the code of conduct.

Colac Otway Rovers AFC Membership Code of Conduct:

1.)            As a member of Colac Otway Rovers AFC, I will conduct myself in a way which contributes to Colac Otway Rovers events being family-friendly, enjoyable experiences for all who attend – this means refraining from engaging in disruptive and/or violent behaviour, foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

2.)            I will not engage in nor endorse any form of vilification based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, age or sexuality.

3.)            While at Colac Otway Rovers games and events, I will not engage in conduct that could bring the Club or the game into disrepute.

4.)            In any forum, including in the media, where I am acting as a Colac Otway Rovers representative or identifiable member, I will not engage in conduct that could bring the Club or the game of football into disrepute.

5.)            As a Colac Otway Rovers AFC member, I have the right to hold and express robust views about our Club, our Board, Club Management and employees; and our players and team, but I will not display behaviour and language that is abusive or malicious.

6.)            Should I breach any of the above conditions of membership, I understand the Club has the right to act in the following ways:

• Provide compulsory education sessions to correct any behaviours that are in conflict of the Code of Conduct.
• Temporarily suspend membership until conflicting behaviours are resolved.
• Revoke membership rights and privileges permanently should the Club deem the offence necessary of such action