Behaviour & Respect
At IKFNC, we uphold a Behaviour & Respect Policy aligned with the league’s Code of Conduct. Wearing the IKFNC uniform means representing our club with pride, and we expect all players, volunteers, and supporters to demonstrate respect both on and off the field, including on social media and in the wider community. Coaches, team managers, and volunteers reinforce these values, ensuring a positive environment for all. If a player’s behaviour falls below expectations, they may receive a warning, be asked to sit out of training, or, in more serious cases, miss a game. Any significant or repeated issues will be communicated with parents and addressed accordingly. ACTION – add league code of conduct, add a line about spectator conduct. This policy is in place to support a fun, inclusive, and respectful club culture while ensuring everyone enjoys their IKFNC experience.
Concussion Guidlines
The AFL has announced important developments in relation to the return-to-play protocols in the concussion guidelines for all levels of Australian rules football. For competitions outside AFL/AFLW of all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions), the earliest that a player can return-to-play after a concussion is on the 21st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained, provided the player successfully passes through the protocols. This new protocol will apply for state league football competitions, elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent Leagues for boys and girls) and all community football competitions. ‘IF IN DOUBT, SIT IT OUT
Volunteer Policy
At IKFNC, we believe that a strong community is built when everyone pitches in and helps out. It is an expectation that all families volunteer their time throughout the season to ensure the smooth running of Junior football. This is essential for providing a positive and successful experience for our kids. Each family is expected to contribute to the running of the club by filling one of the many volunteer roles. Importantly, if a family has a coaching, team managing, umpiring, or sub committee role, this will be considered their assistance, and they may not be required to fill other volunteer roles. Each task is outlined on the volunteer roster, which helps us all understand that it takes many people working together to run a successful junior club. Parents rostered for Umpire Escort or Goal Umpire duties are required by league regulations to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). If you are unable to obtain one or have concerns, please notify the committee as soon as possible so we can re-assign you to a role that does not require it. All relevant WWCC details must be uploaded to PlayHQ for record-keeping. If you cannot make your rostered task, YOU MUST arrange a swap or find a replacement yourself. Please do not just post a message on Messenger, as your role will not be filled unless action is taken directly.
Game Day Etiquette
Please be mindful the only people allowed within 1 metre of the coaches box are Coaching Team First Aid Team Manager Players
Junior Rotation Policy
Registration & Playing Conditions All players must have either paid their registration or arranged a payment plan before Round 1 to play. Our policy is to get as many players on the field for as much time as possible each week and experience in each zone. Game Day Playing Groups Players are clustered into equal ability groups of six at the start of the year by the coaching staff, (submitted to sub-committee). This has the ability to be revised by coaches, with minimal changes after round 3. U10 Rotation To ensure a fair and balanced experience across the 14 round season, each of our players have been rostered for either 3 or 4 rounds off, with 28 players selected and 10 players resting each week. Teams are balanced with a mix of top-age and bottom-age players. On game days, all players rotate through the 3 zones, as well as the bench, to support all-round development. When rostered off, players are encouraged to play with other local clubs to maintain continuity and enjoyment of the game. U12 Rotation All players will participate in every game and will play a minimum of half a game across at least two different field zones (forward, midfield, defence). Over the course of the season, each player will be exposed to all three playing zones to support their overall development. Ideally, the coaching group will aim to rotate players through all three zones within each game, providing a well-rounded playing experience
U14 Rotation
To ensure a fair and balanced experience across the 14 round season, each player has been rostered off for two rounds, with weekly teams balanced between top-age and bottom-age players. On game days, every player will play at least half a game across a minimum of two different field zones—forward, midfield, and defence. Over the course of the season, all players will be exposed to each of the three zones to support well rounded development, and ideally, the coaching group will rotate players through all three zones within each game. Any further changes to player availability must be arranged between families and communicated to the Team Manager via the Heja App. Finals Rotation Please note that Under 10s do not participate in finals, with the focus remaining on fun, learning, and development throughout the entire season. For age groups that do play finals (Under 12s and Under 14s), league regulations allow a maximum of 30 players to be selected per finals game. A meaningful amount of game time will be allocated to each player selected to ensure continued development and contribution. Top Ups Teams may be topped up from the rostered off group working through the list and sharing it around as much as possible. Attitude & commitment to training will also be considered
Player Commitment Policy
At IKFNC, we want everyone to have fun, learn new skills, and enjoy playing footy in a safe and friendly team. When you wear the IKFNC uniform, you’re representing the club, so we expect all players, coaches, parents, and supporters to show respect—at training, on game days, online, and everywhere else. That means trying your best, being kind to others, following the rules, and letting your coach know if you can’t make it—because being part of a team means showing up, helping each other, and playing fair. If Rostered Off Those not playing are encouraged to either attend and support their team by or play for a neighbouring club who need additional players. Helmets & mouth guards The IKFNC Junior Sub-Committee does not enforce the wearing of player helmets. This is the choice of families. All players must wear a mouthguard, with properly fitted mouth guards the best protective measure. All players should have their mouthguard at training also, for when competitive drills take place
Goal Umpire
Arrive 15 minutes before the game and see the Team Manager for assistance. One Goal Umpire is provided by each team. Goal Umpires stand between the large goal posts, behind the boundary line, and are to wear a white coat (supplied by the club). If a goal is scored, two flags (supplied by the club) are waved. If a point is scored, one flag is waved. The goal umpire at the opposite end of the field to which a score is made mirrors the flag-waving of the scoring end. Each goal umpire records on their scorecards (supplied by the club) all scores made at both ends of the field. A goal scores six (6) points, a behind or point scores one (1) point
Umpire Escort
Arrive 15 minutes before the game and see the Team Manager for assistance. An adult Umpire Escort shall be supplied by both the Home Club and the visiting Club. The Umpire Escort must wear a vest (supplied by the club). The Umpire Escort shall be required to escort the Field Umpire(s) from the field at half time and after the match. The Umpire Escort will stand with the Field Umpire(s) during the quarter and three-quarter time breaks.
Scoreboard/Timekeeper
Arrive 15 minutes before the game and see the Team Manager for assistance. One Scoreboard/Time Keeper is provided by each team and will work together to ensure scoreboard, scorecard and timer are accurate and up to date. Both Scoreboard/Time Keepers are to complete all details on the scorecard, including the scores, and sign the scorecard on completion of the game. The Scoreboard/Time Keepers shall sound the siren to signal the end of a quarter until a field Umpire acknowledges that the siren has been heard and brings play to an end. Match length is 4 x 12-minute quarters. Under 10 no score is recorded Mercy Rule: Mercy Rule starts when a team lead by at least 40 points. ·The Scoreboard stops for the leading team. The Scoreboard continues for the losing team. The true score is kept by both Team Managers.
Boundary Umpire
One Boundary Umpire is provided by each team. Boundary Umpire must wear a white shirt/top and carry a whistle. When the ball goes out of play signal to the Field Umpire based on whether the ball is Out of Bounds or Out of Bounds on the Full: Out of Bounds: To signal out of bounds, blow the whistle and extending one arm in the air. Out of Bounds On the Full: To signal out of bounds on the full, blow the whistle and extending both arms at shoulder height. When directed by the Field Umpire they must then throw the ball back into play
Canteen Duty
You will be required to assist serving in the canteen during the time period of your child’s game. Please arrive 10 Minutes prior to game start time. You may be asked to help with the cross over of game times due to a quick influx of hungry kids
