THE BENTLEIGH WAY

The Bentleigh Junior Football Club is committed to creating the best environment for all of our members. This document outlines expectations on behaviour for players and their families on and off the field. The Bentleigh Way includes adherence to all our Club policies.

PLAYER COMMITMENT

I accept and understand the role I play in contributing to the Bentleigh Junior Football Club by agreeing to the Bentleigh Way. I understand that this ensures we uphold the values of our club, and I commit to:

• Show RESPECT to my teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, trainers, and all volunteers by being mindful of my words and actions.
  
  
• PLAY FAIR through playing by the rules and accepting the decisions made by my coach, the club, and the umpires. I understand that we are still also still learning a new sport and will ask for clarification appropriately if needed.
  
  
• Be a TEAM PLAYER by showing support and encouragement to everyone. As a team, we work together.  I will remember that I represent the club both on and off the field, online and in real life.
  
  
• Be PREPARED to work hard at training and in the games. Persistence and resilience are core skills in football (and in life!) 
  
  
• COMMIT to a culture of wellbeing and connection to a larger community of individuals.  I can do this by considering the consequences of my actions, offering to repair any mistakes and leading with kindness and empathy.

FAMILY COMMITMENT

As a representative of my family, I agree to commit to uphold the values of the Bentleigh Junior Football Club by agreeing to the Bentleigh Way.

We understand that by agreeing to this, we will help to ensure that the Bentleigh Junior Football Club continues to be a positive club that nurtures and supports the growth and development of our players. We agree to show my commitment by:

• Being a POSITIVE SUPPORT to our child and their teammates. We will celebrate effort and progress regardless of the game’s outcome.
  
  
• Showing RESPECT to coaches, officials, opponents, and other parents.
  
  
•  SUPPORTING Trainers by following their advice, along with the advice of our family doctor. We understand that they are trained to implement health and safety policies of the club and league.
  
  
• COMMUNICATING RESPECTFULLY with coaches, team officials and other parents. We will do this by addressing concerns or disagreements via the proper club processes.
  
  
• HELPING OUT with team roles and responsibilities and club activities. We know that the club is only successful through community volunteers and everyone’s involvement will help our club be the best it can be. 

We can commit to a culture of wellbeing and connection to a larger community of individuals. We can do this by considering the consequences of our actions, offer to repair any mistakes or breaches and leading with kindness and empathy.

We know and understand that the trainer has the final call on injuries and return to play.

COMMITTEE COMMITMENT

The Committee at Bentleigh Junior Football Club is committed to delivering a safe, fun, and thriving environment for everyone.

• We will create and support a fun, safe environment for all members, take all formal complaints seriously, and follow a clear process to investigate and address issues, ensuring fairness and resolution for everyone involved.
  
  
• We will ensure that everyone has the right to be heard, and all cases will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.

We have read and understood the BENTLEIGH WAY and agree to uphold our roles within the Bentleigh Junior Football Club.

We will support the Club’s Committee in taking any necessary disciplinary actions if we fail to act in accordance with the BENTLEIGH WAY. 

THE PROCESS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

If anyone believes there has been a breach of the Bentleigh Way, the following process should be followed:

• The Coach and or Team Manager should be notified – we know that many issues if discussed early can be resolved and are best addressed at the team level.
  
  
• If the issue has not been resolved and you wish to discuss further, then you can contact the President president@bentleighdemons.com.au
  
  
• The President shall review and work with the Well Being Committee member to determine next steps.
  
  
• We will ensure the right for everyone to be heard, and cases will be handled sensitively and confidentially. We commit to ensuring all parties know and understand the agreed actions.

All players and families must sign the Bentleigh Way before taking the field – if anyone refuses, please call Kristy De Young to discuss