Version 1 – Approved by the Board of the South Yarra Soccer Club on 13 March 2025 

Purpose: 

This policy outlines the responsibilities of parents, guardians, and caregivers during training sessions and game days to ensure the enjoyment, safety, and welfare of all players. 

Policy: 

• If you are dropping off and leaving the grounds, you must arrange for a responsible adult to supervise your child, as coaches are not responsible for minding children. Please use the clubrooms as the designated drop-off and pick-up area, as other locations may not be easily visible from the club and could be poorly lit during the winter months. 

• If you are not staying at training or on game day, ensure the responsible adult has your explicit approval, provided on the Team’s WhatsApp chat and they have your mobile number. 

• Coaches are not responsible for children before or after training. Please arrive few mins early, ready to commence training. And at least 5 minutes before training ends to collect your child. 

• Keep your mobile phone accessible in case of emergencies. If your child is injured, you will need to provide consent for medical treatment, as coaches, managers, or other parents cannot do so on your behalf. 

• If you are running late, instruct your child to wait at the clubroom with a responsible adult. The park and surrounding areas can be hazardous. 

• If a child is not picked up after training, a responsible adult must remain with them and take them to the clubrooms until a parent, guardian, or caregiver arrives. 

• If you stay during training, please do not interfere with coaching. Address any concerns with the coach at an appropriate time. 

• Supervise any siblings or other children attending training or game day. 

• Dogs must be on a leash and always supervised. Council regulations require dogs to be leashed within 20 meters of organised sport. Please clean up after your dog. 

• If your child is using Ride Share service to and from training or games, inform the team coach/manager in advance. 

• Training will be cancelled immediately in case of lightning or extreme weather conditions. Check for updates on the Club’s WhatsApp channel before dropping off your child. 

• Ensure your mobile number is up to date with team management to facilitate communication in case of unforeseen circumstances. 

Child Discipline: 

• Coaches are not responsible for disciplining children. 

• If your child is having a difficult day, we encourage you to stay and supervise. 

• If a child exhibit repeated behavioral issues, a parent, guardian, or caregiver must be present at all training sessions and on game days. 

• You cannot delegate supervision of a child with behavioral issues to another adult. 

• Failure to comply may result in deregistration from the club. 

Children with Learning difficulties or known behavioral challenges: 

• A parent, guardian, or caregiver must accompany and remain present during training and game days. 

• Delegating supervision to another adult is not permitted. 

• Failure to comply may result in deregistration. 

• Registration is only confirmed when a suitable coach is appointed to ensure a positive experience for all players. 

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: 

Abuse of club volunteers, officials, referees, spectators, or players will not be tolerated. The club follows a strict Ask, Tell, Expel policy: 

• You will be asked to stop the behavior. 
• You will be told to stop the behavior. 
• You will be expelled from the club. 

Expulsion results in deregistration, meaning your child will no longer be able to participate in training or games. If a child is expelled from the club for any reason, they will not be eligible for a refund of any fees paid.

We appreciate your support in fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for all players and volunteers. 

Evaluation This policy will be reviewed as part of the Club’s three-year review cycle. Review by: March 2028