Introduction

Firstly, the Club would like to thank you for volunteering to be Coach or Team Manager of your child’s team. Volunteers play a vital role in the running of Knox United Soccer Club and the teams within it.

Ground Locations

Alternate Training / Match Day Venues

Ground Marshals

The Team Manager at each junior game needs to ensure there are two ground marshals, preferably one from each team.

The marshals’ duties include escorting referees to and from the field, ensuring spectators, coaches and managers do not encroach on the sidelines or field of play, and helping maintain good order around the match.

Ground Marshal Responsibilities

• At all matches, there must be a minimum of two marshals, where possible one from each team, wearing the appropriate vest provided.
• Introduce yourselves to the referee before the commencement of the game and escort them to and from the field.
• Where incidents arise that require committee consideration, each marshal should complete a written report.
• Marshals may be required to appear at an inquiry as neutral witnesses.
• All marshals must be at least 18 years of age.
• Make it clear to spectators and players that negative comments, criticism of players or spectators, and questioning referees in an aggressive or pointed way is not permitted.

Poor Behaviour – What To Do

Knox United Soccer Club is committed to providing an environment that is safe for children, free from harassment and abuse, and built on respectful and positive behaviour and values.

Adults in sport usually begin with good intent, but sideline behaviour does not always reflect that. Poor behaviour should not and will not be tolerated.

Our Codes of Conduct

KUSC has clear Codes of Conduct for players, parents and carers, as well as coaches and team managers. These codes outline expected behaviour and possible actions should the code be breached.

Who Is Responsible On Match Day?

• Reporting inappropriate behaviour: Everyone. Behaviour that breaches the code should be reported to the ground marshal. If you do not know who the ground marshal is, report it to a committee member.
• Approaching the offender: Ground marshal or club committee only. This helps prevent escalation.
• Issuing warnings: Ground marshal or club committee. A first breach may warrant a warning where the person may not understand their behaviour is unacceptable.
• Taking disciplinary action: Club committee and, where relevant, district, state or territory association. Repeated or serious conduct may result in counselling, suspension, expulsion or referral to Football Victoria.
• Removing people from the field or venue: Ground marshal or club committee, usually at the request of the referee.
• Suspending play: Referee. Play may be suspended until appropriate action is taken and, in serious cases, the match may be abandoned.
• Involving police: Ground official or club committee where behaviour may amount to a criminal act.

Who Do I Contact For...?

Where Do I Find...?

Match Formats & Rules

Below is a quick cheat sheet of key age group information. More detailed information sits within Football Victoria and Play Football resources.

The Playing Rules

Rules of the game are available on the Club website at knoxunited.com/coachtmcorner.

ID Cards (U12+)

Request player ID cards from Tony Haddad.

Away Ground Locations

Field names and locations are available on the Football Victoria website.

What Attire Can A Player Wear During A Match?

Borrowing Players

Registered players can be borrowed across different teams when needed and can play up one age group from their true age. For example, if a player is turning 9 and registered in U9, they may be borrowed by U10 teams.

The golden rule is that borrowing must always be in the spirit of the game and not used to strengthen a team beyond its normal ability. Regular registered players must still receive sufficient playing time. If unsure, speak with the Club Secretary.

What Happens With...?

Wet Weather – Matches

If you wake up on game day to rain, please check your email and mobile for fixture changes or cancellations. KUSC reserves the right to close pitches due to weather in order to preserve the surface. Where grounds are closed, the Club will do its best to relocate fixtures if other venues are available.

Do not tell your team a game is cancelled unless you have received that confirmation from the Club.

Wet Weather – Training

We aim to keep the website and social media updated on training ground status and provide a 3pm update where possible. Grounds may remain closed for several days after heavy rain.

Unsafe Playing Conditions

• Raise concerns with the appointed match official, who can address them with the home club before kick-off.
• If no official is appointed or the issue cannot be resolved, raise it with the home club before kick-off.
• If conditions are unsafe, provide photo evidence and report the issue to Football Victoria Competitions at competitions@footballvictoria.com.au.
• Any team that does not participate without valid reason may, at minimum, have a 3–0 result recorded against them.

Delayed Kick-Off / Shortened Halves

• If a match is delayed by more than 15 minutes due to a game already in progress, wait and play immediately after the previous fixture concludes.
• If the opposition has not arrived, teams have up to 15 minutes after scheduled kick-off before the match may be deemed forfeited.
• If the match official has not arrived, seek assistance from a club committee member and follow Football Victoria referee procedures.
• A match official may shorten halves if safety, light or scheduling issues require it, but changes should be made prior to kick-off through consultation.

Abandoned / Postponed Match

• If a match is postponed, contact the FV Competitions Weekend Line on 0478 456 777 or email competitions@footballvictoria.com.au as soon as possible.
• If a match is abandoned, contact the FV Competitions Weekend Line and submit a Match Investigation Form, then email FV Competitions once submitted.
• If 80% or more of normal time has been played, the score at abandonment may stand.

Player Dispensation

• Teams with dispensation players must carry written approval from Football Victoria on match day.
• Dispensation players must still present an ID card where required.
• If a dispensation letter cannot be shown, the match official cannot automatically prevent the player from taking part. The matter should instead be reported for investigation.

MiniRoos Competitions

• MiniRoos players can move freely between Under 7 and Under 11 age groups according to their development stage.
• If the player cannot participate in their correct age group, it is preferable they play down one, or no more than two, age groups.
• Clubs with Under 12 first-year players participating in MiniRoos competitions must request a dispensation letter from Football Victoria.

Junior Competitions

• Dispensation may apply for first-year players registered with FA or FV.
• It may also apply where medical evidence supports the player not being capable of competing in their rightful age group.
• Other categories may include playing significantly above age, gender dispensation or other reasons approved at Football Victoria’s discretion.

Injury Management & Insurance

If there is a significant injury or emergency, call 000 immediately.

• Only trained first aid personnel should attend to an injured player or supporter in the first instance.
• Clubs are encouraged to maintain an Emergency Management Plan including nearest hospital, doctor, ambulance access, defibrillator and first aid equipment locations.
• For insurance claims, visit gowgatessport.com.au/football.

If a player is injured during a game and needs to visit a medical professional, an insurance claim may be lodged.

1. First, complete the Club Injury Report Form: knoxunited.com/injuryreportform
2. Second, the player must download and complete the Football Victoria claim form.
3. Once completed, the form should be given to the Club Secretary or President for sign-off.
4. Any further correspondence is between the claimant and the insurer.

Social Events

We are looking to hold a number of social events to celebrate our game, build community and help fundraise for improved facilities and equipment across the Club.

• Pizza nights at Carrington
• Movie Night
• Trivia Night
• Past players events
• Season launch

We are also seeking to form a Social Committee to help coordinate events and make sure information is shared via the Club website and team managers. To get involved, contact mail@knoxunited.com.

Other Info

General Club Information

Social media: Facebook and Instagram
Website: knoxunited.com

Club Newsletter

All registered players receive the Club e-newsletter unless they have opted out. If a player or family in your team is not receiving it, please email Felice Lomuto to subscribe. The newsletter includes results, upcoming games, events and relevant Club updates.

Canteen & BBQ

When asking for volunteers, please remind parents that KUSC is run by volunteers. Many people give hundreds of hours behind the scenes each year so that our members can play football.

Boot Exchange

Families can trade in good used boots or astro trainers and take away another pair in a larger size where available. This relies on donations, so if you have boots in good condition that are no longer needed, please pass them on to a committee member.

Suggestions and Other Skills

The Committee is always keen to hear ideas, feedback and offers of help. If you or someone connected with your team has football-related or other skills to contribute, we would love to find a way to involve you.

Useful Links

• Football Victoria
• MiniRoos
• Soccer Rules for Parents
• Laws of the Game