SHARKS VALUES & INTEGRITY STANDARDS

We are dedicated to developing players in an environment that nurtures both their football skills and personal growth. We aim to help them become not only outstanding athletes but also well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to society.

Our Values

Hard Work

Champion teams are built on a foundation of hard work. Our players are expected to give 100% and continuously push each other for improvement in all aspects of football both on and off the pitch.

Discipline

Discipline is the backbone of success. We expect dedication and focus not just in every training session and match, but also in how our players conduct themselves outside the club.

Respect

Respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, and the game itself is a fundamental value. At Sutherland Sharks, we encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect that extends beyond the pitch.

Humility

While we celebrate victories, we also remain grounded. Humility is key to learning and growing, and we encourage our players to stay humble in both success and failure.

Sharks Integrity Standards

We take pride in maintaining the highest level of professionalism, respect, and ethical behaviour across all aspects of our club. These standards are designed to ensure that all players, parents, coaches, and staff conduct themselves in a manner that reflects our commitment to fairness, accountability, and respect. By adhering to these standards, we foster a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive both on and off the field.

Players

  1. We expect 100% commitment at every training session. Injured players are still required to attend unless they are physically unable, contagious or have a scheduled physiotherapy session.

  2. Players must wear the correct uniform at all times.

  3. Home and away change rooms, dugouts and benches must be left clean and tidy after every match.

Parents

To maintain a positive and supportive club environment, we ask parents to keep conversations at games constructive and avoid negativity, as this can cause unrest and disharmony. Parents should be aware that creating disharmony could lead to being asked to leave the club or exclusion from team selection.

  1. Parents should not engage directly with coaches at training or games. Regularly scheduled parent/player/coach reviews are available for such communication.

  2. If you have an urgent concern about your child, please arrange an unscheduled review with the coach or TD through the team manager. Communications should always be respectful.

  3. Parents must refrain from entering the pitch at any time.

  4. To minimise distractions, parents are strongly discouraged from attending training sessions.

Managers

  1. Managers are not allowed on the pitch during games.

  2. Managers must have no influence over, or involvement in, team selection.

Coaches

  1. Coaches are prohibited from offering external training or academy sessions to players within their own squad.

  2. We play to win. Youth coaches are required to select the strongest team based on transparent and well-communicated selection criteria including effort and attention at training, attitude, discipline, game day performance and cohesion within the playing group.

  3. Coaches must communicate team selections decisions clearly, emphasising areas for improvement.

  4. Coaches (with the help of players) must return all equipment used for training to the gear room in a neat and tidy manner.

Sponsor and Coaches Conflict of Interest Policy

As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit club, sponsorship is essential to the ongoing success of Sutherland Sharks FC. We also recognise that at times, the best coach for a team may have a child or relative in the squad. In these instances, upholding the club’s integrity is our top priority. As such, we have strict measures in place to prevent any conflicts of interest in sponsorship and coaching arrangements.

To ensure impartiality, any child of a coach or sponsor trialling for a team or being considered for retention must receive unanimous approval from the Technical Director, Club President, and an independent committee member. If any of these individuals have a personal relationship with the coach or sponsor, they will be replaced by a committee member without such connections. The club’s integrity takes precedence over all sponsorship considerations.

Conflict Resolution

The Sharks provide an anonymous reporting system for players and parents to report ethical concerns directly to the player welfare officer without any fear of repercussions. This can be found here.

Download Our Values

Every player, parent, coach and staff member receives a copy our Values and Integrity Standards. You can download a copy here.