1. CLUB VALUES

‘FREDO’

• Fun: Our primary emphasis is to ensure that all junior footballers enjoy being part of the Club and have fun.

• Respect: All members of our club - players, coaches, administrators, parents and supporters - are required to demonstrate respect towards all other members of the club, umpires and opposing teams.

• Equality: Although football is a competitive game, as a junior football club we place greater emphasis on ensuring that all players are able to participate equally in all aspects of club life. We want players and their families to know that their value to the club is not measured by their athletic ability or skill level. Our aim is to ensure that all players build self- confidence and develop positive relationships with their peers. Measures to facilitate the participation & inclusion of all players are critical to ensuring these aims.

• Development: Coaches are expected to conduct training drills and ensure that the game day experience is always focussed on enabling players to continually improve their skill development at a rate that is consistent with their ability.

• Opportunity: The IJFC is committed to providing opportunities for all members of its community – players, parents, families and supporters – to feel connected to; contribute to and become a part of the Ivanhoe Junior Football Club. Our aim is to build a sense of place and belonging; foster friendships and personal development for all members of the IJFC.

2. EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES

Key Points:

• Know the Club Values

• Know your players

• Be prepared

• Execute your plans

• Constantly review, adapt, & develop your coaching skills

General Guidelines:

• Hold a Current Working with Children Check

• Hold a Current registration as an AFL Community Coach

• Attend professional development events as arranged by the YJFL

• Attend professional development, collegiate and administrative events as arranged by IJFC

• Arrange, attend and conduct training consistent with the standards under the Ivanhoe Way

• Attend and coach on game day consistent with the standards under the Ivanhoe Way

• Treat all players consistent with the Ivanhoe Way

• Actively seek club and/or professional assistance when challenging situations arise that test or stretch your emotional well-being

Treatment of Players:

Coaches MUST:

• Know the names of all their players

• Use the names of players when providing feedback

• Make an effort to know and understand each player (their strengths, weaknesses and expectations)

• Treat all players equally with no favourites

• Provide players with positive feedback wherever possible

• Talk with rather than at players: Engage in a dialogue with players by asking them questions during training or games

• Identity and affirm the strengths of each player and the team as much as possible

• Speak to players in a respectful tone (firm is OK but it must be controlled)

• Rotate players consistent with the Player Participation and Development Policy

• Balance the need for skill development, competitive performance and ensuring players have fun both at training and on game day (don’t be too serious all the time)

• Develop and shared set of expectations for the players

• Model leadership consistent with the IJFC Values in their interactions with umpires, other officials, opposition coaches, players and spectators

Coaches MUST NOT:

• Have favourites

• Yell at or punish players for a mistake during training or game day

• Single out a player for making a mistake during training or game day

• Talk at or lecture players for more than 2-3 minutes (remember less is more and focus on the theory of 3 – eg: there are 3 areas where we could improve …)

• Get angry and lose control with any player or umpire at any time

Training Expectations:

Key Points:

• Be Prepared

• Have a clear plan with clear learning/player development intentions

• Keep balls in players’ hands as much as possible

• Focus on less talking and more doing

• Needs to be fun

General Considerations:

• Pre season and in season training times are to be arranged with the club president and coaching coordinator.

• Coaches are expected to arrive 20-30 mins prior to the scheduled training time to ensure that the equipment is set up and ready to go when the players arrive.

• Coaches must finish training session on time (parents do not want to wait)

• Training should not take place where temperature is 34 degrees or more OR where there is heavy rain/thunderstorms/lightning

• Coaches are expected to plan all training sessions in advance with an emphasis on:

  • Ensuring that the players have fun;

  • Maximising opportunities for ball handling and skill development;

  • Minimizing time for the provision of instructions;

  • Minimising time when players are inactive;

  • Positive and constructive feedback;

  • Maximizing engagement in activities that simulate playing conditions; and

  • Including, where appropriate, parental assistance.

As a guide:

• There should be enough footballs for every player in a session;

• There should never be more than 4/5 players waiting behind a cone in an activity;

• Coaches should avoid talking to players for more than 2-3 minutes between drills;

• Players should undertake several drills during training and as a guide drills should not last for more than 10 mins each;

• Drills should have clear learning intentions consistent with the Ivanhoe Way Skill Development Action Plan which are communicated to the players;

• Players should have a football in their hands as often as possible including during warm ups;

• Running laps of the oval should be avoided in preference for more creative activities involving running and using the footballs at the same time.

Although coaches have discretion as to how they structure their training session, they should aim to arrange each session into 3 equal parts:

1. Dynamic Warm up and craft skills

2. Drills for skill development

3. Game simulation

3.EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS

Elite sporting teams always develop a shared set of expectations about player behaviour . At IJFC we encourage coaches to work collaboratively with their playing group in an age appropriate manner to develop a clear set of player expectation that aligns with the IJFC Values.

The following set of expectations is the starting point for all IJFC teams:

• Respect: umpires, opponents, teammates, coaches, parents and spectators, & facilities

• Train as you want to play: same intensity as game day – take the ‘I’m in’ pledge

• Play fair, no foul: no language; no fighting – ever; don’t be the provocateur and don’t get sucked in

• Always be positive: only give constructive feedback to teammates; never abuse or put a teammate down for an error

• Everyone is a leader: maintain standards – during games and at training; hold each other to account

• Play for the jumper not the number: do the team thing – be selfless not selfish

• Celebrate: not just wins but the little things; a first goal, a tackle, a smoother

• Stay humble: sweep the changerooms; pick up the cones; fill the drink bottles; help each other and the coaches

• Focus on effort not outcome

• Be inclusive not exclusive: no favourites, no cliques, no pops – everyone belongs and everyone is equal

4. EXPECTATIONS OF PARENT/CARERS AND FAMILIES

See: https://www.ivanhoejfc.com.au/code-of-conduct

5. PLAYER PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

See: https://www.ivanhoejfc.com.au/player-participation-skill-development

6. SAFETY AND WELL BEING POLICY

See: https://www.ivanhoejfc.com.au/child-safety-information

7. SKILL DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN

Understanding and living the Ivanhoe Football Club Values and Behaviours

Phase 1: Introduction to Football (Ages 8 -10)

Objective: Build fundamental skills, basic game awareness and instill a love for the game consistent with IJFC Values.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Fundamental Skills: Introduce the basic techniques of kicking, handballing, and marking, focusing on coordination and confidence with the ball.

  • Drills: Simple kicking practice, handballing accuracy, ground ball collection and marking the ball.

• Game Understanding: Teach the very basics of AFL rules and how the game is played, using fun activities and simplified versions of the game.

  • Activities: Small-sided games (e.g., 3v3), tag games, and mini-AFL matches.

• Basic Fitness and Coordination: Develop agility, balance, and coordination through fun exercises like running, jumping, and catching.

  • Training: Agility ladders, shuttle runs, and balance exercises incorporated into play-based activities.

• Fun and Teamwork: Focus on creating an enjoyable experience where players develop friendships, build self-esteem, and learn to be part of a team.

  • Activities: Team-based challenges, relay races, and communication games.

Key Outcomes from Phase 1:

• Basic Skill Mastery: Players will develop proficiency in fundamental skills such as kicking, handballing and marking.

• Game Understanding: Players will gain a basic understanding of the rules, game structure, and teamwork through small-sided games.

• Love for the Game: Cultivate a positive attitude toward AFL through fun and inclusive activities, ensuring long-term engagement with the sport.

Phase 2: Development and Game Awareness (Ages 11-14)

Objective: Advance technical and tactical knowledge, improve physical fitness and deepen understanding of the game.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Skill Refinement: Develop greater accuracy in ball skills, focusing on kicking to targets, marking under pressure, and handballing on the run.

  • Drills: Kicking to moving targets, contested marking practice, handballing with limited time and quick ball release drills.

• Game Sense and Tactics: Introduce team structures, positioning, and basic game strategies, helping players understand different roles on the field.

  • Activities: Small-sided games with specific tactical objectives (e.g., attacking vs. defensive drills), positioning practice and team decision-making.

• Physical Conditioning: Introduce more structured fitness training, focusing on endurance, speed, and strength, while keeping it age-appropriate.

  • Training: Interval running, bodyweight exercises, sprinting drills and agility training.

• Teamwork and Communication: Encourage leadership on the field and develop communication skills both on and off the ball.

  • Sessions: Role-play situations in games where leadership is required, and team communication drills during matches.

Key Outcomes of Phase 2:

• Improved Skill Proficiency: Refinement of basic skills, with more focus on accuracy and decision-making under pressure.

• Tactical Understanding: Players will develop a deeper understanding of game strategy, including positioning and roles on the field.

• Physical Growth and Conditioning: Players will show improvement in agility, endurance, and strength appropriate for their age, setting the groundwork for more advanced conditioning

Phase 3: The IVANHOE WAY (Ages 15/16 +)

Objective: Prepare players for competitive football, refining skills, building tactical intelligence and enhancing physical conditioning.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Advanced Skills Mastery: Focus on high-pressure skills like kicking under pressure, tackling, and executing plays in game-speed situations.

  • Drills: Game simulation drills, contested ball drills, high-speed decision-making scenarios and precise kicking under pressure.

• Tactical Development: Focus on advanced game strategies, including zoning, offensive/defensive transitions, and player rotations.

  • Activities: Team-based tactical sessions, match review and video analysis and positional play during training.

• Physical Conditioning: Implement more structured strength, endurance, and power training specific to AFL. Emphasise injury prevention and recovery.

  • Training: Weight training (light for age), sprint endurance, plyometrics, and core strength.

• Mental Skills and Leadership: Develop mental resilience, focus under pressure, and leadership qualities. Players are encouraged to take more responsibility on and off the field.

  • Sessions: Workshops on resilience, leadership activities and training to stay focused in high-pressure moments.

Key Outcomes of Phase 3:

• High-Pressure Skill Execution: Players will be able to perform skills such as kicking, handballing, and marking in high-pressure, game-like situations.

• Advanced Tactical Understanding: Players will demonstrate knowledge of complex strategies, zoning and offensive/defensive transitions.

• Physical and Mental Preparedness: Enhanced physical conditioning tailored to AFL demands, along with mental resilience, leadership and the ability to perform under competitive pressure.

8. Game Styles & Positioning

1. Ball Movement:

• Fast, Direct Play: Encourage players to move the ball quickly and directly toward the forward line. This helps avoid unnecessary pressure and capitalises on gaining ground. This can be achieved through short, sharp kicks and quick handballs to teammates in space.

• Switching Play: Encourage switching the ball from one side of the ground to the other to find space and open up the field. This keeps opponents off balance and allows for better field coverage.

2. Positioning and Structure:

• Zones of Responsibility: Define clear zones where players should position themselves, depending on the game situation (defensive, midfield, forward). This ensures players are covering key areas of the field and reduces the likelihood of clustering around the ball.

• Defensive Structure: Maintain a strong defensive setup behind the ball. Encourage players to position themselves between their direct opponent and the ball, ensuring that the defensive line is solid and able to counter opposition attacks.

3. Teamwork and Communication:

• Support the Ball Carrier: Players should always be looking to provide options for the ball carrier, either through leading into space or positioning themselves for a handball receive.

• Shepherding and Tackling: Teach the importance of protecting the ball carrier and applying pressure through tackling, helping to win the ball back or force a turnover.

• Talk and Organise: Communication is key. Players should be encouraged to talk on the field—calling for the ball, directing teammates and providing instructions during stoppages or transitions.

4. Forward Play and Scoring:

• Leading into Space: Forwards should be taught to make smart leads into space, creating opportunities for their teammates to deliver the ball. This will reduce congestion in the forward 50 and increase the chance of clean marks inside scoring range.

• Play to Strengths: Encourage forwards to use their speed, height, or physicality depending on the matchup, ensuring that the team plays to its strengths in attack.

Game style Approach - Examples:

• Kick-Mark Game: This approach encourages controlling the ball through short, accurate kicks and marks, allowing the team to move the ball forward steadily while maintaining possession. This is easy to teach at all levels and helps improve kicking accuracy and decision-making.

• Forward Pressure: At the junior level, a high-pressure forward game can be very effective. Emphasize applying pressure when the opposition is trying to exit their defensive 50, encouraging turnovers close to goal. This creates scoring opportunities without relying heavily on midfield dominance.

• Outnumber at the Contest: Encourage players to outnumber the opposition at the contest. This can be achieved through good work rate and understanding when to leave their immediate opponent to support teammates at the contest. Winning contests ensures more frequent forward entries and less defensive pressure.

Example of Implementation at Different Levels:

• Under 10s: Focus on teaching players how to stay spread out across the field, avoid ball-chasing and ensure that there are always teammates offering a handball or kick option. Simple ball movement drills (e.g., short kicks and handball chains) help establish foundational skills.

• Under 12s: Introduce basic zone structures (e.g., defenders stay in defensive half, forwards in attacking half) and encourage faster ball movement to create space. Start teaching switching the ball and defensive transition.

• Under 14s & 16s: Players begin learning more advanced concepts such as field balance (spreading out after the ball is won), full-field pressing (putting pressure on the opposition’s ball carrier across the field) and more intricate forward-leading patterns.

Benefits of this Game style:

• Simplicity and Scalability: It’s easy for young players to understand, and it provides a clear structure for every player on the field, regardless of age or skill level.

• Skill Development: It promotes the development of key AFL skills such as kicking accuracy, marking, and decision-making under pressure.

• Team-Oriented: It instils a sense of teamwork, positioning, and responsibility, ensuring that players work together to win the ball and move it forward.

Ideal for junior development, ensuring that players learn key fundamentals and are prepared for more complex tactics as they advance in age and skill level.