Sandgate Hawks Junior Coaching Handbook

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1. Welcome & Club Identity

Welcome to the Sandgate Hawks Junior Coaching Team

Since 1943, the Sandgate Hawks Australian Football Club has been a proud part of our community. Our home at Lemke Road has hosted generations of Hawks people. As a Junior Coach, you carry this legacy and help our youngest players discover the joy of Australian football and the pride of wearing our green and gold.

Vision & Mission

Vision: A club where every player, coach and volunteer is proud to belong, inspired to improve and connected to the community.

Mission: Provide opportunities for players aged 3 to 70 to participate in Australian Football in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment that builds skill, sportsmanship and a lifelong love of the game.

Our Values – Coaching Trademark

United Focused Respectful Inclusive Improvement

We support each other as one club, prepare with purpose and show respect for teammates, opposition, umpires and the game.

▶ Club Song (tap to show)

The Sandgate Hawks are happy
The Sandgate Hawks are free
The Sandgate Hawks are Dinky‑di wherever they may be
We never fight or quarrel
We never disagree
But we all dropped dead
When the Captain said, come and have a kick with me

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2. Coaching at the Hawks

Your Role

Develop the fundamental skills, knowledge and love of the game in each player
Create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment where kids can flourish
Plan purposeful sessions and provide constructive, age‑appropriate feedback
Model respect, effort and teamwork — on and off the field
Collaborate with other coaches, team managers and club officials

Coaching Philosophy

Teach the game the right way every time — fundamentals first, fun always
Prioritise development and enjoyment over short‑term results
Use evidence‑based methods; encourage game sense and decision making
Develop skills on both sides of the body; help players understand rules and fair play
Celebrate effort and improvement just as much as outcomes

Coaching Approach — Player-Centred

The JCC is built on a player-centred approach. The coach's role is to question and guide — not to instruct and direct. Players who make decisions within the game learn more, stay engaged longer, and transfer skills to match day more effectively.

✓ Do this

Ask "What did you see? What were your options?"
Let players make decisions — and mistakes
Use the CHANGE IT framework to adjust activities
Praise effort and improvement, not just outcomes

✗ Avoid this

Telling players where to run or kick
Stopping play constantly to correct technique
Long queues waiting for a turn
Coach talking more than players are moving

Coaching Commitments & Accreditation

📋 Download the 2026 Coach Induction presentation — covers conduct standards, safeguarding, conflict management, and rule changes.

All Junior coaches must hold at least a Foundation (Junior) coaching accreditation via the AFL Coach platform (coach.afl.com.au) and complete the Junior Coaching Curriculum (JCC) online modules before their first session
Present yourself professionally in club attire and act as an ambassador for the Hawks
Commit to the club's philosophy: loyalty to the individual, the team and the club comes first
Respect all players by ensuring equal opportunity and fair rotation through positions
Abide by the AFL and club Codes of Conduct, and always use positive, respectful language

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3. Coaching Program Overview

Junior Program Objectives

Our Junior program covers Under‑8 to Under‑11 age groups. It focuses on learning the game through fun and participation, mastering fundamental skills, teaching both sides of the body and introducing game sense. Players and parents should understand the rules and values of Junior football and embrace the spirit of fair play.

Key Development Areas

The JCC organises all skill development around three phases of the game. Each training session targets one or more of these phases.

⚔️ Attack

Penetration — move the ball forward
Possession — keep control
Support — create passing options
Movement — create space

🛡️ Defence

Delay — slow the attack
Pressure — close down the ball
Cover — deny passing options
Depth balance — stay compact

⚡ Contest

Gain advantage — body position
Outnumber — support the contest

Training Structure

All sessions follow the AFL Four Quarters structure — 70 minutes total
All age groups train once per week
Focus on fun, skill development and game understanding
Target: 60+ ball touches per player every session
No laps, no lines, no lectures

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4. Age Progression & Cultural Expectations

Age Group Progression — Mixed Competition (U8–U11)

Age Group	Field Size	Players	Key Focus
U8	80m x 60m	9v9	Introduction, fun, basic skills
U9	100m x 80m	12v12	Skill development, teamwork
U10	120m x 90m	12v12	Position play, game awareness
U11	140m x 100m	15v15	Transition to full rules

Cultural Expectations

Foster a positive, supportive environment where mistakes are learning opportunities
Emphasize effort, improvement and teamwork over winning
Ensure equal playing time and position rotation for all players
Teach respect for teammates, opponents, umpires and the game
Build confidence and self-esteem through positive reinforcement

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5. Mixed Competition & Inclusive Environment

All Junior Football is Mixed

All Sandgate Hawks junior teams from U8 to U11 compete in mixed competition. There are no gender-separate programs at the junior level. All players — regardless of gender — train together, play together, and are coached the same way.

A gender-specific girls program begins at the Youth level (U13 and above). Junior coaches should be aware of this pathway and be able to direct players and families to the appropriate Youth coordinator when the time comes.

Coaching All Players Equally

Apply the same skill development focus, session structure, and expectations to every player
Ensure equal playing time and position rotation regardless of gender, size, or ability
Address any gender-based comments or exclusionary behaviour immediately and directly
Use inclusive language in all coaching instructions — avoid gendered generalisations
Build confidence through positive reinforcement for every player

Supporting Girls Participation in Junior Football

Girls playing junior football often benefit from visible encouragement and explicit recognition of their contribution to the team
Promote AFLW players as role models when discussing the game
Encourage parents to support their daughters' participation at training and on game day
If a girl expresses interest in a girls-specific environment, connect her family with the Youth program pathway — girls-only competition is available from U13

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6. Skills & Development Pathway

Fundamental Skills (U8-U9)

Kicking: Drop punt technique, accuracy over distance
Handballing: Correct technique, both hands
Marking: Chest marking, introduce overhead
Ground balls: Gathering and disposal
Movement: Running, jumping, changing direction

Developing Skills (U10-U11)

Kicking: Distance, different types (torpedo, snap)
Handballing: Under pressure, creative options
Marking: Overhead, contested situations
Tackling: Safe technique introduction
Game sense: Positioning, decision making

Training Session Structure — AFL Four Quarters

Source: AFL Junior Coaching Curriculum (JCC) · Total session duration: 70 minutes · "No laps, no lines, no lectures — 60+ touches every session"

Pre-Game (up to 15 min)

Unstructured play — no coaching. Players arrive and play freely. This builds creativity and is important for skill acquisition.

Quarter 1 — Energiser (10 min)

Fun warm-up with an emphasis on fundamental movements. High energy, maximum involvement.

Quarter 2 — Skills (2 × 10 min)

Rotation 1: Fundamental skills with high repetition (kicking, marking, handballing).
Rotation 2: Decision-making task — same skills applied under game-like pressure.

Quarter 3 — Team Task (15 min)

Apply fundamental skills in game situations working as a team. Coach observes and questions rather than directs.

Quarter 4 — Game (10 min)

Play the game with rules applied to emphasise specific skills. Players apply everything from the session in a match context. Ideally every player has a football or shares 1 between 2.

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7. Match Day & Training Operations

Match Day Policy

Under‑8 to Under‑11: minimum three quarters per player
Rotate positions to give all players equal opportunities
Modified rules: smaller fields, appropriate ball sizes
Marks paid for kicks over 10 metres (U10–U11)
No official scores or finals for U8–U11

Training Guidelines

All age groups: 70-minute sessions following the AFL Four Quarters structure
Share grounds respectfully with other teams
Emphasis on fun, creative drills
Coaches responsible for facilities after training

Game Day Checklist

Pre-Game

✓ Team sheet prepared
✓ First aid kit available
✓ Water bottles filled
✓ Warm-up planned
✓ Positions allocated

Post-Game

✓ Thank umpires
✓ Team huddle
✓ Positive feedback
✓ Equipment collected
✓ Area cleaned

Awards & Encouragement

No vote count or Best & Fairest for U8–U11
All players receive participation awards at season's end
Weekly encouragement awards for effort and sportsmanship
Celebrate improvement and team achievements

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8. Safety & Welfare

🚨 Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services
000

Poisons Information
13 11 26

Ground Address
120 Lemke Road, Taigum QLD 4018

Child Protection & Safeguarding

Sources: Sandgate Hawks 2026 Coach Induction · AFL Safeguarding Children Policy · QLD Child Safe Standards

All junior and youth coaches must hold a current valid Working with Children (Blue) Card — required by law
This requirement extends to senior coaches who have players under 17 at their training sessions
Comply with the AFL Safeguarding Children & Wellbeing Policy
Understand and uphold Queensland's Child Safe Standards for Sport (2025)
Report concerns to the Club Child Safety Officer, Junior Coordinator, or directly to child safety authorities for urgent matters
Never be alone with a player — ensure another adult is present at all times
Maintain professional boundaries and follow mandatory reporting requirements
Monitor for signs of exclusion, bullying, or distress — and act on them

Injury Management Protocol

Immediate: Stop play, assess injury, call first aider
First Aid: Apply RICER protocol
Document: Complete incident report within 24 hours
Follow-up: Check on injured player
Return: Medical clearance for serious injuries

Heat Policy & Hydration

Cancel/modify when temperature exceeds 35°C
Mandatory water breaks every 15 minutes
Monitor players for heat stress signs
Ensure shade available for breaks
Encourage personal water bottles

Concussion Management

Source: AFL Community Concussion Guidelines (March 2024)

If in doubt, sit them out — remove from play immediately
Any suspected concussion: no same-day return to play under any circumstances
All head knocks require a first aid assessment; refer to a medical doctor for assessment
Watch for: loss of consciousness, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, headache, balance problems, nausea, not seeming like themselves
Do not leave the player alone for at least 3 hours after injury

Return to Play — Stage-Based Protocol

The AFL protocol is stage-based, not a fixed number of days. Return to play depends on the player completing all stages safely: Stage 1 Relative Rest → Stage 2 Recovery → Stage 3 Graded Loading (non-contact) → Stage 3 Graded Loading (controlled contact) → Unrestricted return. Medical clearance is mandatory before return to full contact training or match play. For players aged 18 and under, the AFL advises that clinical recovery often takes 4 weeks or longer. Use the Match Day Head Injury Assessment & Referral Form for all suspected concussions.

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9. Managing Club Incidents & Conflicts

Club First Approach

All incidents, conflicts and complaints must be handled within the club first. Speak to your team manager or Coaching Coordinator if an issue arises. Only after following the club's processes should matters be escalated to the league or AFL.

Conflict Prevention & Resolution

Create environment for constructive feedback
Clear roles and responsibilities minimize misunderstandings
Address issues early and privately
Listen first, explain expectations, agree on actions
Document outcomes and set follow-up dates
Report serious breaches via AFL Integrity Portal

Escalation Process

Source: Sandgate Hawks 2026 Coach Induction

Step 1 — Coach & Team Manager: Raise concerns directly with the Coach and Team Manager. Discussions must occur privately — not during or immediately after a game.
Step 2 — Youth or Coaching Coordinator: If unresolved, escalate to the Youth Coordinator or Coaching Coordinator for review and mediation.
Step 3 — Football Director: Ongoing or more serious matters are referred to the Football Director for formal review and resolution.
Step 4 — The Board: Serious issues (misconduct, harassment, repeated breaches, safety concerns) are escalated via the Football Director or Club Secretary to the Board.

Game day conflicts: Raise through the Team Manager or Match Day Official. Club-to-club resolution expected by the Monday following the match. AFLQ escalation (if required) must occur before close of business Monday — matters not raised within this timeframe will not be considered.

Serious misconduct & racial vilification: Escalate immediately through the club pathway. Racial vilification matters follow AFL policy with a 30-day reporting window but must be raised internally as soon as possible.

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10. Codes of Conduct

Coaches Code of Conduct

All coaches agree to:

Respect all people involved in the game
Abide by AFL laws and club policies
Avoid personal abuse or vilification
Recognize individual differences
Prioritize player safety and welfare
Promote fair play and good sportsmanship

📄 View Full Code of Conduct

Parents & Spectators Code

Parents and spectators must:

Respect rights and dignity of all participants
Focus on effort and enjoyment
Never ridicule or yell at players
Respect officials' decisions
Condemn any form of abuse
Model positive behavior

📄 View Full Code of Conduct

Creating a Positive Culture

The Sandgate Hawks are committed to providing a positive, safe and inclusive environment for all junior players. By following these codes of conduct and working together, we create an atmosphere where young players can develop their skills, build friendships and develop a lifelong love of Australian Football.