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 Commitments & Accreditation

All Junior coaches must hold at least a Foundation (Junior) coaching accreditation and stay up to date with AFL Coach learning modules
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‑12 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

Technical: Basic ball handling, kicking, marking, handballing
Tactical: Positioning, basic game awareness, team play
Physical: Coordination, agility, balance, basic fitness
Mental: Confidence, decision-making, resilience
Social: Teamwork, communication, sportsmanship

Training Structure

U8-U9: 45-60 minutes, once per week
U10-U11: 60 minutes, once per week
U12: 75 minutes, 1-2 times per week
Focus on fun, skill development and game understanding
Maximum ball touches for every player

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4. Boys Program – Age Progression & Cultural Expectations

Age Group Progression

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
U12	Full field	15v15	Competition preparation

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. Girls Program – Age Progression & Cultural Expectations

Growing Girls Football

The Sandgate Hawks are committed to providing equal opportunities for girls to participate in Australian Football. Our girls program follows the same development pathway as boys, with consideration for the unique needs and experiences of female athletes.

Program Structure

Mixed teams available for U8-U10 age groups
Girls-only teams from U11 where numbers permit
Same skill development focus and progression as boys program
Female coach mentorship opportunities
Connection to Youth Girls and Senior Women's programs

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Celebrate the achievements of female players and role models
Ensure appropriate facilities and equipment for all players
Address any gender-based comments or behavior immediately
Promote AFLW players as role models
Encourage parents to support girls' participation in sport

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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 Activities

Warm-up (10 min)

Dynamic stretching
Ball familiarization
Fun games

Skills (30 min)

Technique focus
Repetition drills
Small group work

Game Play (20 min)

Modified games
Match simulation
Fun competitions

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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–U12)
No official scores or finals for U8–U11

Training Guidelines

U8–U11: Maximum 60 minutes per session
U12: Up to 75 minutes per session
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
U12 may have simple B&F process with development focus
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

All coaches must hold valid Working with Children (Blue) Card
Report concerns to Club Child Safety Officer immediately
Never be alone with a player; ensure another adult present
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Follow mandatory reporting requirements

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 Guidelines

If in doubt, sit them out
No return to play on day of head knock
Watch for: confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea
Seek immediate medical assessment
Follow graduated return protocol

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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

Team Manager
Age Group Coordinator
Junior Coaching Coordinator
Football Director
Club Executive

External reporting: Use AFL Integrity Portal for serious misconduct or safeguarding concerns.

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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.