Managing Club Incidents and Conflicts
Section 1
Critical Incident Response
Section 2
Conflict Management
Preventing Conflict
Creating an environment where decisions and issues are open to challenge and new ideas can be constructively discussed is essential to effective leadership and committee culture. However, it’s important that these discussions stay constructive.
There are measure that can be implemented to reduce the risk of harmful conflict including:
- Ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities
- The president/chairperson ensures discussions remain on track and are bought back in when discussion gets too heated
- A code of conduct is adopted for committee meetings
- Revert back to club strategic plan and goals
Dealing with Toxic Conflict
While you may have measures in place to prevent conflict, damaging conflict can still arise and become harmful to the club. Unfortunately, there is not a single solution to resolve the conflict and resolution will depend on the challenges, circumstances and the personalities of those involved. However some general tips include:
- Be reasonable and neutral
- Confirm what's at the root of the conflict
- Try to identify a win-win solution
- Leave a way out for the individuals concerned
- Follow procedure, where possible
- Focus on the best interests of the club
Reach out to your local league administrator for guidance or visit the Play By the Rules website for information on dealing with conflict
Section 3
Making a Complaint
The AFL Integrity Reporting Portal allows you to make a report to the AFL relating to an allegation of behaviour that may contravene the AFL’s:
- National Community Football Policy Handbook
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
- Respect and Responsibility Policy
- Whistleblower Policy (Improper Conduct)
Here, you have the option to:
- Make an online report (anonymously if preferred).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Make a Report
- Respect and Responsibility Make a Report
- Be directed to further information on Safeguarding Children and Young People and/or Respect and Responsibility.
- Find contact details to speak to the AFL directly.
Click here to visit the reporting portal.