LIONS ACADEMY REGIONAL TALENT HANDBOOK CONTENTS:

1. Regional Managers Welcome 2. Introduction 3. Key Contacts 4. Aim of Talented Player Pathway 5. AFL Pathway in Queensland 6. AFL Lions Academy 7. Talented Player Pathway Curriculum 8. Codes of Conduct 9. State and Academy Selection 10. Levies 11. Important Dates 12. Championship Dates

Dear Players, Parents and Supporters

Firstly congratulations on your selection in the Suncoast Power Under 16 Squad for 2011. Initially we have chosen 37 players that will eventually become a final squad of 25 players that will repre- sent the Suncoast Power at the AFL Queensland State Under 16 Championships between April 28 and May 2 in Brisbane.

This booklet is largely made up of just about all you will need to know about the Suncoast Power program and its objectives along with a variety of other important information like training dates, practice matches, levies and vital contact details for coaching and support staff. This program is very much about producing quality football talent and also quality young men.

Much of the information is also copied from the Brisbane Lions Academy program handbook as it contains plenty of terrific information around the “Talented Player Pathway”, preparation, plan- ning, skill development, codes of conduct, nutrition and recovery, and state selection policies amongst other things. This is a must read and can only assist in helping players and their parents in better understanding the Suncoast Power, AFL Queensland and Brisbane Lions Academy Pro- grams and their objectives.

From a Suncoast Power perspective this program is a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with many people to help improve a players’ performance and create many friendships that I am sure will be long lasting. Whilst unfortunately we can only take a maximum of 25 players through to the Championships we aim for all players to leave our program better for the experience.

I would also like to thank the parents and families for their support of the players. For the contin- ual development of the players it is important to have a strong positive support base and your contributions are not lost on AFL Queensland and the Suncoast Power. Hopefully the players are also appreciative of your efforts.

In closing, congratulations once again and enjoy the training and development opportunities af- forded to you to hopefully get you to where you wish to go with your football and some of your other aspirations.

Best Regards

Mark Kennedy AFL Queensland Development Manager – Sunshine Coast 2. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your involvement in the AFL Queensland ‘Talented Player Path- way’ !

AFL Queensland together with the AFL Lions Academy have produced this handbook to help provide players and parent / guardians with some information that will hope- fully help you in your time as a participant in the Pathway program.

The Pathway program has played an important part in many junior player’s careers as they look to reach their dream of playing Australian Football at the highest level ,- the National “AFL” competition. Graduates of the program now playing in the AFL at the Brisbane Lions include Jamie Charman, Daniel Merrett, Josh Drummond, Cheyne Stiller, Claye Beams, Andrew Rains, Bryce Retzlaff. Queensland players at other AFL clubs include Kurt Tippett (Adelaide Crows), Mitch Hahn, Tom Williams, Jarrod Harbrow, Sam Reid, (Western Bulldogs), Dayne Beams, Lachlan Keffe (Collingwood) Sam Gilbert, Nick Riewoldt, David Armitage (St Kilda), Shaun Hampson (Carlton), David Hale, Daniel Pratt, Gavin Urquhart, Ben Warren (North Melbourne), Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon), Michael Osbourne, Brent Renouf, Bren- dan Whitecross, (Hawthorn) and Jesse White (Sydney) , Jarrod Harbrow, Tom Hicker, Rex Liddy, Joel Wilkinson, Charlie Dixon, Zac Smith, Marc Lock, Alik Magin, Lewis Moss, Jack Stanlake, Joey Daye, Jack Stanley, Jake Crawford, Joel Tippett (Gold Coast Suns)

3. KEY CONTACTS

Regional Manager: Mark Kennedy 0408 400 767

Head Coach Kent Weightman 0437 182 800

Assistant Coaches Trevor Mitchell Chris Barrett Darren Carlson

Fitness Coach Nick Devery

Trainer Keith Hicks

2011 Suncoast Power Train on Squad

Caloundra JAFC Glasshouse Hinterland AFC Elliott Escott-Kenny Lindsay Bowler Tom Hedley Jonah Bryant Daniel Henderson Gympie AFC Hayden Matthews Jack Clouston Kawana Park JAFC Maroochydore JAFC Lewis Bold Tom Buckle Jackson Gray Taylor Burns Hayden Smoothy Jacob Chapman Christian Thavenot Clancy Miller Nambour & Hinterland JAFC Tate Parberry Alex Bateman Nick Selman Callum Mann Cameron Stevenson David McWaters Noosa AFC Zachary Southern Jed Brain Pomona AFC Hunter Heath Bradley Forbes Lincoln High Jesse Lawrence Monty Reeves Alex Mahony C.J. Rutherford Billy Mahony Jake Strong Nick Woolley Cain Tickner Northshore JAFC Caleb Baird Zac Ryan

4. AIM OF TALENTED PLAYER PATHWAY

The over arching aim of the AFL Queensland ‘Talented Player Pathway’ is...

“To produce players for senior, state, and AFL levels”

In order to do this a number of objectives are set to help consistently achieve this aim:

~ Provide a quality learning environment ~ Promote and educate players in the program to be good citizens ~ Provide equal opportunity considering geographic location and resources available for boys across the state to access the Talented Player Pathway. ~ Identify, recruit and develop talented athletes from non-AFL sporting back- grounds. ~ Increase the pool of quality players available for State team selection ~ Be very competitive at AFL National Under 16 and Under 18 Championships

5. AFL QUEENSLAND TALENT PATHWAY 5. REGIONAL TALENT PROGRAM

AFL Queensland operate a Regional Talent Program under it’s State Talent Program with the following training centres falling under the AFL Lions Academy zone:

LIONS ACADEMY: ~ Western Taipans (Brisbane West region) ~ South Eastern Bushrangers (Brisbane South East region) ~ Northern Raiders (Brisbane North region) ~ Suncoast Power (Sunshine Coast + Gympie region) ~ Darling Downs Demons (Toowoomba, Warwick, Dalby) ~ Wide Bay Tigers (Bundaberg, Harvey Bay, Marborough region)

Each of the regional training centres run Under 14 and Under 16 development training programs. The Taipans, Bushrangers, Raiders and Power all play in the AFLQ under 16 and under 14 State Development Championships. In 2011 the under 16 teams from the Wide Bay and Darling Downs regions will partici- pate in AFL Queensland Country Championships with players then able to represent the Country Kookaburras at the AFL Queensland State U16 Development Championships. At the under 14 level, teams from the Wide Bay and Darling Downs regions will partici- pate in AFL Queensland Country South Championships with players then able to be se- lected in either the Western Taipans (Darling Downs) or Suncoast Power (Wide Bay) at the AFL Queensland U14 State Development Championships. The under 18 program is different in that it is run by the AFL Queensland State Talent Staff under the AFL Queensland U18 “Scorpions” State Development Squad program with regions able to nominate players to participate in a structured training program aimed at preparing boys for the AFL National U18 Championships and the possibility of being drafted to an AFL club. 6. AFL LIONS ACADEMY

In November 2009 the AFL partnered with the Brisbane Lions Football Club to help fur- ther develop the Talented Player Pathway in Queensland and with the goal of ultimately producing more players of “AFL” standard . The Academy assists the AFL Queensland ‘Talented Player Pathway’ by providing infor- mation and sharing knowledge on what is happening at the elite AFL level and what is required of players. This information and knowledge is used to help design Regional Talent Training Pro- grams at Under 14 and Under 16 levels so that players involved at the various regional centres are given every opportunity to reach their full potential. Players in the Academy are chosen from a variety of talent programs including (but not limited to): ~ QLD Under 12 State Schoolboy Carnival ~ AFL Queensland State Under 14 Development Championships ~ QLD Under 15 State Schoolboy Carnival ~ AFL Queensland State Under 16 Development Championships ~ Academy “Rookie Search” program

Once selected in the Academy program, players will undergo an initial 12 month training program with ongoing involvement assessed annually based on players development and progression in a variety of areas. The Academy curriculum is based on the AFL-AIS model with content covered including:

1. Physical Preparation 2. Skill Development 3. Nutrition and Recovery 4. Personal Development 5. Athlete and Career Education 6. AFL Policy & Rules

7. TALENTED PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

As part of the Talented Player Pathway program the AFL Lions Academy and AFL Queensland Talent Department have produced a set curriculum that all regional train- ing centres are expected to follow and use in their training programs.

The key areas include are below and explained in more details in the following pages.

~ Skills ~ Fitness ~ Game Sense ~ Leadership and Team Play ~ Training Standards ~ Nutrition & Hydration ~ Recovery, Nutrition and Hydration ~ Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation ~ Personal Development ~ AFL Rules and Regulations

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.1 SKILLS

KICKING: Both Sides, Balance, Preparation, Long, Short, Lateral, In Space, Under Pressure, To Leading Target

HANDS: Both Sides, Clean, Under Pressure, Below the Knees, One Grab

MARKING: One Grab, In Hands, Over Head, Contested, On the Lead

CLEARANCES: Winning First Possession, Blocking/Creating Space, Two Way Running, Pushing To Next Contest

REBOUNDING: Winning Possession, Maintaining Possession, Providing Options, Creating Space, Off the Ball Running Forward

7.2 FITNESS

AFL is one of the most demanding team sports in a fitness sense as players need to have good endurance to run out games, strength to contest against opposition, agile to play in 360 degrees around the field, resilient to handle physical contact and run long distances, and speed to beat opposition to get the ball!

Key Components include:

Endurance Base Repeat Running Speed Injury Prevention Body Resilience To Handle Workload Body Strength Running Agility 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.2 FITNESS

Below are some regional fitness guidelines which players can use to compare what level they are at for each age group. It should be noted that players in the same age group can differ in their physical developmental age by as much as 18 month to 3 years which will influence fitness levels accordingly. Fitness levels are used as one component of the selection process for regional, State and Academy programs.

AFL Draft Camp Fitness Component Under 14 Guide Under 16 Guide Under 18 Guide Average (‘99-’09)

Aerobic Endurance Talls: 10:00 min Talls: 13:30 min Talls: 12:30 min Talls: 11:30 min

(2km = U14, 3km =U16 & U18) Others: 8:00 min Others: 12:00min Others: 11:30 min Others: 11:00 min

Leg Speed Talls: 3.45 sec Talls: 3.30 sec Talls: 3.20 sec Talls: 3.10 sec

(20m = U14, 20m = U16 & U18) Others: 3.30 sec Others: 3.15 sec Others: 3.10 sec Others: 3.00 sec

Agility = turning at speed Talls - 10:00 sec Talls: 9.15 sec Talls: 9.00 sec Talls: 8.65 sec

(AFL Agility Test) Others: 8:75sec Others: 8.65 sec Others: 8.50 sec Others: 8.50 sec

Leg Power Talls: 50 Talls: 60 Talls: 65 Talls: 72.2

(Standing Vertical Jump) Others: 45 Others: 50 Others: 60 Others: 68.9

Core Stability 2:00min 3:30min 5:00min N/A N/A (Front Bridge Hold)

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.3 GAME SENSE

Aim to develop skills and then extend in game like situations and under pres sure of opponents, and also with a decision making component:

KICKING HANDS MARKING CLEARANCES REBOUNDING MATCH SIMULATION RUNNING CONTESTED POSSESSION FOWARD MOVEMENT

7.4 LEADERSHIP and TEAM PLAY

For any team to be successful players must show leadership in their own ar- eas and work together towards a common team goal/s. Players must also un- derstand their individual role in the team and how this impacts on overall team performance.

DISCIPLINE POSITIVE LANGUAGE & ACTIONS COMMITMENT OPEN TO LEARNING & CHANGE TEAM ORIENTATED MENTAL RESILIENCE

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.5 TRAINING STANDARDS and EXPECTATIONS

~ If any player is unable to attend training you must contact your regional AFL Queensland Office as soon as practical. ~ If any player is unable to train due to injury you must still attend each session unless advised otherwise by your AFL Queensland regional manager ~ All players are required to arrive early, check training activities for that nights session and be ready to start at allocated time.

INJURED PLAYERS ~ Any injured player must report to the Coach and explain the nature of the in- jury, and liaise with Head Trainer as to any possible rehab needed. ~ The Head Trainer to consult with regional manager and head coach just prior to the start of training or as early as possible and discuss with him what each injured player is to do for that training session.

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS ~ Players will not abuse, swear or sledge umpires or questioning decisions will not be tolerated. ~ Players and staff from the each talent region will show respect, courtesy and sportsmanship towards opposition teams, its members and staff, as well as the facilities and equipment. ~ Everyone is an equal in the organization from Head Coach to Team Manager to Hydration Co-ordinator. ~ Behave appropriately in a public area, especially if you have club, regional team or Academy clothing on. Swearing and bad behaviour will not be toler- ated under any circumstances. ~ At no time bring the name of your club, region or Academy into disrepute.

TRAINING HABITS ~ Have a set routine before training– leave , school, Work or Home at a set time of the day so you can get to training early without being rushed. ~ Pack your own footy bag so that you know you have everything 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.6 NUTRITION and HYDRATION

AFL football takes a lot out of the body from depleting energy stores to the toll of physical contact. Most AFL players prepare their body’s for training sessions and games by getting physiotherapy and massage to ease aches and pains but they also need to eat correctly before the game to ensure they have sufficient energy to get through a full game of AFL.

Pre-Training and Pre-Game Fuel Pre-Training and Pre-Game Fuel food and fluid intake are the final stages of recov- ery from a week of hard training to ensure the body is fully stocked before the game begins.

Why should you eat before the game? Training day in, day out, can reduce the body’s energy reserves especially carbohy- drate stores. This is why it is essential to replenish these after every training ses- sion. But it doesn’t just stop there, it is important that carbohydrate recovery is continued right up until the start of the game. A pre-game intake of carbohydrate ensures that you have enough of this essential energy source to compete at 100% for the whole game and not run out of energy as the game goes on, which may happen if your carbohydrate stores are not fully loaded.

What Should You Eat Before Training or a Game? It is important that your pre-training or pre-game meal is something you like! Most AFL footballers have a favourite meal that they will have regularly eat before head- ing out onto the field. Usually the meal follows a few basic guidelines: ~ High in carbohydrate ~ Have a fluid component (i.e. drink) ~ Low in fat ~ Foods you like and are comfortable with 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

The timing of the pre-training or pre-game meal is also an important consideration as eating too close to the game can cause an upset stomach, while having some- thing too far in advance can mean you are hungry during the game It is recommended that you eat your pre-game meal about two-to-four hours prior to training or a game . This allows enough time for the food pass through the stom- ach and into the intestines where it can be absorbed for use. The exact timing of the meal will depend on how your body handles the pre-game build up. Anxiety and nerves can cause disruptions in the digestion process and can lead to stomach upsets. If you are someone that suffers from nerves or anxiety it is a good idea to eat well before the game and consume lighter snacks or fluid choices closer to the game. Some Pre-game meal examples are:

~ Breakfast cereal or porridge and reduced fat milk ~ Toast or muffins with jam/honey/peanut butter ~ Baked beans or tinned spaghetti on toast ~ Pasta with a low fat tomato based sauce ~ Sandwiches or rolls with low fat meat, cheese and salad ~ Creamed rice and tinned fruit ~ Rice or noodles and low fat stir fry ~ Low fat smoothies or liquid sports nutrition supplement

Hydration Before Training & Games Hydration is an important concern for AFL footballers and drinking enough in the lead up to a game is just as important as eating well. It is a good idea to consume fluid at your pre-training and pre-game meal and in the hours leading up to the game. Sports drinks provide the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. By consum- ing sports drinks leading into the game you can ensure that you have carbohydrate for energy and also sufficient fluid and electrolytes for adequate hydration. 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.7 RECOVERY, NUTRITION and HYDRATION

Footballers need to recover well between games if they are to perform well each week. The hard running during a game, plus bumps and knocks, can cause signifi- cant muscle damage and result in tightness and soreness post training / post- game.

How you pull-up after training and games is largely determined by how you re- cover. Playing AFL footy also uses up the body’s energy stores and may result in large fluid losses which need to be replaced.

The food and fluids consumed following exercise are critical for optimal recovery

The earlier you start the recovery process, the better your muscles and body will feel for the next training session. Within 30 minutes of stopping any activity is a key window in which players can make a big impact on the recovery process. Im- mediately after games, both physical recovery and adequate nutrition are essen- tial to get the body back into top condition.

Priorities post-game:

~ Re-hydrate ~ Muscle repair ~ Replace fuel stores

~ Fluid Replacement

Trainers and Water Carriers do a great job in providing fluids to players during the game, however it is often difficult for footballers to keep up with fluid losses and this leads to a fluid deficit at the end of the game. It is important to replace fluid as soon as possible, with the aim of drinking 1.5 times the amount of fluid lost in the game during the several hours post-game (eg. player lost 1.5kg during game, aim is to drink minimum 2.25l for adequate fluid replacement).

Water is fine for most people after exercise when it is accompanied by snacks or a meal that can provide other nutrients. However, if a player does not feel like eating solid fluids for several hours then it is important to drink fluids containing nutrients e.g. sports drinks, liquid meal replacements, milk drinks and smoothies.

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

The Physical Recovery Process Recovery and Rehabilitation following training and games involves the manage- ment of the athlete from the time any activity finishes to return to sport. Soft tis- sue injuries vary in type (e.g. tendon, muscle, ligament, muscle bruising etc.) and severity however a generalised program of staged recovery should be followed. The stages of recovery / rehabilitation are:

1. Unloading Phase (Tissue Recovery/Regeneration) 2. Restoration of Normal Physiology (Early) 3. Restoration of Normal Physiology (Late) 4. Functional Training (Sport Specific Demands)

1. Unloading Phase (Tissue Recovery/Regeneration = 0-12 hrs)

This commences immediately following activity and is aimed to protect the body from excessive loads likely to impact on normal tissue healing. Total rest or inac- tivity is not necessary, rather active recovery and static stretching at an appropri- ate level is required.

The length of time for recovery is dependent on the level of workload under- taken. Utilisation of the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is a sim- ple way of remembering the components of the Unloading Phase

2. Restoration of Normal Physiology (Early = 12-24 hours)

This involves the introduction of increasing loads/demands on the tissue after suitable time for tissue recovery has been allowed.

Loads need to be kept at an appropriate level for timeframe of tissue healing. This involves both static stretching and return to low impact activity aimed at muscle tissue involved without causing excessive pain or any post exercise swell- ing/prolonged soreness.

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

3. Restoration of Normal Physiology (Late= 24 hrs+)

Continuation of loading of tissues to full strength / stretching loads. Loading through this phase will begin to mimic normal daily and sporting loads . Loading is progressed through from slower to faster rates of application and from short to longer duration .

Should have normal tissue strength at the end of this stage in preparation for the final stage of Functional Training.

4. Functional Training (Sport Specific Demands)

Final stage of recovery / rehabilitation to be completed before full return to sporting activity . This stage is vital to ensure athlete has suitable physical resil- ience to withstand the demands of normal training and game workloads .

Utilisation of dynamic balance / loading activities is important during this stage. Activity or exercises undertaken should mimic sport specific demands .

Frequently the final stage of recovery / rehabilitation is poorly directed and con- trolled as players are relied to give assessment of “how they feel”, leaving the athlete vulnerable to injury on return to competitive environment.

What Foods Are Best for Recovery from Exercise?

It is important to consume food and fluids as soon as possible, ideally within 15-30 minutes after the game.

Protein and carbohydrate are essential nutrients for recovery. Research indicates that protein is essential following strength training to promote muscle recovery and optimal muscle mass increase. Carbohydrates are also required to replace that burnt during exercise and restore muscle glycogen.

A snack such as a chicken and salad roll (white bread) is the perfect option, con- taining protein and high aglycemic index carbohydrates.

For individuals who don’t feel like eating straight away, a liquid meal replacement or milk-based drink is another great choice. Fruit, low-fat muffins, muesli bars or dried fruit/almonds are also suitable post-exercise snacks. 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

Post-Training or Game Meal

The meal eaten in the hours after the game can make a big difference to recov- ery, and should contain protein and carbohydrate, but not too much fat.

Good choices include:

~ Beef and vegetable stir-fry with rice or noodles ~ Pasta with chicken or lean meat tomato sauce, add vegetables or salad ~ Chicken and vegetable risotto ~ Grilled chicken with vegetables (including potato/pumpkin) ~ Home-made pizza (low-fat cheese and lean ham) ~ Soup with pasta/noodles/rice and meat/chicken/legumes

Don’t forget to have a large drink with this meal, and sip regularly on fluids during the hours after training and games Complete recovery is not achieved in just a few hours after the game, it can often take more than 24 hours. Adequate fluid and food intake is important over the next couple of days to ensure optimal recovery and preparation for the next game ahead. 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.8 INJURY PREVENTION and REHABILITATION

The Benefits of Core Stability in Injury Prevention

In recent years research has shown that specific exercises to strengthen the pel- vic, lower back and lower abdominal areas together to gain a coupling effect is very beneficial for preventing injuries and improving an athlete's performance.

Sit ups, Roman Chair - trunk extension, and swimming were historical exercises that were prescribed to strengthen the abdominals and lower back. However with a new understanding on the need to have the "internal corset" ef- fect, the approach to exercise prescription has changed markedly. Specific dy- namic mat, fit-ball and Pilates-type exercises used in isolation or with other exer- cises to improve core strength are now mandatory in athlete preparation. Core stability plays a large role in walking and running mechanics of the body, kick- ing technique and power and stability in physically contested situations in games.

Treating Injuries: Heat v Ice

Ice is used in the first 72 hours for any new or repeat injury from muscle or liga- ment strains to direct contact - “corks”. Ice works to reduce the amount of swell- ing and internal bleeding and in tandem with other components of the RICER re- gime (Rest, Compression, Elevation and Referral) can results in quicker recovery than no treatment. Initially the application is every two hours for 20 minutes and then eased off to two to three times a day.

Heat is best used to pre-warm muscles prior to exercises using a heat pack or heat rubs. It can be used during activity to ease stiffness and tightness but be aware not to apply heat to new injuries as can increase swelling and internal bleeding resulting in longer recovery times.

With any injury players should seek professional assessment within 48 hours by a sports doctor or physiotherapist who will advise on an appropriate course of treatment and managed rehabilitation program.

7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.9 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Part of the philosophy of the AFL National Talented Player Pathway is to “Produce Good Players, and Produce Good People.” This also applies to the Talent Pathway here in Queensland where players are provided with opportunities to learn how they can improve them selves as people as well as footballers.

Players in the Talented Player Pathway will be at various stages be required to un- dertake certain roles and responsibilities to help the learning process:

~ Public Speaking (leadership roles, award nights, accepting awards etc.) ~ Team Work (on the field and off the field) ~ Respect (dealing with other people, looking after facilities and equipment) ~ Honesty (dealing with injuries, communicating with coaches and officials) ~ Communication (verbal /and non verbal communicating with coaches and officials about attendance / non attendance at training etc.) ~ Time Management (ability to manage time around family, school and sporting commitments) 7. TALENT PLAYER PATHWAY CURRICULUM

7.10 AFL RULES AND POLICIES

Like any sport AFL has match rules which at times can change from season to sea- son. Players will be educated on the rules of the games and how this impacts on the way the game is played. AFL Queensland also has Codes of Conduct in place for Players, Parents, Coaches and Officials and these are strongly adhered to. Players will receive a copy of these Codes of Conduct at the start of every training program in all age groups. It should be noted that suspension from school (sporting or classroom) or club AFL will result in players being excluded from the Talented Player Pathway program for entire length of the penalty imposed. Other AFL policies that players may be educated on depending on their age in- clude:

~ AFL Talent Pathway and AFL Draft Procedure ~ Respect and Responsibility ~ Racial and Sexual Vilification ~ Anti Doping Program

8. CODES OF CONDUCT

8.1 Players Code of Conduct

The AFL has an expectation that all States have a strict Code of Conduct in place for players attending National Championships. AFL Queensland also place high importance on discipline and general acceptable behaviour of all players, coaches and team support staff participating in intra and State championships.

AFL Queensland is implementing currently a zero tolerance policy in relation to the self discipline of all players participating in representative championships.

Zero tolerance basically means that players act within the spirit of the game and accept that the following guidelines are for the benefit of not only creating a bet- ter environment for personal development but presents the game in a manner that will encourage others to participate.

~ Know and play by the Rules. ~ Control your temper. Verbal and physical abuse of any other players, officials, umpires and the general public will not be tolerated. ~ Treat all players as you would like to be treated, do not bully or take unfair advantage of another player. ~ Accept any decisions made by umpires and respect the role that they play. ~ Co-operate with your coaches support staff and team mates at all times. ~ If taken from the ground for a rest, rotation or may be for an undisci plined act respond in a positive manner and quickly leave the ground through the interchange area when requested to by any team official or umpire and remain in the designated bench area for your team. ~ Be a good sport before and after games no matter the result by shaking your direct opponent’s hand ~ Be aware of the order off rule and the consequences of undisciplined behaviour. ~ The player must remain off the field for whatever period of time that the umpire has decided by showing either the yellow or red card when the send off occurred. 8. CODES OF CONDUCT

8.2 CONSEQUENCES

Players who are reported and subsequently found guilty and suspended either at Club level or during State Championships will not be considered for State selection or allowed to participate in any football games or activities conducted by his re- gional Talented Player Pathway program or AFL Queensland during the period of time imposed by the suspension. At the completion of his suspension he will be eligible again for talented program activities.

If during the Championships the Talent manager or his designated representative views a player acting in an undisciplined manner and that player is not disciplined by his coach, then the Talent manager has the authority to request the coach re- move the player from the ground for a cooling off period.

8.3 PARENTS CODES OF CONDUCT

1. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or for the team losing a game. 2. Encourage children to participate – do not force participation upon them. 3. Remember that children learn best by example – applaud the efforts of all players in both teams. 4. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules 5. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activi- ties. 6. Remember that children learn best by example – applaud the efforts of all players in both teams. 7. Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators, without whom your child could not participate. 8. Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators, without whom your child could not participate. 9. Respect umpires’ decisions and teach children to do likewise. 10. Remember that smoking and the consumption of alcohol is unacceptable at junior sport. 9. REGIONAL, ACADEMY and STATE SELECTION

9.1 REGIONAL and ACADEMY SELECTION

Selection for Region Squads and the AFL Lions Academy program is an ongoing process with the ability to add or delete players at any stage. Players will be as- sessed on a variety of areas including (but not limited to):

~ Performance in Games ~ Attitude On and Off the Field ~ Athletic Ability ~ Skill Level ~ Willingness to Learn ~ Leadership

9.2 STATE SELECTION

The key elements State Selectors will be focussing on when finalising State Squads will be:

~ Skill - disposal both sides, clean ball handling

~ Decision Making - being able to pick the right option

~ Fitness - achieve level required both in running and physical strength

~ Discipline - will adhere to team rules

~ Character/Courage - can handle pressure and remain positive

~ Good work ethic - both in training attitude and in general 10. Suncoast Power Under 16 Levies

The 2011 levies for the Suncoast Power will be $280 per player for all 25 players. This consists of the following: Championship Levies imposed by AFL Queensland - $180 (which includes playing jumper, shorts, socks, venue hire, football, umpires etc.) Suncoast Power Dress Shirt - $30 Suncoast Power Dress Shorts - $25 Suncoast Power Team Photo - $15 Miscellaneous - $30 (includes training and post game food and drink, training costs, staff ect.) Total______- $280

Extra (which are optional) Suncoast Power Bag - $20 Suncoast Power Training/Warm Up Singlet - $25 (players must have a current singlet which must be worn to every training night and bought every game)

The final squad will consist of 25 players

23 Players will play at each game with 2 players to be emergencies. Each game of the championship the Suncoast Power will play 23 players with 2 emergencies. Each game thereafter at the champion- ship will also consist of 23 players with the 2 emergencies being different to those for the previous matches. Each player in the final squad of 25 will play a minimum of 2 games barring injury, suspen- sion or a serious breach of code of conduct. This is now standard procedure for all regions participat- ing at the Under 16 State Championships.

11. Important Dates

Under 16: State = April 28, 30 & May 2 @ Zillmere National = July 2 - 9 @ Blacktown, Sydney

Date Time Event Location

16th March 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

21st March 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

23rd March 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

28th March 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

30th March 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training/Possible Intra squad Fishermans Road match 4th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training (Squad reduced) Fishermans Road

6th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm Fitness Testing Narangba Valley SHS

Harris Avenue , Narangba 11th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

13th April 7.20pm Start Official Practice Match Vs Coorparoo Western Taipans (Final Squad Birubi Street, Coorparoo Named) 18th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training Fishermans Road

20th April 5:30pm - 7:30pm Training and Jumper Presentation Fishermans Road

21st - 23rd April To be advised Training Fishermans Road

26th April 09:00am - 11:00am Training Fishermans Road

28th April 2011 State Championship Zillmere

30th April 2011 State Championship Zillmere

2nd May 2011 State Championship Zillmere 12. CHAMPIONSHIP DATES/ Draw

Under 16: State = April 28, 30 & May 2 @ Zillmere National = July 2 - 9 @ Blacktown, Sydney 2011 State Championship Draw

Teams South East Bushrangers Suncoast Power Gold Coast Stingrays AFLQ Colts PNG Northern Raiders Kookaburras Western Taipans

Day 1 Thursday 28 April Game 1 11.00am PNG v Bushrangers Game 2 12.30am Northern Raiders v Power Game 3 2.00pm Stingrays v Taipans Game 4 3.30pm Colts v Kookaburras

Day 2 Saturday 30 April Game 5 11.00am Loser Game 1 v Loser Game 2 Game 6 12.30am Loser Game 3 v Loser Game 2 Game 7 2.00pm Winner Game 1 v Winner Game 2 Game 8 3.30pm Winner Game 3 v Winner Game 4

Day 3 Monday 2 May 7th Playoff 11.00am Loser Game 5 v Loser Game 6 5th Playoff 12.30am Winner Game 5 v Winner Game 6 3rd Playoff 2.00pm Loser Game 7 v Loser Game 8 Grand Final 3.30pm Winner Game 7 v Winner Game 8