THE COMPLETE PARENTS’ GUIDE TO NAB AFL AUSKICK Parents’ Guide Fun & safe ■ For boys, girls & parents ■ Managed by the community, for the community Welcome to NAB AFL Auskick for parents Dear parent/guardian, program based upon appropriate modifi ed rules. Welcome to NAB AFL Auskick, the The program’s core values are based Australian Football League’s key on positioning Australian Football for introductory program for primary-aged primary-aged children in terms of the children and their families. following qualities: I would like to thank NAB for its ■ Fun and safe ongoing support of our NAB AFL ■ For boys, girls and parents Contents Auskick program. NAB is more than ■ Managed by the community The benefi ts of participating a sponsor, it is a partner with both for the community. in NAB AFL Auskick .........................4 the AFL and local communities. AFL Auskick policy ...........................5 NAB’s goal is to continue to support The AFL is extremely appreciative and strengthen local grassroots of the many volunteers who are the AFL Participation pathway ............. communities through initiatives such driving force behind the 2491 NAB NAB AFL Auskick centre structure ..8 as the NAB AFL Auskick program. AFL Auskick centres. Volunteer NAB New and improved NAB AFL The program seeks to provide an AFL Auskick centre coordinators, Auskick lesson plans .......................9 environment where all children can with assistance from parent helpers, experience personal achievement in conduct the activities each week. Why AFL Auskick terms of competence, enhanced self- It is through their passion, Rules are modifi ed ........................10 esteem, social co-operation, maximum dedication and commitment that the AFL Auskick Rules – Match rules participation and skill development. program continues to provide the for children aged 5-12 ..................12 This is achieved through the program’s fun and safe introductory football The role of parents ........................14 sequentially-developed coaching experience to the 155,000 boys and program consisting of warm-up games, girls participating nationally in . How you can get involved ............15 skill activities and games and a match Parents are encouraged to become Introduction to coaching actively involved in the program, as it for parents .....................................17 provides an ideal opportunity to spend quality active time with their children. Education courses .........................18 No previous experience is required to AFL Auskick Codes of Conduct .....19 get involved, just a willingness to lend AFL Kids First Junior Clubs ............20 a hand. The AFL believes it is important for AFL Auskick Watch ........................20 parents to have an understanding of NAB AFL Auskick Personal their child’s sport so that they may Accident Insurance ........................21 highlights maximise both the child’s and their The NAB AFL Auskick own experience and enjoyment. • , parent Grand Final competition .............. 24 Please take the time to read this volunteers guide, as it provides information to NAB AFL Auskick at half-time .......25 NAB is really proud to support the volunteers and NAB AFL Auskick • , participants help you actively and confi dently AFL Auskick state contacts ...........26 kids who are learning important life skills on and off participate in your child’s NAB AFL the fi eld through our great game of Australian Football. • % female Auskick experience. You’ll fi nd a NAB AFL Auskick calendar in your child’s benefi ts pack participation Enjoy the season. along with offers and tips on savings, fi tness, healthy eating and • AFL Auskick anti-bullying. centres As one of footy’s biggest fans, NAB is delighted to be NAB AFL Auskick’s program partner, and we look forward to helping families, • , children communities and young players develop well into the future. participate in NAB AFL Have a great season! Auskick at half-time Andrew Demetriou Ahmed Fahour, NAB CEO Australia CEO, Australian Football League The benefits of participating in NAB AFL Auskick he NAB AFL Auskick program provides boys and girls with T a fun and safe Australian Football experience that serves as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in the game. The program is not just about introducing children to Australian Football – it activates and develops within each child the desire for a healthy lifestyle and an association with our great game. This is achieved through activities and programs for individuals, small groups and teams, and aims to assist development of personal and social skills. BENEFITS OF NAB AFL AUSKICK TO CHILDREN ■ Children learn the fundamental motor skills for future physical activity and sports participation. ■ Children learn the basics of fi tness conditioning, including how to train and practise. ■ Children learn the basic principles and importance of health and ■ Physically active children are ■ Community structures often serve as nutrition. more attentive, have a more effi cient positive models for other community ■ Through specially arranged memory, enhanced creativity and programs that rely on volunteer physical activities and games, some better learning, and problem solving support. SHOWING SUPPORT: Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s sport. Dipper is the NAB AFL Auskick ambassador. very important mental and and attitude capabilities. ■ Growth in NAB AFL Auskick benefi ts psychological skills are nurtured. ■ NAB AFL Auskick helps children our economy, as do the savings on These include self-motivation, develop to their full potential. health expenditure that fl ow from a self-responsibility, self-management, fi tter and healthier population. persistence, resilience and a ‘best BENEFITS TO PARENTS AFL Auskick policy effort always’ attitude. ■ Convenient, local opportunities for The AFL Auskick policy refers to at varying development levels, personal achievement in terms of ■ Through specially arranged team safe, quality family time that results the philosophy, guidelines and particularly for children of primary competence, enhanced activities, children learn important in family bonding. requirements for conducting football school age, designed specially self-esteem, social cooperation, social skills, including cooperation ■ The opportunity to engage with for children of primary school age. The to maximise participation, skill maximum participation and skill and respect for others. children and other families in policy is broadly underpinned by two learning and development. AFL development in a fun and safe ■ Contact with older children and physical activities and games. components: Auskick Rules are a feature of environment. adults provides valuable role model ■ Greater social contact . NAB AFL Auskick program the program but importantly ■ Warm-up activities. experiences. and interaction. This is the key introductory program are recommended for adoption ■ Skill teaching in a sequential ■ Generally, children benefi t from for children and parents consisting by primary schools, community program. greater levels of confi dence and BENEFITS TO THE of a skill program of graded clubs and leagues that have the ■ Appropriate skill drills and games. self-awareness and improved health, COMMUNITY warm-up games, skill activities, responsibility to deliver football to ■ Appropriate AFL Auskick fi tness and overall well-being. ■ A stronger social fabric skill games and a match program this age group. Rules matches. ■ Physical activity develops motor and and improved based on AFL Auskick Rules. ■ Trained/accredited coaches, umpires social skills and intellectual capacities. community health. All organisations aiming to provide and offi cials. ■ NAB AFL Auskick can assist in ■ Enhanced family and . AFL Auskick Rules football for children need to offer: ■ Appropriate behaviour conforming reducing self-destructive and non-family support The rules and procedures for ■ A program that enables all to the AFL Codes of Conduct for delinquent behaviour in young networks. conducting modifi ed matches individuals to experience all participants. people and contribute to a more ■ Decreased anti- disciplined attitude. social behaviour. 4 PARENTS’ GUIDE TO NAB AFL AUSKICK PARENTS’ GUIDE TO NAB AFL AUSKICK 5 AFL participation pathway he AFL has a view that for the which takes into account the facilities their stage of learning and level ongoing success of Australian available. This is best achieved by of ability. Senior players Football any person wishing to providing a quality environment where T can be drafted participate in our great game can do young players can sequentially develop The pyramid opposite provides a step to AFL clubs. so in a manner that is appropriate to their skills through activities, games, by step description of each stage of their skills, needs and aspirations, and match rules and conditions relative to the participation pathway. AFL RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL AFL Recreational Football has been recently developed to provide an opportunity for all Australian Football enthusiasts to enjoy participating in a modifi ed game that has strong parallels with the traditional game. AFL Recreational Football is designed so that Talented players are identifi ed and selected everyone can play; it is less physically demanding, has a minimal time commitment with no risk of serious to participate in the injury and a major emphasis on fun and safety (non-contact). Played in a friendly, social environment, the SENIOR/OPEN AGE FOOTBALL game enables