Question 1

How does the club select teams?

Accepted Answer

Dear Parents and Carers,We wanted to share how we approach forming our U9s and U11s teams.We completely understand that many children (and parents!) hope to be placed in teams with their friends. That’s a very natural desire, and we genuinely appreciate families sharing those requests with us. At the same time, with 2–3 teams in each age group, it isn’t always possible to accommodate every preference.Our approach to team formation is guided by the following principles, which are consistent with the Tiger values:

One Club								
				
									While there may be multiple teams in each age group, we take a strong one club approach at training, on game day, and around the club. We are all Tigers. Team lines matter far less than belonging to the club as a whole.

Balanced Teams								
				
									We don’t stack or grade teams. What “winning” looks like to us is simple: if our teams played each other, the game would be a draw. Balanced teams give every child the best chance to develop, contribute, and enjoy their football.

Top-Age / Bottom-Age Blend								
				
									Where possible, we aim for an approximate 50/50 mix of top-age and bottom-age players. This supports development, confidence, and leadership across the group.

New Friendship Bonds								
				
									Team sport is a powerful place for kids to build new friendships — with children from different schools, ages, and backgrounds. Some of the strongest connections are formed with teammates who weren’t friends at the start of the season.

Friend Requests								
				
									Each family will be invited to nominate one friend their child would like to play with. We will do our best to accommodate these requests, but we can’t guarantee them in all cases.

We appreciate your understanding and support of this approach. Our goal is to create a positive, inclusive environment where every child feels part of something bigger than just one team — a club they’re proud to belong to.

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being part of the Tigers community.

Question 2

What do you expect of players, parents and carers?

Accepted Answer

Player & Parent Charter								
				
									This charter aligns with the Coaching Charter and outlines shared responsibilities.

Our Shared Commitment								
				
									The Tweed Coast Tigers aim to provide a safe, inclusive and positive football environment focused on development, enjoyment and community.

Players Commit To:								
				
									1. RespectShow respect to coaches, teammates, umpires and opponents.Accept umpire decisions.Use appropriate language.2. Effort & AttitudeAttend training ready to learn.Give full effort.Support teammates.3. SafetyFollow safety instructions.Report injuries or concerns.Look after teammates.4. Club CultureRepresent the club positively on and off the field.Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Parents & Guardians Commit To:								
				
									1. Positive Sideline BehaviourEncourage all players, not just their own child.Do not dispute umpire decisions.Avoid coaching from the boundary.2. Respect for Coaches & VolunteersRecognise coaches are volunteers (unless otherwise stated).Raise concerns respectfully and through proper channels.3. Development FocusSupport the club’s philosophy of development over winning.Reinforce effort, learning and enjoyment at home.4. Community ContributionContribute positively to the club culture.Support club initiatives and events where possible.

Our Club Standard								
				
									If behaviour:Undermines safetyShows disrespectDamages the club’s reputationPlaces winning above development…it is inconsistent with the Tweed Coast Tigers values.

Question 3

Do you have a Coaching Charter?

Accepted Answer

Coaching Charter								
				
									As Coaches of the Tweed Coast Tigers, we commit to the following:

1. We Create a Safe & Inclusive Environment								
				
									We ensure every player feels welcome, valued and safe.We promote equal opportunity regardless of ability, gender, background or experience.We prioritise player welfare over winning.We follow all AFL policies, including safeguarding and anti-doping requirements.Action:Every training and game environment must feel physically and psychologically safe.

2. We Prioritise Development & Enjoyment								
				
									We focus on skill development and learning.We make training engaging, positive and fun.We coach effort, improvement and teamwork — not just outcomes.We encourage mistakes as part of learning.Action:Every session must have a clear development goal and a positive tone.

3. We Lead with Respect & Humility								
				
									We model respectful behaviour to umpires, opponents, officials and parents.We never dispute umpire decisions publicly or use abusive language.We coach without ego.We accept feedback and remain open to learning.Action:Our behaviour sets the standard — at training, on game day, and in the community.

4. We Are Invested & Energetic								
				
									We come prepared and organised.We communicate clearly and consistently.We bring positive energy to every session and game.We follow through on commitments to players and families.Action:Preparation and effort from coaches must match what we expect from players.

5. We Are Fair & Community-Focused								
				
									We treat players consistently and fairly.We are transparent in selection and playing time decisions (where applicable).We contribute positively to club culture.We support other teams and coaches within the club.Action:We make decisions that strengthen the whole club — not just our team.

6. We Are Warm, Approachable & Authentic								
				
									We build genuine relationships with players and families.We listen before we react.We communicate calmly and constructively.We coach in a way that reflects our true values.Action:Players should feel comfortable approaching us about football or personal concerns.

7. We Embrace Progress & Continuous Improvement								
				
									We seek feedback.We continue developing as coaches.We adapt when something isn’t working.We support innovation that improves the player experience.Action:Each season, we identify at least one area for personal coaching growth.

Our Standard								
				
									If a behaviour:Undermines safetyDisrespects othersPlaces winning above developmentContradicts our club values…it does not belong at the Tweed Coast Tigers.