What am I responsible for as a junior coach?

Under section 21 of the 2026 handbook a coach must:

• run the match within the Spirit of Junior Football: development ahead of results, fun, fair and safe
• put skill learning and enjoyment ahead of winning, with fair, consistent team selection
• give every player equal game time and a variety of positions
• teach players respect for umpires, opposition and officials, and shake hands, fist bump or elbow bump with the umpires and opposing coach before and after the game
• put player safety first, following the First Aider's advice on injured, concussed or ill players
• stay up to date with AFL and League laws and policies, and follow the WA Football Code of Conduct

Coaches wear the approved League identification (uniform, vest or lanyard). They are subject to the same investigations and penalties as players, including suspensions and fines, and a suspension can also bring a Code of Conduct breach.

Umpires: only the Captain or Team Manager may approach an umpire, for limited reasons. A coach may approach the umpire only to shake hands before and after the match. WA Football has a zero tolerance stance on umpire abuse and dissent.