Our Club

Football Australia Membership Protection Policy including Safeguarding, Bullying and Harassment, Anti-Discrimination and Complaints procedure. View Here.

If you have any questions about any of these policies and wish to speak to Avondale Football Club’s Membership Protection Information Officer/Child Safety Officer please contact info@avondalefc.com.au.

Registration Fees, Payments & Refund Policy

Effective Date: 1 January 2026

Approved By: Avondale Football Club Committee

Applies To: All players, parents/guardians, coaches, team officials, and administrators

1. Purpose

This policy outlines Avondale Football Club’s (AFC) position on player registration fees, payment

structures, deposits, refunds, and cancellations. It is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and

financial sustainability across all AFC programs.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all AFC programs, including but not limited to:

• MiniRoos

• Community & Metro teams

• Academy & Development Pathways

• Junior NPL (Boys & Girls)

• Senior teams (Men’s & Women’s)

• Community and inclusion programs (where registration fees apply)

3. Registration & Payment Requirements

3.1 Mandatory Registration

• All players must be registered through the official Football Australia / Football Victoria

registration platform (PlayFootball).

• Registration is not considered complete until payment requirements outlined by the Club

are met.

3.2 Fees

Registration fees may include:

• Football Australia & Football Victoria affiliation fees

• League and competition fees

• Club administration and operating costs

• Coaching and technical program costs

• Facility usage, equipment, and apparel (where applicable)

3.3 Deposits

• A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a player’s place once an offer has been

accepted.

• Acceptance may be confirmed via email, written confirmation, or payment of the deposit.

• Deposits demonstrate commitment and allow the Club to plan squads, budgets, and

league submissions.

4. Non-Refundable Payments

The following payments are strictly non-refundable:

• Registration deposits

• Football Australia / Football Victoria affiliation fees (once processed)

• League and governing body fees

• Any costs already incurred by the Club on behalf of the player (including apparel orders,

insurance, administration, and competition entry fees)

Once a player has been registered and/or their deposit forfeited, AFC is not required to issue a

refund or credit.

5. Refunds

5.1 General Policy

Avondale Football Club operates on a no-refund policy once a player:

• Has accepted an offer, and

• Has been registered with Football Australia / Football Victoria, or

• Has participated in training, matches, or official Club activities

5.2 Exceptional Circumstances

Refund requests will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as:

• Serious medical condition or injury preventing participation (medical certificate required)

• Compassionate or unforeseen circumstances deemed exceptional by the Club

Any approved refund:

• Is at the sole discretion of the Club Committee

• Will exclude non-refundable components outlined in Section 4

• May be processed as a partial refund or credit only

6. Withdrawals & Cancellations

6.1 Withdrawal Before Season Commencement

• If a player withdraws after accepting an offer but before the season starts, the deposit will

be forfeited.

• No additional refund will be provided once registration is processed.

6.2 Withdrawal During the Season

• No refunds will be issued for withdrawals during the season for any reason, including but

not limited to:

o Change of mind

o Team selection decisions

o Coaching or scheduling preferences

o Personal commitments

6.3 Unpaid Fees

• Players with outstanding fees may be suspended from training or matches at the Club’s

discretion.

• AFC reserves the right to cancel a player’s registration for non-payment, without refund.

7. Transfers, Releases & De-Registrations

• If a player leaves AFC and seeks to transfer to another club, any forfeited deposit

remains with AFC.

• The Club is not required to issue refunds in order to process de-registration or transfers.

• Administrative adjustments may be made internally to clean up records without

generating refunds.

8. Payment Plans

• Payment plans may be offered at the discretion of the Club.

• Failure to adhere to an agreed payment plan may result in:

o Suspension from training or matches

o Cancellation of registration

o Forfeiture of any payments made

9. Governing Authority Fees

Avondale Football Club has no control over fees charged by:

• Football Australia

• Football Victoria

• Leagues and competitions

These fees are non-refundable once submitted, regardless of participation.

10. Acknowledgement

By registering with Avondale Football Club, players and/or parents/guardians acknowledge that:

• They have read and understood this policy

• They accept the Club’s refund and payment conditions

• They agree that deposits and governing body fees are non-refundable

This acknowledgement may be captured via:

• Online registration tick-box

• Written confirmation

• Email acceptance

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required by changes to league or governing body

regulations.

Avondale Football Club

La Famiglia – One Club, One Community

• Play by the rules and respect referees, teammates, opponents and officials.
• Compete fairly, honestly and always give your best.
• Avoid foul language, bullying, discrimination or harassment.
• Accept referees’ decisions calmly, without argument.
• Represent Avondale FC positively, on and off the field.
• Care for club equipment, uniforms and facilities.

• Encourage your child to play fairly and respect everyone involved.
• Lead by example with positive sideline behaviour.
• Communicate respectfully with coaches and club officials.
• Avoid publicly criticising players, referees or other parents.
• Support our safeguarding, child safety and inclusion policies.
• Ensure your child arrives prepared, on time and in correct kit.

• Prioritise player safety, enjoyment and wellbeing over winning.
• Treat all players equally, regardless of background or ability.
• Use positive, constructive and inclusive language.
• Show respect to referees, opponents and club officials.
• Uphold and enforce club policies, especially around child safety and inclusion.
• Maintain all required coaching accreditations and checks.

• Officiate impartially, honestly and consistently.
• Communicate calmly and respectfully.
• Treat players, coaches and spectators fairly.
• Apply the Laws of the Game without bias.
• Report serious incidents or misconduct promptly.

• Act honestly, responsibly and in the club’s best interests.
• Support and apply all club policies and procedures.
• Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.
• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all, especially children.
• Protect confidential information.
• Communicate openly and constructively.

(Admin, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Facilities, etc.)

• Act with professionalism, integrity and in line with club values.
• Handle member and club information responsibly and confidentially.
• Treat colleagues, members and external partners fairly.
• Support and uphold all club policies, including safeguarding, inclusion and risk management.
• Communicate transparently and help build a positive workplace.
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest promptly.

We take this Code seriously. Breaches may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Suspension from matches, training or duties
• Termination of membership, role or position

If you have concerns, please report them promptly to the Club General Manager, Operations Manager or Club President. All reports are handled confidentially and fairly, in line with our Complaints & Grievance Policy.