Falcons Hockey Club
Junior Representative Fund

The Falcons Junior Representative Fund exists to ensure that no Falcons junior misses the opportunity to represent their region, state or country due to financial hardship.

The fund strengthens our commitment to Excellence Community Inclusion Family, ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent participation in representative hockey.

This fund supports the Falcons Hockey Club mission:

The fund operates in accordance with the Objects of the Association as set out in the Falcons Hockey Club Constitution.

The fund operates under the authority of the Falcons Hockey Club Committee. A three-member subcommittee, consisting only of current club committee members, will:

• Assess applications confidentially
• Determine grant allocations
• Manage conflicts of interest
• Ensure compliance with this policy

Decision Making

• Decisions will be made by majority vote
• The subcommittee retains discretion in all decisions
• The objective is to distribute as much funding as responsibly possible to support Falcons juniors

Annual Reporting

The subcommittee will provide an annual report to the club committee outlining funds received, sponsorship received, number of players supported, total grants awarded, and the closing balance carried forward.

Subcommittee members must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest. A conflict may include:

• A family member applying for funding
• A close personal relationship with an applicant
• Any financial or personal interest in the outcome

Where a conflict exists, the member must step aside from discussion and voting. Another Falcons committee member will temporarily replace them for that decision, and both the conflict and the replacement will be recorded.

Applicants must be Falcons Hockey Club junior members, must be under 18 years of age at 1 January of the representative year, and must have been selected in an approved representative team, including:

• Representative Carnival
• Spitfires Senior Team
• State Championships
• National Championships
• International representation

Special Circumstances – Over 18

While primarily intended for under-18 players, the subcommittee may consider applications from players aged 18 or older in exceptional circumstances, including financial hardship, long-term Falcons junior participation, a special representation opportunity, or other compassionate considerations. Approval under this clause is entirely at the discretion of the subcommittee.

Applications may be submitted by a parent or guardian, by the player themselves, or by another Falcons member nominating a junior player.

Where a third-party nomination is received, a subcommittee member will contact the player's parent or guardian to request consent and any further relevant information. Funding will not be approved without parent or guardian consent, and the family must confirm acceptance of the application prior to any grant being paid.

Applicants may be prioritised based on the following guidelines. These are guidelines only — the subcommittee may exercise discretion where appropriate.

• Demonstrated financial need
• First-time representative selection
• Higher-level representation
• Positive club participation and behaviour

Funding may contribute toward:

• Registration or nomination fees
• Uniforms and compulsory equipment
• Travel and accommodation
• Tournament or participation levies
• Spitfires senior registration, match fees and uniform costs

Funding will not normally cover personal spending money or non-essential family travel costs. The subcommittee may approve exceptions at its discretion.

Grants may be awarded in full, part, or declined. The subcommittee may award less than, equal to, or greater than the amount requested. Grant size may depend on the number of applicants, funds available, and the level of representation.

The subcommittee may apply indicative caps per player or family but retains full discretion to vary these where justified.

• Applications must be submitted via the official online form
• There is no fixed application deadline
• Decisions will be made within 30 days of application where practicable
• Applicants may be asked to provide further information
• Receipts are not required

Payments will ordinarily be made to the nominated bank account provided in the application. However, the subcommittee may determine that funding be provided via voucher, as credit, or by direct payment to suppliers (e.g. associations, travel providers, uniform suppliers).

This may occur where there is concern that funds may not be used for their intended purpose, or where direct supplier payment better protects the integrity of the fund.

Grant recipients must uphold Falcons Core Values, demonstrate sportsmanship and respect, and remain financial members in good standing. The subcommittee may withdraw or amend funding in cases of serious misconduct or misrepresentation.

Applicants may request a review or submit additional information. Reviews will be considered by different committee members where possible. The outcome after review is final.

All applications are treated as strictly confidential. Information is used only for grant assessment, data will be stored securely, and access is limited to the subcommittee.

Community members may donate via the Falcons online store in $1 increments. Donations are allocated as follows:

Naming rights require a minimum contribution of $5,000 per season. Recognition includes signage on Field 1 and Field 2 at Albury Hockey Centre, and inclusion on the Fund logo and promotions.

Where a Spitfires player receives full sponsorship, they will be recognised as supported by the naming rights sponsor. Sponsor recognition must not influence grant decisions.

Successful applicants may choose whether their story or image is used in promotion. Consent is encouraged but optional. Declining publicity will not affect funding decisions.

Any unused funds carry forward to the next season.

If the Falcons Junior Representative Fund is discontinued or dissolved, any remaining funds will transfer to Falcons Hockey Club general funds and will be earmarked specifically for the development of junior hockey programs and pathways. No funds may be distributed to individuals upon closure.