Having been involved with occasional incidents in recent seasons, club officials are keen to show they are building a positive team environment for the long-term.

Coach Peter Parslow said the stipulations involved with the code of conduct are not far-fetched and are aimed at creating a professional and harmonious team.

“We’re trying to attract some new players, and we have had some issues in the past and there have been some incidents,” Parslow said.

“But we’re looking to change our culture in the side, and all of the players will be signing a code of conduct agreement this year.

“It’s just about holding players accountable for their actions, because they are representing the club and we are trying to attract more people to play the game at the club.

“And if they carry on like they have in the past then we’re not going to be able to do that.”

Some of the stipulations include dressing appropriately before and after training and weekend games, with grievances to be aired only through the proper channels.

If players violate any rule they will be given demerit points, one for each breach, with three points resulting in a one-match ban, five points in two games and seven seeing the player removed from the team for the rest of the season.

While Parslow hoped the harshest penalty would not be required, he said the club must crack down on antisocial behaviour for the benefit of everybody.

“Especially with the competitive nature of things at the moment, while we’re not a fully professional competition we need to act in a professional manner and this is the first step for us.

“Part of the feedback we have had is that several handy rep touch players are interested in joining the side, but because of the reputation of the side, they haven’t.

“It’s not something that is really badly needed, but we want to try and bring this in because of the reputation (of the side) more.

“I spent last year as an assistant to the side and they are a great bunch of girls, but there is a perception around the Group regarding the girls.

“I don’t think we will end up removing anybody from the team, but it’s something we want to put in place because we want new players.”

The Black and Whites have begun their pre-season training, with Tuesday sessions at Jubilee Oval and Thursday at Ted Scobie Oval, both beginning at 6.30pm.