Code of conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This club is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment.
YOUNG PLAYERS
As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:
Always play to the best of my ability
Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager
Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me
Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:
I may:
Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
Be dropped or substituted
Be suspended from training
Be required to leave the club.
In addition:
My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.
SPECTATORS AND PARENTS/CARERS
Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything.
We ask you play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
Remember that children play for FUN
Applaud effort and good play as well as success
Always respect the match officials’
decisions
Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.
ONE VOICE COACHING
Only the coach should coach and the coach’s voice is the one that stands out. By all means parents should encourage and support the team but to not give instructions to the players from the sidelines. The reason is because conflicting instructions confuses the children and puts them under pressure to decide who to please, the parent or the coach.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA:
I may be:
Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official
Required to meet with the club, league or County FA Welfare Officer
Required to meet with the club committee
Obliged to undertake an FA education course
Obliged to leave the match venue by the club
Requested by the club not to attend future games
Suspended or have my club membership removed
Required to leave the club along with any dependents.
In addition:
The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.
COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS
We play our part and observe The Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything we do.
On and off the field, I will:
Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
Always respect the match official’s decision
Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
Be expected to understand and promote the club’s values to the parent/spectators and plyers.
Be expected to support the club with it’s events and activities.
When working with players, I will:
Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity
Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA:
Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer
Required to meet with the club committee
Monitored by another club coach
Required to attend an FA education course
Suspended by the club from attending matches
Suspended or fined by the County FA
Required to leave or be sacked by the club.
