Club Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a manager, coach, player, or supporter you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking everyone to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct for Coaches / Managers Coaches / Managers must:
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
- Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance and the result of any game.
- Read, understand and adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies and Club Officials.
- Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. Never condone unacceptable behaviour by not acting on it.
- Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players. Never either physically or mentally push children beyond their abilities. The game is of minor consideration when compared to the child’s future health and welfare.
- At the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coaches/manager.
- Ensure that each player is correctly dressed with the necessary safety equipment, shin pads etc., and that all jewellery is removed before being allowed to play.
- Get treatment for any injured player immediately and co-operate fully with other specialists in the best interest of the player.
- Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, parents, first aiders) in the best interests of the player.
- Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
- Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
- Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
- Always be prompt, courteous and correct when dealing with League Officials, opposition Managers, Referees and Assistant Referees.
- Check that you have the necessary equipment, documentation and FIRST AID equipment before you leave for the match or training.
- Promote this Code of Conduct amongst other Coaches / Managers.
Code of Conduct for Players
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 will not kick, push or grab another player at any time
- I will not shout at another player if they make a mistake
- I will offer support and guidance to other players to help improve their game
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all of the following actions may be taken. 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
Code of Conduct for Parents / Guardians / Carers
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in football.
- Remember children are involved in football for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your child to play to the laws of the game and not to argue with referees and other officials.
- Teach your child that honest effort is more important than victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Turn losing into winning by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
- Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Remember children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposition.
- Do not question the referee’s or assistant referee’s judgement or honesty. Remember he/she is only human with the same feelings as you and, like you, sometimes make an honest error.
- Advise managers as soon as possible if your child is to be absent or unavailable from any training session or team fixture.
- Let managers deal with team selection, tactics and support their decisions.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s football.
- Recognise the value and importance of coaches who are all volunteers. They give their time and resources to provide football for your child.
- Read the laws of the game to understand better what you are looking at and commenting on.
- Promote this Code of Conduct amongst other parents or guardians.