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. Instil confidence into players by praising good play at every opportunity.
  • Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other consideration.
  • Adhere to all guidelines laid down by all governing bodies.
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player
  • Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  • Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
  • Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for their players.
  • At the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
  • Co-operate fully with other specialists 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 accept decisions by match officials, even when you don’t agree with them.
  • Always be a positive role model by setting good examples

Code of Conduct for Parents/ Carers/ Spectators

This club will ensure that parents/ carers/ spectators within our club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children – not just their own – and will encourage parents/carers/spectators to:

  • Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
  • Avoid coaching the child during the game
  • Not to shout and scream
  • Learn the Laws of the Game and encourage players to play to the Laws.
  • Respect the referee’s decision.
  • Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
  • Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
  • Praise effort and performance more than results.
  • Be a model of good sports behaviour.
  • Show respect for your teams coach, the referee, opponents and other spectators
  • For the avoidance of doubt breaches of this Code of Conduct will include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Verbal or physical abuse of another person;
  • Harassment of individuals or a group;
  • Inappropriate questioning of referees decisions;
  • Ridicule, baiting or uttering obscenities;
  • Engaging in behaviour that is not respectful of others;
  • Negative comments;
  • Entering the field of play;
  • Obscene or discriminatory language;
  • Arguing with officials or the opposition’s supporters;
  • Supporting bad behaviour by players;
  • Interfering in the Managers role;
  • Racism.

Code of Conduct for Players

All players will at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner; they are representatives of the whole of the Club, which expects high standards of behaviour. They are actively encouraged to enjoy themselves and have fun but are required to:

  • Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities
  • Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game
  • Set a positive example for others
  • Avoid gamesmanship and time-wasting.
  • Always have regard for the best interests of the game
  • Not use inappropriate language.
  • Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
  • Resist any influence, which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.
  • Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
  • Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
  • Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
  • Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
  • Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
  • Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
  • Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.
  • Abide by the instructions of their Coach or Manager.
  • Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition, supporters and the Match Officials.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This Code applies to all team / club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

  • Set a positive example for others
  • Promote and develop his own team
  • Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so
  • Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
  • Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
  • Always have regard for the best interests of the game
  • Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
  • Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team
  • Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
  • Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
  • Promote ethical principles.
  • Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches, supporters and officials, at their own club/team and others.
  • Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
  • Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.
  • Show due respect to Match Officials