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CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct for Football
Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.
Equality
Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
Participants
Football recognizes the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Football is committed to appropriate consultation.
Young People
Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
Propriety
Football acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.
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Trust and Respect
Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.
Violence
Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.
Fairness
Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.
Integrity and Fair Play
Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.
Coe of Conduct for Coaches
1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they, as players, are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10. Coaches must 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.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance. 12. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Code of Conduct for Players
Obligations towards the game
A player should:
1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should:
1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.
Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
Respect towards Opponents
A player should:
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should:
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Respect towards Team Officials
A player should;
1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Code of Conduct for Team Officials
Obligations towards the Game
The team official should:
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
6. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the Team
The team official should:
1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at their own club/team and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should:
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers/Spectators
A parent’s/carer’s/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
1. Other Players
2. Officials
3. Coaches/Managers
4. Spectators
This club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators within the club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children - not just their own - and will require parents/carers/spectators to: -
1. Applaud the opposition as well as their own team
2. Avoid giving any directional Coaching of players during a game or training. This is the Coaches responsibilities. Allow players to make their own decisions, mistakes are a learning process.
3. Not to shout and scream
4. Respect the referee’s decision. Most referees are young and trainees and make mistakes like the rest of us in every day life.
5. Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
6. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
7. During the game under no circumstances approach the Coaches touchline or shout any words across the pitch to the Coaches
8. Following a match under no circumstances make contact with the Coach or Club Official to air any grievance you have. Wait 24 hours before engaging in contact or conversation.
9. Support the Coaches in every way by setting up goals, crowd control, corner flags and teas/coffees. Coaches have volunteered and are there to Coach.
10. Obtain permission of the Coaches of both teams prior to taking photos of the game. No photos should be taken by non parents of the club.
The club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
We are here to answer any questions
Get in touch if you have any questions about our policies
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