Codes of Conduct

Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in youth football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are therefore expected to pay particular attention to the moral aspect of their conduct. Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choice of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for Coaches. This Code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the Code calls for Coaches to disassociate themselves from a 'win-at-all-costs' attitude. Increased responsibility is requested from Coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before achievement or the reputation of the Club, Coach or parent.
Set out below is The FA Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching.

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. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
13. Coaches must use and respect equipment and facilities provided by the Club. Equipment should be maintained in good order and Coaches should inform the Kit Officer of any repairs or replacements as required.
14. Coaches should work with the Club, players and parents in a positive and constructive manner.
15. Coaches should be open to new ideas and innovations and work with the Club to improve their skills.

Team Officials

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

Players

Players are the most important people in football. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. However, this does not include 'winning-at-all-cost' – fair play and respect for all others involved in the game is fundamentally important. This code is based on one used by players involved in top-class football as key concepts therein are valid for players at all levels. Players should be aware that the club has a Child Welfare Officer who they can contact should they have any concerns at all.

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/her 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/her own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his/her commitment to the team winning.
3. Show a positive attitude and give encouragement to the team.

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.
3. Shake hands at the end of the match regardless of the result.

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.
4. Shake hands and thank the Referee and other Match Officials at the end of the match regardless of the result.

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.
3.Arrive at the agreed time for training and matches.
4.Inform the appropriate person in advance if they are going to be late or absent from training or matches.
5. Take responsibility to arrive with the appropriate equipment on each occasion (boots/shin pads/wet or cold weather clothing/refreshments).

Obligations towards the Supporters A player should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Parents/Guardians/Carers/Spectators

Parents/spectators have a great influence on children's enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game - it's fun. It needs to be remembered that, however good a child becomes at football within our Club, it is important to reinforce the message to parents/spectators that positive encouragement will contribute towards:

1. Children enjoying football
2. A sense of personal achievement
3. Self-esteem
4. Improving the child's skills and techniques

A parent's/guardian's/carer's/spectator's expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

1. Other players
2. Officials
3. Managers
4. Spectators

The Club will ensure that parents/guardian's/carers/spectators are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children - not just their own.

Obligations towards players - A parent should:

1. Applaud the opposition as well as their own team.
2. Avoid coaching the child during the game.
3. Not shout and scream.
4. Respect the referee’s decision.
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. Take responsibility to arrive with the appropriate equipment on each occasion (boots/shin pads/wet or cold weather clothing/refreshments).

Respect towards team officials - A parent should:

1. Abide by the instructions and decisions of the Coaches and team officials.
2. Assist the coach in setting-up/clearing away equipment used for training and matches.
3. Work together with players and Coaches in a positive manner.

Respect towards match officials - A parent should:

1. Respect the decisions of the Match Officials without protest.
2. Show due respect to all Match Officials.
3. Not swear, shout at or threaten the Referee. The Club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Welfare Policy.