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.
7. Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

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.
3. Arrive on time for training sessions and matches.
4. Wear the club kit only for matches.
5. Always wear the wear kit appropriate for the conditions.
6. Keep football boots clean and in good condition.
7. Not eat or chew during training sessions or matches.
8. Inform their manager or coach of any illness or injury.

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 with opponents before and after a match.

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 with the referee after a match.

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.

Obligations towards the Supporters

A player should:

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Parents/Carers/Spectators

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

• Other players
• Officials
• Managers
• Spectators.

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

1. Applaud the opposition as well as their own team
2. Avoid coaching the child during the game
3. Not shout, scream or use inappropriate language
4. Respect the referee’s decision
5. Stand well back from the touchlines
6. Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
7. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football

To ensure their children are in the best position to develop and enjoy their football parents/carers/spectators should:

1. Ensure children arrive and are collected on time
2. Inform the manager or coach of any change in their child’s medical condition
3. Safeguard the health of their child by not forcing/encouraging them to play if they are unwell or injured
4. Ensure that their child is appropriately dressed for the conditions
5. Discuss any concerns privately with the manager or coach
6. Not drink alcohol during training or matches
7. Pay membership fees and subscriptions promptly when they fall due
8. Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
9. Never criticise a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning

The club will ensure that parents/carers/spectators agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Welfare Policy.

Managers and 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.
13. Coaches must arrive in time to prepare for coaching sessions and matches.
14. Coaches must ensure that they always have the correct equipment available for the coaching sessions and matches, taking into account the playing conditions.
15. Coaches must ensure that a first aid kit is available at all coaching sessions and matches.
16. Coaches must be prepared to attend any relevant training courses.
17. Coaches must not show favouritism towards particular players.
18. Coaches must display good sportsmanship at all times.
19. Coaches must not smoke or drink alcohol whilst in charge of players.
20. Coaches must not eat or chew during matches or training.
21. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that players, parents and supporters abide by the Club’s code of conduct.
22. Coaches must never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.
23. Coaches must never engage in public criticism of the match officials.
24. Coaches must refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying.