Code of Conduct
1. Coaches
3. Players
5. Photography
Code of Conduct – Coaches
Coaches must:
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
Place the wellbeing and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
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.
Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
Clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) 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 he spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
Consistently display high standards or behaviour and appearance.
Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Ensure Players/Parents adhere to Codes of Conduct
Code of Conduct – 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:
Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.
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.
Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
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.
Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the Team
The team official should:
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.
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 to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at their own club/team and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
The team official should:
Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Code of Conduct Players
Obligations towards the game
A player should:
Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
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.
Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time wasting.
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.
Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should:
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.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:
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.
Respect towards Opponent
A player should:
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.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should:
Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Respect towards Team Officials
A player should;
Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:
Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Code of Conduct - Parents/Spectators
Parents/Spectators should
Applaud the opposition as well as their own team.
Agree and adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
Not use inappropriate language.
Not shout and scream.
Show positive support for the team but must refrain from coaching or instructing the players on team play.
Promote the positive aspects of the game in fair play and sportsmanship and must display the highest standards of behaviour at all times.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every player on the pitch and treat all equally and praise the positive aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing players by focusing on their failings.
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
Appreciate the child’s involvement in playing football should primarily be for their own personal enjoyment
Emphasise the importance of striving to win not winning itself. Praise efforts and performance more than results.
Not question or abuse any match official, opponent’s representative or their own team manager. Under no circumstances are spectators allowed to enter the field of play at any time.
Stand no nearer than 3 metres from the touchline
Code of Conduct - Photography
All children must be appropriately dressed
Photography or recording should focus on the activity not on a particular young person
Images should focus on small groups rather than individuals
Images of a child who is under a court order should never be used
If a young person is named avoid using their photograph
If a photograph is used avoid naming the person or use their first name only. Personal details should never be revealed
Make sure parents/carers/young person have signed and returned the Parent/Carer and Young Person Permission Form
Use photographs that represent the broad range of youngsters participating in football
All people taking photographs or recording footage at a football event should register with the event organiser
All concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the appropriate organisation.
Photography in changing rooms and associated areas is not allowed.