Codes of Conduct

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Code for Players

To play by the rules

  • To never argue with an official. If I disagree, to have my captain, coach, or manager approach the official during the break, or after the match
  • Control my temper. I accept that verbal abuse of officials and other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in the Club
  • To be a good sport, applaud good play made by either my team or the opposition
  • To treat all players and team mates as I would like to be treated
  • I will co-operate with my coach, team mates and the officials of the club
  • To respect the rights, dignity and well-being of all participants regardless of their gender, cultural background, ability, or religion
  • If I have concerns to talk to my coach or to a member of the committee.

Code for Parents

  • To remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not mine
  • To encourage children to participate, not force them
  • To focus on the child’s participation, and not on winning and losing
  • To encourage children to always play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence
  • To never ridicule or shout at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition
  • To remember that children are led by example
  • To support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
  • To respect the officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise
  • To show appreciation for volunteer coaches and officials
  • To respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, cultural background, ability, or religion
  • If I have any issues to do with my child, I will discuss with their manager or a committee member
  • Not to discuss other players in public
  • To support my child’s manager, and be proud of my child’s progress at all times
  • To support the club in the long term football development of my child.

Code for Coaches

  • Remember that as a coach of under-age teams you must act in “loco parentis” and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.
  • Remember that young people need a coach whom they can respect. Lead by example.
  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.
  • Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match.
  • Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
  • Be reasonable in your demands on the players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.
  • Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities.
  • Ensure that all players participate in matches. The “average” players require and deserve equal time.
  • Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition – Winning is not the only objective.
  • Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of Match referees, assistant referees and opposing coaches.
  • Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language.
  • Be prepared to take off an offending player
  • Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult like competitions.
  • Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
  • Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.
  • Do not over-burden younger players with too much information.
  • Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people.
  • Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.
  • Never criticise the referee or assistant referee during or after a match in front of players or spectators.
  • Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.
  • Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
  • Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times
  • Ensure that all your players know that bullying whether verbal or physical will not be tolerated.