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.