We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game from the committee through to the players and with this in mind we all sign codes of conduct each year.
In The FA’s survey of over 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included both the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour by over-competitive parents, spectators, and coaches on the sidelines and as a club, we are doing our utmost to top unacceptable behaviour.
Coaches
Play their part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for coaches, team managers, and club officials at all times.
They will:
- Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials, and spectators
- Adhere to the Laws of the Game
- Display and promote high standards of behaviour
- Always respect the match officials’ decisions and never levy abuse at the match officials
- Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
- Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
When working with players, they will:
- Place the well-being, safety, and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
- Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
- Ensure the parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
- Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying
- Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
- Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
- Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, experience, age, and maturity
- Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests
Spectators and Parents
Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
- Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided)
- Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour
- Always respect the match officials’ decisions and not levy abuse at the match officials
- Applaud effort and good play as well as success
In addition, when attending youth games I will:
- Remember that children play for FUN
- Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
- Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
- Never criticise a player for making a mistake -mistakes are part of learning
Youth players
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play.
- I will:
• Always play to the best of my ability
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee, or my coach/manager
• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me
• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, or The FA
- I may:
• Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
• Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
• Be dropped or substituted
• Be suspended from training
• Be required to leave the club.
