Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers, other Spectators and Players

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers and other Spectators

Parents and Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment of football therefore it is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within your club it is important that parents and spectators positively encourage:

• Children enjoying football
• A sense of personal achievement
• Self esteem
• Assist to improve the child’s skills & techniques

A parent or spectators expectations and attitudes have significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

• Other players
• Match Officials
• Managers
• Spectators

When observing football or in the area of other football related activities I will:

• Remember that children play for fun.
• Arrive with my child punctually.
• Ensure that I am always positive and encouraging towards all of the children and not just your own.
• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectator Area.
• Applaud the opposition as well as my own team.
• Let the coaches do their job and not issue any instructions to any players, including my own, as this may confuse the players
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions.
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success
• Give attention to all levels of ability not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
• Agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
• Always seek prior permission for photo opportunities from a club official or parent.
• Never criticise a player for making a mistake as mistakes are part of learning.
• Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying and/or abuse.
• Comply with all regulations set by my Club and The Football Association regarding Covid-19 and ensure my child/children are also compliant.

I understand that if I do not follow The Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my Club, the appropriate league or County FA and I may:

• Be required to apologise to the team, other parents and/or any other person at the Club
• Receive a formal warning from the Club, League and/or County FA
• Be required to attend a disciplinary hearing with the Club, League and/or County FA
• Be suspended from attending matches and/or training
• Be required to attend an educational course
• Be required to leave the Club with any dependents

In addition:

• My Club may make the appropriate league or County FA aware of any infringements of this policy
• County FA or appropriate leagues could impose a fine and suspension against my Club or against me personally and I would be responsible for paying that fine

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Code of Conduct for Players

We all have responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player you will have a big part to play.

When playing football, I will:

• Always play to the best of my ability
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
• Respect my teammates, the other team, the referee or my manager/coach
• 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 manager/coach tells me
• Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying and/or abuse
• Talk to someone I trust or the Club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my Club
• Have fun and enjoy
• Comply with all regulations set by my Club and The Football Association regarding Covid-19

I understand that if I do not follow The Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my Club, League or County FA. I may:

• Be required to apologise to my teammates, the other team, referee or team manager
• Receive a formal warning from the Club, League and/or County FA
• Be substituted
• Not be included or involved in matchdays
• Be required to attend a disciplinary hearing
• Be suspended from training
• Be required to leave the Club

In addition:

• My Club may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of The Code of Conduct
• My Club may make the appropriate league or County FA aware of any infringements
• County FA or appropriate leagues could impose a fine and suspension against my Club or against me personally and I/my parent/carer would be responsible for paying that fine