Code of Conduct

Members  

1. The definition of Club Member is:

• a registered player of the Club;
• a member of the Management Committee or Coaching / Officating Staff; 

2. It is expected of Club Members to promote the highest standard of sportsmanship, see that "Fair Play" be paramount at all times and ensure that the "spirit" of the game is not abused. 

3. Playing members of the Club should seek to shake hands with their opponents and also all the officials at the end of each game.

 4. All Club Members must observe the highest standard of behaviour when representing the Club or attending an event/activity organised by this or any other club. 

5. A Club Member who allows the expected level of behaviour to fall may be subject to disciplinary action. Examples of the most common types of unacceptable behaviour are:

• abusive behaviour or language;
• threatening behaviour;
• violent conduct;
• provocative, rude or obscene language.  

6. Any Club Member found to be in breach of any example in 5. above may be expelled from the Club. 

7. Members of the Club should treat victory with humility and defeat with dignity.

8. At all times during the course of a game, the decisions made by the officials appointed to officiate, qualified or unqualified, will remain final. Players failing to accept his/her decisions may be considered to be in breach of 2. above and, in addition to any punishment imposed by the official at the time may be liable to have their membership suspended or cancelled.

 9. It is expected that all Club Members will conduct themselves in a manner that is both honourable and in keeping with the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship. They will not indulge themselves in tactics, either by word or action, that are likely to bring the game, this Club or the League, in which it plays, into disrepute.

 10. All Club Members will abide by the rules of the Football Association and its constituent youth leagues.

Managers/Coaches

In addition: 

1. Managers/Coaches must respect the rights of every person within the context of the sport and treat each one equally. 

2. It is the responsibility of the Manager/Coach to place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance. 

3. Managers/Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Rules of the Football Association. 

4. Managers/Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect. 

5. Managers/Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. 

6. Managers/Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. 

7. Managers/Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or promote are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. 

8. At the outset Managers/Coaches must clarify with both the player (and where appropriate), their parents what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from their coach. 

9. Managers/Coaches must always act in the best interest of their players and co-operate with other officials involved within the sport. 

10. Managers/Coaches must be a prime example of how this club expects all its members to conduct themselves. 

Any Managers/Coaches whose behaviour is considered to fall below the required standard expected by this club will be dealt with initially by the Club's Committee. If considered serious enough the CLUB SECRETARY will inform the appropriate authority.

Parents, Guardians and Spectators 

1. It is the aim of this Club to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play and to ensure the "spirit" of the game is not abused. 

2. Any adult taking part in any activity organised by this club, or attending such an activity with the club as a guest of another, shall conduct themselves in an EXEMPLARY MANNER. 

3. Adult behaviour must be of the highest standard to set the correct example to the players. 

4. Players should expect advice, encouragement and support and not be embarrassed or humiliated by the adults watching them. 

5. Adults should NOT shout, swear, argue, become violent or use sarcasm. Wherever possible players who require help should be assisted and given encouragement to overcome difficulties. 

6. Adults SHOULD

• always look for aspects to praise rather than rebuke;
• praise good behaviour to show that adults value it;
• praise effort and performance rather than simply achievement, most often in the case of a victory;
• emphasise the importance of involvement, winning second;
• display patience;
• ensure players have a clear understanding of the standard of behaviour expected;
• help players understand the rules, talk to them, not at them. 

7. Matters of team selection, including the playing of substitutes, remains the SOLE responsibility of the TEAM MANAGER and his/her decision will remain final. Any parent/guardian or person associated with a playing member who attempts to unduly influence the team manager with regard to team selection shall be in contravention of 2. above and may be dealt with as per 9. below. 

8. At all times, during the course of a game, the decisions made by the officials, qualified or unqualified, appointed to officiate will remain final. These officials, male or female, should be given encouragement and support. 

9. Any parent/guardian or spectator (associated to a playing member) whose behaviour is considered to fall below the required standard may result in the membership of that player being suspended or cancelled.

10. Any complaint regarding the opposition, officials, spectators, or any other aspect of the game must be dealt with by the TEAM MANAGER. If the matter is considered serious enough the CLUB SECRETARY will inform the appropriate authority. It is not acceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands.