Code of Conduct

Parents and Guardians have a great influence on the children’s enjoyment and success in football.  It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football whilst playing at this club, positive encouragement to all players is essential and will contribute to: 
 

• Children enjoying their football 

• Healthy self esteem 

• Relieving pressure and enabling the child to develop by trying new skills and techniques without fear of criticism should their attempt not go to plan 
   

Parents’/Guardians’ expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards other players, officials, managers and spectators. Adults should always aim to: 
 

• Lead by example 

• Enable the player to have a clear understanding of the expected standards of behaviour 

• Help players to understand rules and etiquette 

• Display patience 

• Appreciate that adults’ football and children’s football are not the same.  
   

For the enjoyment of all members, the following code of conduct is expected to be followed by ALL Parents/Guardians: 
 

• Parents develop an appropriate and supportive relationship with both the manager and their child based on mutual respect and understanding. 

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.  Show them respect and recognise their efforts; without them there would not be a match. 

• Place the emphasis on striving to win, and not the wining itself.  Praise effort and performance more than results. 

• Avoid coaching during matches. 

• Do not shout and scream at players. 

• Do not use profane language or harass, physically abuse young players, managers, coaches or match officials. 

• Respect all officials’ decisions whether qualified or unqualified.  New and young officials should be encouraged and supported in order for them to develop. 

• Do not make any comments other than complimentary towards players, officials and supporters of opposing teams. 

• Avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players or focusing on their failings. 

• Offer plenty of support and positive encouragement towards all players during matches. 

• Wherever possible players who require help should be assisted and encouraged in a positive way. 

• Ensure that all players are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and have the correct footwear, shin pads, drinks and coat or similar to keep warm. 

• Inform the manager if a child cannot attend training or match days and make every effort to arrive on time.  

• Respect the decisions and team selection of the manager.  These are solely the responsibility of the manager; whose decision is final. 

• Complaints in respect to the running of the game must be dealt with by the team manager. It is not acceptable for individuals to take matters into their own hands 

• Adhere to and promote the positive aspects of the sport. 

• Give attention to all of the children involved in football, not just the most talented. 

• Respect all members of the club. 

• Parents/Guardians and spectators must remain at least one metre behind the side line and not behind the goal line. 

• Parents/Guardians and spectators must not enter the field of play at any time other than if requested to do so by the match official. 
   

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: 
 

• Be issued with a verbal, or written warning from a club or legal official 

• Be required to meet with members of the club committee, this may also require the inclusion of the club Welfare Officer. 

• Be required to meet with the League or the CFA Welfare Officer. 

• Be requested to undertake an FA education course. 

• Be requested to leave the match venue by The Club. 

• Be requested not to attend future games. 

• Be suspended by The Club. 

• Be requested to leave The Club along with any dependents.