Codes of Conduct

ADULT PLAYERS

Respect your referee today and you may just get one for every match this season.

Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at
all times.

On and off the field, I will:

· Adhere to the Laws of the Game

· Display and promote high standards of behaviour

· Promote fair play and behave within the spirit of the Laws of the Game

· Always respect the match officials’ decisions

· Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

· Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

· Avoid bullying, intimidation and poor behaviour

· Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect

· Ask my team captain to talk to the referee if I have a problem relating to the game

· Remember we all make mistakes

· Shake hands with the opposing team and the match officials at the end of every game.

I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA.            back

YOUNG PLAYERS

It is important everyone behaves themselves when playing football.

As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every
player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.

When playing football, I will:

· Always do my best, even if we’re losing or the other team is stronger

· Play fairly - I won’t cheat, complain or waste time

· Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee, spectators or my coach/team manager

· Do what the referee tells me

· Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game

· Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says

· Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

I understand that if I do not follow the code, action may be taken.                                                                               back

Captain tips to instil Respect

• Ensure you wear a Respect captain’s armband - these will be provided by your club.

• Together with your opposition captain,make yourself known to the referee before the game. He/she will ask if you
   are clear about your responsibilities.

• Ensure all your players understand what they can/cannot do in relation to the referee and what is meant by ‘unwanted behaviour’.
This can only benefit your match and football as a whole.

• Ensure your vice-captain (appoint one if you haven’t got one) is aware of these rules, in case you are unavailable for a game.

• Ensure every player in your team has signed the Respect Code of Conduct.                                                              back

SPECTATORS

This club is supporting The FA's Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment.
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

· 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                                                                back

COACHES/MANAGERS/CLUB OFFICIALS

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

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.
The FA's Respect programme is aimed at tackling unacceptable behaviour across the whole game.
Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for coaches, team managers and club officials at all times.

I 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

· 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, I 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

I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA.             back

MATCH OFFICIALS

Both officially appointed and club provided referees,
assistants and linesmen will be expected to follow
the FA Respect Code of Conduct.

The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct
of everyone involved in the game - both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

Play your part and observe the FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for match officials at all time.

When officiating I will:

· Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the teams,players or team officials involved in the match

· Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently.

· Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner.

· Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foulplay and other misconduct.

· Not tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials.

· Support my match official colleagues at all times.

· Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game.

· Communicate with the players and encourage fair play.

· Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains.

· Prepare physically and mentally for every match.

· Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate.

I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA.                back