Codes of Conduct

Players

When playing I will:

Always play to the best of my ability and for the benefit of my team
Play fairly – I won’t cheat, dive, 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
Be gracious in victory and defeat – I will 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
Understand that a coach has to do what is best for the team and not one individual player
Talk to someone I trust if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

If I do not follow the Code, any of the following actions may be taken by my club, county FA or The FA:

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
Be dropped or substituted
Be suspended from training
Be required to leave the club.

Have fun; it’s what we’re all here for!

Celebrate effort and good play from all players (and both teams)
Always respect the referee and coaches and encourage players to do the same
Stay behind the touchline and within Designated Spectator’s Area (where provided)
When players make mistakes, offer them encouragement to try again next time
Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive behaviour.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, I may be:

Issued with a verbal warning or asked to leave
Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare officer
Obliged to undertake an FA education course
Requested not to attend future games, be suspended or have my membership removed
Required to leave the club along with any dependents

On and off the field I will:

Use my position to set a positive example for the young people I am responsible for
Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
Respect the match official’s decision
Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
Be gracious in victory and defeat.

When working with players I will:

Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, 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 if I do not follow the code, any of the following actions may be taken by my club, county FA or The FA. I may be: