Code Of Conduct

Jump to (sections below):

• Adult Players - Respect Code of Conduct

• Young Players - Respect Code of Conduct

• Parent/Carers/Spectators - Respect Code of Conduct

• Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials - Respect Code of Conduct

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Respect is The FA’s response to a clear message from throughout the game, that the health of football depends upon high standards of behaviour on and off the pitch.

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• Respect is a behavioural code for Football

• Respect is about recognising that the integrity of the game is more important than the result of the match

• Respect is For ALL and plays a key part in uniting the game

• Respect is about creating an understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in Football

• Respect is about those involved taking responsibility for the consequences of their own actions.

• Respect is about supporting match officials to do their job

• Respect is not a slogan. It is a collective responsibility of those involved in football to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment in which the game can take place

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The following Respect Codes of Conduct outline the types of behaviour that will support a safe, fun and inclusive game in this country. They also identify a range of sanctions which may be taken if these codes are not abided by.

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ADULT PLAYERS – RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

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

• Always respect the match official’s decisions.

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials.

• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment.

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

• Remember we all make mistakes.

• Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game.

 

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: I may:

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager.

• Receive a warning from the coach.

• Receive a written warning from the club committee.

• Be required to attend an FA education course.

• Be dropped or substituted.

• Be suspended from training.

• Not be selected for the team.

• Be required to serve a suspension.

• Be required to leave the club.

 

In addition:

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.

• The FA believes that Referees and Assistant Referees should be able to officiate free from the threat of violence or intimidation. Any physical assault on a Match Official will result in a lengthy or permanent exclusion from football and possibly a criminal prosecution.

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YOUNG PLAYERS – RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

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When playing football, 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/team 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/team manager has to do what is best for the team and not one individual player.

• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

 

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: I may:

• Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager.

• Receive a formal warning from the coach/team manager or the club committee.

• Be dropped or substituted.

• Be suspended from training.

 

In addition:

• My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct.

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.

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PARENT/CARERS/SPECTATORS – RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

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We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators at all times I will:

• Remember that children play for FUN.

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success.

• Respect the Referee’s decisions even when you don’t agree with them.

• Appreciate good play from whatever team it comes from.

• Remain behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided).

• Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do.

• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials.

• Support positively. When players make a mistake offer them encouragement not criticism.

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

 

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: I may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official.

• Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare Officer.

• Required to meet with the club committee.

• Obliged to undertake an FA education course.

• Obliged to leave the match venue by the club.

• Requested by the club not to attend future games.

• Suspended or have club membership removed.

 

In addition:

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.

• The FA believes that Referees and Assistant Referees should be able to officiate free from the threat of violence or intimidation. Any physical assault on a Match Official will result in a lengthy or permanent exclusion from football and possibly a criminal prosecution.

 

COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS AND CLUB OFFICIALS – RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

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We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times.

 

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/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA: I may be:

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer.

• Suspended by the club from attending matches.

• Suspended or fined by the County FA.

• Required to leave or be sacked by the club.