CODE OF CONDUCT

When playing Association football, I will: 

• Always play my best for the benefit of the team 

• Play fairly and be friendly throughout training and match play

• Play by the rules with integrity and respect the Referee 

• Shake hands with the other team - win, lose or draw 

• Listen carefully to what my coach tells me and try my best to carry out the instructions

• Understand that a coach has to do what’s best for the team 

• Encourage my team mates remaining positive at all times

• Respect the equipment and facilities home & away

• Talk to someone I trust or the club Safeguarding Officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club

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

• Be asked to apologise to whoever I’ve upset 

• Receive a formal warning 

• Be dropped, substituted or suspended from training and matches 

When watching Association football, I will: 

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

• Celebrate effort and good play from both sides 

• Always respect the Referee and coaches and encourage players to do the same 

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

• When players make mistakes, offer them encouragement to try again next time 

• Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or 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 Association committee or Safeguarding Officer

• Obliged to undertake an FA education course 

• Requested not to attend future games, be suspended or have my membership removed 

• Required to leave along with any dependents.

On and off the field of play I will: 

• Always show respect to everyone involved in the game 

• Stick to the rules and celebrate the spirit of the game 

• Encourage fair play and high standards of behaviour 

• Always respect the Referee and encourage players to do the same 

• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission 

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

• Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on others 

• Be gracious in victory and defeat 

• Respect the equipment and facilities home and away 

When working with players, I will: 

• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything 

• Never tolerate any form of bullying 

• Ensure all activities are suited for the players’ ability and age 

• Work with others (e.g. officials, doctors, welfare officers, physiotherapists) for each player’s best interests

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

• Required to meet with the Association Safeguarding Officer

• Suspended by the District from attending matches 

• Suspended or fined by The FA 

• Required to leave, lose my position and/or have my license withdrawn