FA Respect - Code of Conduct

2023/24 SEASON

The purpose of this document is to explain what is expected from the players and parents and what you can  expect from the club. This form is signed and agreed when you sign for AFC Plympton.

Players

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.


If I break the code, the following action can be taken:

  • Speak to me and warn me to improve my behaviour.
  • Speak to my mum, dad or carer about my behaviour.
  • Stop me from training.
  • Stop me from playing in the next match or a number of matches.
  • Not allow me to register next season.
  • Serve a suspension.          
  • Pay a fine.
  • Leave the club.
  • My club could also be formally penalised.
  • Have my registration taken away by the League.

PARENTS / CARERS / SPECTATORS

I / We will:

  • Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area/Marking (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.


If I break the code, the following action can be taken:

  • A verbal warning from my club coach/team manager, the league official or the referee.
  • Being asked to leave the match venue by the Club.
  • Being asked by the Club not to attend future games.
  • If a parent, my child not being allowed to register next season.
  • My club could be formally penalised.
  • Being asked to leave the club.

CLUB / COACH / TEAM MANAGERS / CLUB OFFICIALS

They will:

  • Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators.
  • Respect and 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, 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 / us.
  • 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 will not or encourage:

  • Bully, intimidate, abuse, discriminate against or knowingly undermine anyone I work with – including players.
  • Repeatedly criticise or abuse the referee.
  • Enter the field of play, without the referee’s permission.
  • Swear at or abuse a player, referee, spectator or club official.
  • Use inappropriate coaching/training methods, such as pushing young players too hard.

 
If I break any of the code, the following action can be taken:

  • Attending an FA workshop (e.g. on the Laws of the Game, Safeguarding Children or Equality).
  • Being asked to leave the club.
  • Being mentored by another club coach or the County Welfare Officer.
  • Reported by the referee at end of a game.
  • Taking an FA coaching qualification.
  • Serving a suspension.
  • Paying a fine.
  • My club could also be formally penalised.
  • Have my registration revoked by the League.