Code of Conduct
All Club Members and Spectators
- Remember that young people participate in football for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
- Operate within the rules and spirit of football and encourage others to do the same.
- Display control, respect and professionalism to others involved with football. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
- Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials, parents, players and others and sledging, distracting or provoking of players is not acceptable behaviour.
- Avoid all violence
- Adhere to Association and Club policies and regulations
- Encourage all others to follow this code of conduct.
- Never encroach onto the field of play unless instructed by an official.
Coaches
- Aside from injury, each junior player should be on the field for at least half the game time. All players deserve equal playing and training time, regardless of their ability.
- Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
- Any physical contact with a young player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for their development.
- Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
- Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players.
Players
- Understand the rules and play by them. DO NOT CHEAT.
- Do not question a referee’s decision. Ask the coach to get an explanation at half time or full time.
- Do not abuse the referee.
- Do not persistently appeal to the referee for decisions.
- Do not complain about the referee’s performance.
- Show respect to your coach and manager and officials.
- Do not intentionally attempt to, or actually, violently foul an opposition player.
- Do not provoke, sledge or threaten an opposition player.
- Do not retaliate if you feel you have been fouled or abused by an opposition player.
- Do not use profane language towards, or about, the referee, or opposing players.
- Players should never argue with referees. If you disagree with a decision, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official on your behalf.
- Work for your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
- Be a good sport; applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
- Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please your parents and coaches.
Parents
- Focus on your child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing, positive comments help motivate young players.
- Applaud and encourage all players on the team.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate in football.