Lawford Junior FC

Codes of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Coaches and Team Officials

This code calls for Coaches and Team Officials (hereafter known as Coaches) to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.

This Code is applicable during a game, training or other function in which the club is involved, whether at the Club’s home ground or elsewhere.

A Coach should:

1. Respect each player and treat them equally.

2. Place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations.

3. Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies (e.g. FA, Colchester & District League…)

4. Develop a working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Avoid exerting undue pressure to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

7. Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.

8. Make it clear to the players (and, where appropriate, parent or main carer (hereafter known as parent)) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

9. Maintain open lines of communication with the players (and, where appropriate parent), providing feedback on development, performance and match opportunities. Any discussion of this nature should be treated with confidentiality by all involved parties.

10. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists, Child Protection officer…) in the best interests of the player.

11. Always promote Fair Play and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, or the use of prohibited substances.

12. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance (i.e. act as a positive role model).

13. Always use appropriate language and challenge inappropriate language or displays of violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour.

15. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

16. Show due respect towards Match Officials, Team Officials of the opposition, Parents / Spectators.

17. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

18. Focus on the interests of the team and not individuals.

Code of Conduct for Players

Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. However, not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

This Code is applicable during a game, training or other function in which the club is involved, whether at the Club’s home ground or elsewhere.

A player should:

1. Make every effort to develop in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time wasting.

5. Always use appropriate language and never display violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour.

6. Always demonstrate Fair Play, adherence to the Laws of the Game and competition rules.

7. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

8. Never be tempted to take banned substances.

9. Treat other players with respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

10. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid dangerous play, and help injured opponents.

11. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

12. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

13. Show respect towards Match Officials, Team Officials of the opposition, Spectators / Supporters.

14. Follow the instructions of their Coach provided they do not contradict this Code.

Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators

Parents/spectators should always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.

Parents should:

1. Remember that their child is playing football for their own enjoyment and not to satisfy their parent’s ambitions.

2. Encourage their child to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

3. Recognise the value and importance of the Coach.

The following section of the Code is applicable while attending a game, training or other function in which the club is involved, whether at the Club’s home ground or elsewhere. Breach of this code may result in a non member of the club being asked to leave the Club’s home ground, reported to the Match/Away Team Officials and/or the League.

Parents / spectators should:

1. Applaud good play by the opposition as well as own team.

2. Avoid coaching any player.

3. Offer encouragement without shouting and screaming.

4. Focus on the interests of the team and not individuals.

4. Respect the decision of the Match Officials without protest.

5. Stand behind any designated spectator line distancing them from the pitch, or at least 2 metres from the touch line. Do not stand behind the goals.

6. Always use appropriate language and never display violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour.

7. Leave team selection and tactics to the Coach – it is their responsibility.

In addition to the above, alcohol consumption is not permitted at the Club’s home ground during any game, training session or Club competition.