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Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

The WCSFA supports the FA/ESFA RESPECT programme to tackle unacceptable behaviour across the whole game. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in football and this includes all those involved in schools’ football

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

  • Regard it as an honour and privilege to represent a School/District/County team.
  • Treat the match as a game that is fun, but play by the rules.
  • Take pride in your performance and that of your team and encourage others in your team to do their best.
  • Accept all decisions by match officials.
  • Recognise good play by all players in your team and by your opponents.
  • Accept victory modestly and learn to accept defeat in the right manner and not to look for excuses as to why you may not have been successful on a particular occasion.
  • Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates and opponents, or match officials is not acceptable.
  • Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, or take advantage of any player.
  • Shake hands with your opponents at the end of each game, regardless of the result.
  • Thanks the referee and his/her assistants for their efforts at the end of a game.
  • Talk to someone you trust or the welfare officer, if you are unhappy about anything concerning the team.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS, & SPECTATORS

  • Respect all decisions made by the match officials.
  • Encourage your child / young player to play by the rules.
  • Be a good role model by positively supporting teams in every way possible and be generous with praise.
  • Remember, the young people are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Emphasise to your child / young player that fun and enjoyment as the main purpose of sport.
  • Respect other spectators, coaches and participants.
  • Recognise and respect the performance of players in both teams, not just the team you are supporting. Applaud good play from both teams and accept victory modestly and defeat graciously.
  • Never ridicule or yell at your child / young player, or any other player for making a mistake, or losing a game.
  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
  • Do not interfere with instructions given by the teacher/coach in charge of the team.
  • Remember that school staff/team managers, and match officials have given their time to provide your child / young player with sporting opportunities. We need your help and co-operation to ensure that the experience is both positive and successful.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM MANAGERS

  • Put the wellbeing and safety of players above all other considerations.
  • Ensure that young players take part in a safe environment, with contingency for any emergency, including first aid.
  • Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field of play.
  • Never allow a player to play if injured.
  • Communicate immediately but privately with officials/ opposition coaches if you consider the young players may be in danger within the match situation.
  • Display high standards of behaviour and appearance- and display sportsmanship in all situations. Encourage supporters to display a sportsmanlike attitude.
  • Be a positive role model for all those in your care.
  • Enjoy yourself and in doing so promote enjoyment for others.
  • Keep winning and losing in perspective and encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
  • Respect all match officials and the decisions they make and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
  • Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all young players, both before, during and after games.
  • Ensure the players respect their opponents before, during and after games. Arrange for your players to shake hands with their opponents and match officials at the end of the game.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

  • Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
  • Be a positive role model.
  • Recognise the safety of young players is paramount.
  • Explain decisions- all young players are still learning.
  • Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.
  • Be consistent and objective.
  • Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches, or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by school staff immediately.
  • Be aware and abide by the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures.