Code of Conduct

OBJECTIVES

To support the overall objectives of BYFC by positively promoting:

• Competitive and non-competitive, football activities.

• The development of youth with emphasis on the teaching of skills.

• The teaching of teamwork and the enhancement of an overall attitude of good sportsmanship

This Code of Conduct is established to accomplish these purposes and mirrors the FA’s ‘Respect’ Code of Conduct.  We expect the highest standards of behaviour from people representing BYFC. The Code of Conduct clearly outlines what we expect from every player, parent, and club official.

By subscribing to the club you agree to adhere to these codes of conduct. Your membership is taken as your signature and agreement to abide by these codes of conduct.

Code of Conduct for Spectators

We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators at all times.

Spectators will:

• Remember that children play for FUN

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success

• Respect the Referee’s decisions even when you don’t agree with them

• Appreciate good play from whatever team it comes from

• Remain behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators’ Area

• Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do

• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials

• Support positively and offer players encouragement not criticism

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

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken. I may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official

• Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare Officer

• Required to meet with the club committee

• Obliged to undertake an FA education course

• Obliged to leave the match venue by the club

• Requested by the club not to attend future games

• Suspended or have my club membership removed

• Required to leave the club along with any dependents

• In addition, the FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.

Code of Conduct for Managers/ Coaches and Club Officials

We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times

On and Off the field I will:

• Use my position to set a positive example for the young people I am responsible for

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators

• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game

• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour

• Respect the match official’s decision

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

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

• Be gracious in victory and defeat

When working with players, I will:

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

• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying

• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance

• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity

• Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA, I may be:

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer

• Suspended by the club from attending matches

• Suspended or fined by the County FA

• Required to leave or be sacked by the club

• In addition, my FA Coaching Licence may be withdrawn

Code of Conduct for Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.

On and off the field I will:

• Adhere to the Laws of The Game

• Display and promote high standards of behaviour

• Promote Fair Play

• Always respect the match official decisions

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

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

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment

• Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect

• Remember we all make mistakes

• Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken, I may:

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager

• Receive a warning from the coach

• Receive a written warning from the club committee

• Be required to attend an FA education course

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Not be selected for the team

• Be required to serve a suspension

• Be fined

• Be required to leave the club

• In addition, the FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following is a list of examples of unacceptable behaviour (not exhaustive). Participants may be subject to discipline under this policy if they:

• Intentionally injure or attempt to injure another participant.

• Verbally or physically abuse another participant.

• Endanger or threaten another participant.

• Refuse to comply with the request of a club official, coach or referee.

• Refuse to comply with the policies and rules of BYFC.

• Behave in conflict with the clubs equality policy.

• Failure to demonstrate respect for fellow players, opposing players, match officials and the good name of the club and the game of football

PROCEDURE FOR VIOLATIONS

All violations of this code shall be immediately reported to the appropriate Team Coach and or the Committee of the club, who may ask for written reports of the incident from those having knowledge of the occurrence.

• The Committee will investigate the matter fully and report to the Committee.

• The Committee will consider appropriate disciplinary action as soon as practicable, after receiving the investigation report.

• The Committee will provide written conclusions to the individual who is facing discipline and where appropriate offer the individual opportunity to present their position to the Committee.

• This notice will advise the individual of the nature of the misconduct and the possible or recommended penalties. If the individual facing discipline is a child, notice will go to the parent / guardian.

PRACTICAL RULES

Please also note the following:

• Player's kit is the property of the Team

• Players Home kit is only to be worn during matches for the club

• Each player is responsible for the maintenance and the cleanliness of the kit provided

Code of Conduct for Match Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct of match officials at all times. I will:

• Be honest and completely impartial at all times

• Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently

• Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner

• Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct

• Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and team officials

• Support my match official colleagues at all times

• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour from players and team officials

• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game

• Communicate with the players and encourage fair play

• Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains

• Prepare physically and mentally for each match

• Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate

• Wear the appropriate uniform and kit and bring the correct equipment to be able to officiate the fixture

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken, I may be:

• Required to meet with The FA /County FA Refereeing Official

• Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Committee