For Young Players and Spectators

1. The FA’s Code of Conduct - Young Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why the FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.

When playing football, I will:

• Always play to the best of my ability

• Play fairly - I won’t cheat, complain or waste time

• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee and my coach/manager

• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee

• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game

• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me

• Talk to someone I trust or a club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club

• Expect 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 apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager

    • receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee

    • be dropped or substituted

    • be suspended from training and/or matches

    • be required to leave the club

  • In addition:

    • My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent/carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct

    • The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club

 

2. The FA’s Code of Conduct - Spectators and Parents/Carers

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This club is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment.

 

Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything.

Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.

As a Parent/Carer and/or spectator, I will:

• Remember that children play for FUN

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success

• Always respect the match officials’ decisions

• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)

• 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

• Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake - mistakes are part of learning

• 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 by my club, County FA, league and/or The FA:

• I may be:

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

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

  • Required to meet with the club committee

  • Obliged to undertake an FA education course

  • Obliged to leave the match/training 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