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Code of Conduct

For Young Players and Spectators

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 or 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 the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club 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

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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

  • Be required to leave the club


In addition:

 

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

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


 

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.


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 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 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.

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