All parents/spectators must remain at the opposite side of the pitch to the coaches. No parents/spectators are permitted behind either goal. Parents/spectators must also remain behind the respect barrier which is present at all venues. This is a line situated five yards back from the field of play.

Parents should remind themselves that what their football-playing children need from them is unconditional support and encouragement not advice and criticism. Please leave the coaching to the coach.

Parents should refrain from shouting instructions during games and instructions from coaches should be minimal. Children need the freedom to think for themselves if they are to learn and grow as football players. It is easy to get emotional during a game but remember it is confusing to a child having adults yelling different things to them.

Focus on encouragement. Making mistakes is part of learning. Recognise what your child is trying to do and not the result. Please keep your comments to cheers and positive remarks, and support all players whether they are playing well or struggling with the game.

Don't be critical of your child's teammates. If your child hears you being critical, it will make him/her more critical of other teammates. Focus on supporting and helping your child's progress above all else.

Parents and coaches should never express concerns about how the game is being played to players and parents from opposing teams, except to cheer and compliment good play. Concerns or questions about opponents should be handled between the coaches.

Parents should never speak with the game supervisor except to offer thanks and compliments at the end of the game. As with the players, mistakes may be made by the game supervisor. However, your children will learn from your example. If you berate an official, they will think that this behaviour is acceptable. If you accept the game supervisor's decisions, they will focus on the game.

All players should line up and shake hands before and after the game.

Never should the outcome of the game matter more to the coaches or parents than the well-being of the children playing it. Let the children play the game as they see it, let them take chances and fearlessly make mistakes. Their decision making will improve and the game will become their best teacher.

Eddie Irvine Sports Football Club