Football can be a great game. Not just the art of playing the game itself but a football team in some ways mirrors life. Individual development, team spirit, dealing with triumph and adversity and an opportunity to establish friends for life.

It's also a passionate game where emotions can get the better of all of us. Now take the following in the sentiment in which it is meant but sometimes we all need to count to ten and remember the following DOs and DONTs.

DOs and DONTs – Players & Coaches:

Do show respect at all times including for the opposition and the referee
Do have fun
Do keep trying
Do play for and help the whole team
Do be on time
Do be willing to learn
Do be ambassadors for the club
Don’t moan and groan
Don’t get upset if you don’t win, there's always another match
Don’t be negative
Don’t be afraid to try new things
Don’t ever give up

DOs and DONTs – Parents & Supporters:

Do encourage
Do support the team whatever
Do support good football
Do show respect at all times including the opposition and the referee
Do accept your son or daughter cannot play every minute of every match
Do accept everyone makes mistakes
Do enjoy yourselves
Don’t coach!
Don’t get upset if we don’t win
Don’t shout at players on either team
Don’t be negative
Don’t openly criticise any of those involved

This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list, it's just to get you thinking. There are many others DOs and DONTs of course and it doesn't mean you can't question how a club or team operates. It's basically saying, there is a time and place and during a game probably isn't it!