Frimley Green Football Club Code of conduct

FOR:
MANAGERS, COACHES, OFFICIALS, PARENTS, PLAYERS and SPECTATORS
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………….
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION – A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL………..
1. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES…………………………………………………………
2. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS………………………………………….
3. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM OFFICIALS…………………………………………….
4. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS / SPECTATORS…………………………………
5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS………………………………………………………..

INTRODUCTION
This document sets out a Code of Conduct for all managers, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators involved at Frimley Green Football Club. Its objectives are to provide guidelines for expectation, standards of behaviour and commitment both on and off the pitch.
By signing the registration forms to join Frimley Green FC you have entered into an agreement with Frimley Green Football Club to adhere to our codes of conducts and rules of the
Club.
A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL
Frimley Green FC seeks to operate in accordance with the Football Association Code of Conduct which states:
Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a Player, Match Official, Coach, Owner or Administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association.

Community
Frimley Green Football Club, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Frimley Green Football Club will take into account community feeling when making decisions.
Equality
Frimley Green Football Club is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
Participants
Frimley Green Football Club recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Lyne Football Club is committed to appropriate consultation.
Young People
Frimley Green Football Club acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.
Propriety
Frimley Green Football Club acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.
Trust and Respect
Frimley Green Football Club will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.
Violence
Frimley Green Football Club rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.
Fairness
Frimley Green Football Club is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.
Integrity and Fair Play
Frimley Green Football Club is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

1. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES
Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching and is the blueprint for Frimley Green Football Club:

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. Fair Play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.

2. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
This is included because there have been occasions where the club has been asked to supply an official for a match.
(Referees, Assistant Referees, Fourth Officials and Substitute Referees)
Under the Laws of the Game the decisions of a referee on points of fact connected with the play are final as far as the result of the game is concerned. A referee also has wide-ranging powers defined in Law 5 of the laws of football.
The exercising of such power requires a high level of ethics from referees and assistant referee (referred to in this Code together as “referees”).
In addition to the quality of refereeing, the behaviour of the referee has an impact, either directly or indirectly, on the conduct of all others involved in the game. Respect for referees and their decisions is a fundamental part of the game. A Code of Conduct for Match Officials is a proper response to those expectations.
While the Code focuses primarily on referees involved in top-class football, with few exceptions the basic ideas are valid for match officials at all levels, be they on the National List, or registered with County Football Associations and only involved in local football.
These Codes are applicable to match officials at all levels of the game.
Obligations towards the Game
The referee has a duty to the game in its widest sense. One of those duties is to help the game to keep moving, compatible with Fair Play, and to seek to ensure it is attractive and is not subject to unnecessary halts.
The referee should:
1. Make every effort to prepare fully for a match, both physically and mentally. On a physical level, a referee must be able to keep up with the speed of the modern game, and be alert and close enough to take correct decisions from credible locations on the field of play.
2. Not be afraid to take decisions. A referee should be fair and firm and must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of players, team officials or spectators.
3. Show respect towards players and team officials.
4. Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the teams, players or team officials involved in the match.
5. Decline to be appointed to a match if not completely physically or mentally fit to referee that match (because of illness, injury, or for family or other reasons).
6. Inform The Football Association and/or County Association and/or league or competition directly responsible if unable to referee a team or teams for any reason.
7. Refrain from requesting hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered and considered to be excessive.
8. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game or any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
9. Not tolerate inappropriate language from players and/or officials.
Obligations towards the Players

The powers of a referee must be used with wise judgement and care. Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.
1. A referee should have regard to protecting the players.
2. A referee should show due respect when speaking with the players, even in the event of infringements.
3. In reports, a referee should set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions.
Obligations towards fellow Officials
It is necessary for the referee’s authority to be protected, not only for the sake of the game, but also in the interest of fellow referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and substitute referees. This protection should, however, not influence the over-riding regard for protection of the players.
1. A referee should refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow referees, assistant referees or other match officials.
2. A referee should assist with the development of less experienced referees and assistant referees.
3. An assistant referee should give his total support to the referee, but without undue interference or insistence.
This Code applies to all team/club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).
3. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM OFFICIALS

Obligations towards the game
The team official should:
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Promote and develop his/her own team having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
6. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the team
The team official should:
1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at his/her own club/team and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should:
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials

4. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS & SPECTATORS
Frimley Green Football Club encourages parents / spectators to:
1• Refrain from using foul language
2• Respect the referee’s decision
3. Refrain from drinking alcohol, pitch side during the game
4. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters

5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS
Obligations towards the game
A player should:
1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly
Expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should:
1. Wear club attire to all games, this attire consists of tracksuits and polo shirts that will be supplied to the player upon their membership to the club being confirmed. Should for any reason this not be achievable, the player will wear shirt and tie regardless of location of the game. Should Said player leave the club and no longer form part of the playing staff, All Club Attire must be returned.
2. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
3. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards Opponents
A player should:
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should:
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official
Without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials
A player should;
1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.