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 or young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.

Set out below is The Football Association 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:

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, parent) 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, 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 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. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

13. Coaches must never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.

14. Never engage in public criticism or the match officials.

When working with players the coach will:

a) Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.

b) Explain exactly what players can expect from them.

c) Ensure the parents/carers of all players under 18 understand all expectations

d) Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying.

e) Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem.

f) Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

g) Ensure all activities are organised appropriately for the players’ ability level, experience, age and maturity.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 July 2009 )

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