St Nicholas Youth Football Club Code of Conduct

Managers / Coaches

1. Managers and Coaches play an important role in the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Therefore, Managers and Coaches are expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

2. It is natural that winning is a major consideration for Managers and Coaches and this Code does not intend to be at odds with this thinking. However, the Code strongly advocates that Managers and Coaches distance themselves from a "win at all costs" attitude.

3. It goes without saying that increased responsibility is required from Managers and 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, manager and or coach.

4. The following statements cover the standards that all St Nicholas YFC Managers and Coaches accept and embrace as the minimum standards for their involvement in managing and coaching.

a) Managers and Coaches must place the well being and safety of each player above all considerations.
b) Managers and Coaches must develop appropriate relationships with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
c) Managers and Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
d) Managers and Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance commensurate with their age.
e) Managers and Coaches must ensure that the activities they organise are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players in their charge.
f) Managers and Coaches should, from the beginning, clarify with players and parents / guardians, exactly what is expected of them and equally what they can expect from their Manager and Coach.
g) Managers and Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the game i.e. fair play, and should not condone or support violations of the Laws of the Game and should not abuse or impede the officials charged with officiating matches.
h) Managers and Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
i) Managers and Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.


Players

1. Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is a fundamental part of the game, but not winning at any cost. Fair play and respect for all others in the game is of paramount importance.

2. The following statements are standards that all St Nicholas YFC players are expected to accept and embrace as the minimum standard for their participation in football.

a) Players should make every effort to help his/her own team win within the Laws of the game and under the Fair Play banner.
b) Players should accept success and failure, victory and defeat equally.
c) Players should treat all Managers and Coaches, team-mates, officials, spectators and opponents with due respect all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
d) Players should avoid rough and foul play.
e) Players should accept the decision of the match officials without protest.
f) Players should avoid action, which may mislead match officials, by avoiding all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.
g) Players should accept and abide by the instructions of their Managers and Coaches, provided the instructions do not contradict the spirit of the Code or the Laws of the game.
h) Players should not use inappropriate language.
i) Players should set a positive example for others, particularly younger players.) Players should always give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his/her team is in a position where the game appears lost.


Parents / Spectators

1. Parents and Spectators have a great deal of influence on children's enjoyment and success in football.

2. Parents and spectators within the Club are expected to accept and embrace as the minimum standard, all the Club’s Code of Conducts applicable including the Child Protection policy.

3. All children play football because, first and foremost, they enjoy the game. It is important to remember that whatever standard a child attains it is important to reinforce the message to Parents and Spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to, a child's continued enjoyment of the game and a sense of personal achievement.

4. Parents and Spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

a) Others players
b) Officials
c) Managers / Coaches
d) Parents / Spectators

5. Parents and Spectators within the Club should ensure that they are always positive and encouraging towards all children, not just their own.

6. Parents and Spectators should be encouraged to:

a) Applaud the opposition as well as their own team.
b) Avoid coaching the team during the game, that is the responsibility of the Manager / Coach.
c) Avoid shouting and screaming.
d) Respect the referees decision
e) Pay equal attention to each child, not just the most talented.


Club and Team Officials

1. This Code applies to Club and Team Officials, not specifically covered by other Club Codes.

2. The following statements are standards that all St Nicholas YFC Club and Team Officials are expected to accept and embrace as the minimum standard for their involvement in Club and Team activities.

a) Club and Team Officials must set and maintain a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
b) Club and Team Officials must avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
c) Club and Team Officials must show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game and accept their decisions without protest.
d) Club and Team Officials must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
e) Club and Team Officials must show due respect for the interests of the players, managers, coaches, officials, their own Club and Team and those of the opponents Club and Team.

For more information contact the chairman@stnicksfc.co.uk

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