Code of Conduct

For Parents, Guardians & Spectators

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. We are supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment. Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times. 

I will:

• Remember that children play for FUN 
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success 
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions 
• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
• Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do 
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials 
• Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning 
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA: 

I may be: 

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official 
• Required to meet with the club, league or County FA Welfare Officer 
• Required to meet with the club committe 
• Obliged to undertake an FA education course 
• Obliged to leave the match venue by the club 
• Requested by the club not to attend future games 
• Suspended or have my club membership removed 
• Required to leave the club along with any dependents. 

In addition: 

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.

For Young Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct. When playing football, 

I will: 

• Always play to the best of my ability 
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time 
• Respect my team‐mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager 
• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee 
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game 
• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me 
• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club. 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA. 

I may: 

• Be required to apologise to my team‐mates, the other team, referee or team manager 
• Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee 
• Be dropped or substituted 
• Be suspended from training 
• Be required to leave the club. 

In addition:   

• My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct  
• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.

For Adult Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Players tell us they want a referee for every match, yet thousands of match officials drop out because of the abuse and intimidation they receive on and off the pitch. Respect your referee today and you may just get one for every match this season. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.   

On and off the field, I will: 

• Adhere to the Laws of The Game 
• Display and promote high standards of behaviour 
• Promote Fair Play 
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions 
• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials 
• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour 
• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment 
• Speak to my team‐mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect 
• Remember we all make mistakes 
• Win or lose with dignity 
• Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA: 

• Be required to apologise to team‐mates, the other team, referee or team manager 
• Receive a warning from the coach 
• Receive a written warning from the club committee 
• Be required to attend an FA education course 
• Be dropped or substituted 
• Be suspended from training 
• Not be selected for the team 
• Be required to serve a suspension 
• Be fined
• Be required to leave the club

In addition: 

• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/ or suspension on the club.

For Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In The FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over‐competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe The Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do. 

On and off the field, I will: 

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators 
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game 
• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour   
• Always respect the match official’s decision 
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission 
• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials   
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. 

When working with players, I will: 

• Place the well‐being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning 
• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me 
• Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations 
• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying 
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self‐esteem 
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance 
• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity 
• Co‐operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests 

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA: 

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer 
• Required to meet with the club committee 
• Monitored by another club coach 
• Required to attend an FA education course 
• Suspended by the club from attending matches   
• Suspended or fined by the County FA 
• Required to leave or be sacked by the club 

In addition: 

• My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn.