Junior football has changed noticeably over the last 20 – 30 years or more. The actions and behaviour of parents, guardians or spectators that were accepted as normal many years ago are now actively discouraged as being detrimental to the efforts of the Coaches and the development of the children. The Club’s Management Committee has therefore adopted the FA’s Codes of Conduct for Spectators as follows;
- It is the aim of this Club to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play and to ensure the “spirit” of the game is not abused.
- Any adult taking part in any activity organised by this club, or attending such an activity with the club as a guest of another, shall conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.
- Adult behaviour must be of the highest standard to set the correct example to the players.
- Players should expect advice, encouragement and support and not be embarrassed or humiliated by the adults watching them.
- Adults should NOT shout, swear, argue, become violent or use sarcasm. Wherever possible players who require help should be assisted and encouragement to overcome difficulties given.
- Adults SHOULD
- Always look for aspects to praise rather than rebuke.
- Praise good behaviour to show adults value it.
- Praise effort and performance rather than simply achievement, most often in the case of a victory.
- Emphasise the importance of involvement, winning second.
- Display patience.
- Ensure players have a clear understanding of the standard of behaviour expected.
- Help players understand the rules, talk to them, not at them.
- Matters of team selection, including the playing of substitutes, remains the SOLE responsibility of the TEAM MANAGER/GAME LEADER and his/her decision will remain final. Any parent or guardian or person associated with a playing member who attempts to unduly influence the team manager/game leader with regard to team selection shall be in contravention of 2 above and may be dealt with as per 9 below.
- At all times, during the course of a game, the decisions made by the referee, qualified or unqualified, appointed to officiate will remain final. In many cases newly qualified referees, often young in years, are appointed to youth matches in order to gain experience and these officials, male or female, should be given encouragement and support.
- Any parent or guardian or spectator (associated to a playing member) whose behaviour is considered to fall below the required standard may result in the membership of that player being suspended or cancelled.
- Any complaint regarding the opposition, referee, spectators, or any other aspect of the game must be dealt with by the TEAM MANAGER/GAME LEADER. If the matter is considered serious enough the CLUB SECRETARY will inform the appropriate authority. It is not acceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands nor should anyone contact the league or the FA directly.
- All parents or guardians and spectators shall abide by the rules of the Football Association and its constituent youth leagues.