Ilchester Youth Football Club
young players
Respect Code of Conduct
It is important everyone behaves themselves when playing football.
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 do my best, even if we’re losing or the other team is stronger
Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee,
spectators or my coach/team manager
Do what the referee tells me
Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says
Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare
officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
I understand that if I do not follow the code, action may be taken.
Adult players
Respect Code of Conduct
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 7,000 match officials
drop out each season 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 and behave within the spirit of the Laws of the Game
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
Avoid bullying, intimidation and poor behaviour
Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with
respect
Ask my team captain to talk to the referee if I have a problem relating
to the game
Remember we all make mistakes
Shake hands with the opposing team and the match officials at the end
of every game.
I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken
by my County FA and /or The FA.
Coaches,Team managers and Club officials
Respect Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the
game.
In The FA’s survey of over 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the
biggest concern in the game. This included both the abuse of match officials
and the unacceptable behaviour by over competitive parents, spectators and
coaches on the sidelines.
The FA’s Respect programme is aimed at tackling unacceptable behaviour
across the whole game.
Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for coaches,
team managers and club officials at all times.
I will:
• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials,
opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
• Adhere to the Laws of the Game
• Display and promote high standards of behaviour
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions
• 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 the parents/carers of all players under the age of 18
understand these expectations
• Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their selfesteem
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
and performance
• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability
level, experience, 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 breaches of the code may result in action being taken
by my County FA and /or The FA.
TheFA.com/Respect
Spectators and Parents / Carers
Respect Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the
game.
This club is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can
be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment.
Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators
and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
I Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator
Area (where provided).
I Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language
or behaviour
I Always respect the match officials’ decisions
Applaud effort and good play as well as success.
In addition, when attending youth games I will:
Remember that children play for FUN
Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them
what to do
Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
Never criticise a player for making a mistake –mistakes are part of
learning.
I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken
by my County FA and /or The FA.
TheFA.com/Respect
Match Officials
Respect Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the
game.
The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on
the conduct of everyone involved in the game – both on the pitch and on the
sidelines.
Play your part and observe the FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for match
officials at all time.
When officiating I will:
• Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the teams,
players or team officials involved in the match
• Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently.
• Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner.
• Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul
play and other misconduct.
• Not tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from
players and officials.
• Support my match official colleagues at all times.
• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and
showing respect to everyone involved in the game.
• Communicate with the players and encourage fair play.
• Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request
for clarification by the team captains.
• Prepare physically and mentally for every match.
• Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit
required for games in which I officiate.
I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken
by my County FA and /or The FA.