CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUB OFFICIALS
Coaches and Managers 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, Managers together with Club Officials are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches, Managers & Club Officials 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 and Managers. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches and Managers to disassociate themselves from a “win at all costs” attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches, Managers & Club Officials at Football Clubs. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of The Club, coach or parent.
Set out below is the Code Of Conduct which HMH JYC expects all Club Officials including Managers and Coaches to abide by:
- Officials must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
- Officials must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
- Officials must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
- Officials must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Officials must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Officials must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
- Officials must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
- Officials must not take active steps to communicate with players in the Under 13 age groups and below off the football pitch. Parents/guardians must be the point of contact at all times.
- Club Officials should read and acknowledge the club data protection poliyc.
- Officials 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.
- Officials must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
- Officials 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 the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques. Officials must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
- Officials must respect all others regardless of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality, religion sexuality or disability.
- Officials must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
- Officials must be responsible for players’ and spectators’ behaviour and will have the power to withdraw membership in the event of inappropriate behaviour.
- Foul and abusive, or racist comments will not be tolerated in any context.
- All Officials and assistants must have satisfied the FA Criminal Records Bureau check and attend an FA Learning Safeguarding Children Course.