CODE OF CONDUCT
All member(s) of Watford youth sports Football Club (WYSFC) must abide to the following Code of Conduct.
Section 1 – Members
We, the Members of WYSFC both senior & youth must adhere to the following:
• Abide by the rules of the Football Club. • Abide by the rules of the league and/or any other governing body. • Respect our opponents. • Respect the officials and their decisions and comply to the Football Association’s ‘RESPECT CAMPAIGN’. • Adhere to the AFC ‘SPIRIT OF FOOTBALL’ campaign. • Maintain our self-control at all times.
Section 2 – Youth Players
We, the Players of WYS FC will do our very best to:
• Play football for our enjoyment and not our Parent or Coach. • Always play to the best of my ability. • Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time. • Have ‘fun’ while looking to improve our performance. • Respect my team-mate, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager. • Ensure our level of behaviour and attitude are to the highest standard. • Learn and play to the Laws of the Game. • Respect the decisions of match officials. • Refrain from the use of bad language. • Refrain from arguing with match officials, other players, spectators and Managers/Coaches. • Learn to appreciate good play by our team and the opposition. • Listen to our Manager/Coaches advice, try to take training session’s into the match environment. • Aim to improve our performance, which will benefit our team in the long term. • Remember that I am in a team and I will be a team player. • Remember that winning is not everything. • Encourage team mates, even after mistakes. • Take positives from losing and channel into my learning curve. • Shake hands with the other opposition and officials at the end of each game. • Speak to someone I trust or the Club Welfare Officer if I am unhappy about anything at the club.
Section 3 – Senior Players
We, the Players of (WYS) FC must aim to conform to the following:
Foreword. 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 Respect Code of Conduct and AFC Spirit of at all times.
• 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 any of the following: Offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. Bullying, intimidation or harassment. • Never request match officials not to report disciplinary offences. • Respect match officials, team mates, opposition, manager or coach with dignity at all times. • Remember we play for fun and everybody makes mistakes. • Win or Lose with dignity. Shake hands with the other opposition and officials at the end of each game.
UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE CODE, ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN BY CLUB, LEAGUE, COUNTY FA OR THE F.A.
• Attend club disciplinary hearing. • Receive a written warning from the club committee. • Be required to attend an FA/County FA/League hearing which could impose ban and/or suspension plus fine on you and/or the club. • Be dropped or substituted • Be suspended from training. • Not selected for a team. • Be required to serve a suspension , (See Section 7). • Be fined, (See Section 7). • Be required to apologies to team-mates, the opposition, referee or team manager • Be required to leave the club.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 4 – Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials. Foreword: We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In the FA grassroots survey, 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 FA Respect Code of Conduct in all that you do. On and off the field, I will:
• Attend an FA Safeguarding children Workshop. • Attend an Emergency 1st Aid Workshop. • Attend any Coaching courses that the club deem required. • Complete club CRB requirements. • 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 officials’ 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 players best interests.
UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE CODE, ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN BY CLUB, COUNTY FA OR THE F.A.
• 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 FA Licensed Coaches Club membership may be withdrawn. CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 5 – Coaches & Team Managers additional.
Coaches.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. • Place the wellbeing and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance. • Adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies. • Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit of reward. • Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players. • 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. • Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Team Managers
• Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance. • Set the relevant standards required to our players, parents and spectators by our own actions, behaviour and conduct. • Explain all the relevant codes to players, parents and spectators and promote these to all members. • Check all players are wearing the correct footwear and protective kit, e.g. shin pads prior to matches and training sessions. • Ensure our players are not injured prior to the match, as players may hide this fact. • Ensure you have the relevant 1st aid equipment for all matches and training. • Provide treatment for injured players immediately ensuring this practice is in the player’s best interest. • Promote good behaviour by our players and deal with unacceptable conduct immediately. • Guide players to accept responsibility for their actions with regards to behaviour, conduct and performance. • In regards to Officials and the opposition, always be polite • Promote the positive aspects of sport (e.g. Fair Play). • Never CHEAT
Section 6 – Parents/Carers & Spectators.
We, the Parents/Carers or Spectators WYS F.C., MUST look to conform to the following::
Foreword Everybody at WYSFC has a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This is 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.
CODE OF CONDUCT
• Remember that children play for FUN, do not force children to play football. • Applaud effort and good play as well as success. • Appreciate and recognise good performance/skill of our team and the opposition. • Always respect the match officials’ decisions. • Refrain from questioning the match officials decisions, judgement and honesty, it may just have been a mistake. • Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators Area (where applicable) • Do Not enter onto the field of play, unless ordered to by an official. • Leave the coaching to the coaching staff, do not undermine their decisions. • Leave the managing and team decisions to the manager, do not undermine their decisions. • 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. • Ensure your child is equipped correctly and arrives in timely fashion. • Relate any problems to the Manager or Coach. • Explain to your child, that trying their best and producing a good performance is as important as winning. • Accept defeat and channel the positive aspects of each child’s play, into obtaining an improved performance in their next match. • Support and encourage your child even in the event of poor performance at training or in games. • Support not only your own child but the whole team. • Do Not be critical, embarrass or heckle any players, including the opposition. • Respect the Manager and Coach, volunteers who work hard to provide football for your child.
UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE CODE, ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS MAY BE TAKEN BY CLUB, COUNTY FA OR THE F.A.
I may be: • Issued with 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 committee. • 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. CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 7 – Club Disciplinary Actions. All sanctions recommended below are in addition to any action (suspension or fines) taken by County FA (AFA).
Internal only Table A. Cautions – Senior Section
Number of caution in the season For Dissent For Other Offences 1st caution £5 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer No additional action. Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 2nd caution £10 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer No additional action. Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 3rd caution. £15 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer £5 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 4th caution £20 club fine and meet with club Disciplinary Committee £10 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 5th caution Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion, and minimum as for four cautions for dissent Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion, and minimum as for four cautions. More than 5 cautions, Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion
Table A. Cautions – Youth Section
Number of caution in the season For Dissent For Other Offences 1st caution One match club suspension Meet with club Spirit of Football officer No additional action. Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 2nd caution One match club suspension, and £5 club fine Meet with club Spirit of Football officer No additional action. Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 3rd caution. Two match club suspension, and £10 club fine Meet with club Disciplinary Committee One match club suspension at discretion of Spirit of Football officer Meet with club Spirit of Football officer 4th caution Three match club suspension, and £15 club fine Meet with club Disciplinary Committee One match club suspension, and £5 club fine Meet with club Disciplinary Committee 5th caution Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion, and minimum as for four cautions for dissent One match club suspension, and £10 club fine Meet with club Disciplinary Committee More than 5 cautions Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion
CODE OF CONDUCT
Table B. Sending Off & Misconduct.
1st Sending Off Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion. 2nd Sending Off Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion, and minimum of one match ban 3rd Sending Off Meet with club Disciplinary Committee, sanction at their discretion, and minimum of two match ban Sent off for two cautions As per Table A, depending what each caution is for. Misconduct Offences Suspended until meeting with club Disciplinary Committee
Table C. Other offences.
Non-adherence to WYSFC Code of Conduct Spirit of Football officer to review report and take action as deemed necessary. Non-adherence to FA Respect and/or AFC Spirit of Football. Spirit of Football officer to review report and take action as deemed necessary. Failure to turn up. Suspended until player contacts club. Reinstatement subject to Team Selection committee. Calling-off within 24 hour of match. Recommended one match club suspension. Action at discretion of Team Selection committee (Club’s Managers and Coaches). In Debt Immediate suspension upon accumulating £40 or more of debt.
Club Suspensions. Club suspensions for cautions will take effect within 14 days after the offence. Spirit of Football Officer will advise on start date. Club suspension for any other offence will take place after meeting with club Disciplinary Committee.
Payment of Fines All fines imposed by the Club and/or County FA must be paid within 14 days of the offence. Failure to make such a payment may result in the player being made unavailable for selection.
Spirit of Football Officers • Richard.tague@watfordyouthsports.com – All senior section teams. • Peter.martins@watfordyouthsports.com – All youth section teams.
Disciplinary Committee The Discipline Committee will consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of three members, one of which will be a football club committee member. All discipline meetings to be held within 14 days of the offence being committed, either on match days or training evenings at a time to be arranged. Only in exceptional circumstances will discipline meetings be held outside these times. Those required to attend a discipline committee will usually be informed by the Spirit of Football officer. Failure to attend a discipline meeting will result in the person being unavailable for selection until they have met with the Discipline Committee.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Appeals An appeal against any of the club imposed punishments may be made only at a meeting of the discipline committee. It must include overwhelming evidence of a mistake by the referee and be supported by at least two witnesses who must be present at the appeal.
Coaches/Managers. All action taken by the referee MUST be reported to the General Secretary, irrespective of whether the Referee intends to report the offence to their County FA. Failure to inform the Team Secretary may result in Disciplinary action against the coach/manager and the offending player. Any incidents of members not adhering to Watford Youth Sport FC Code of Conduct or FAs Respect or the AFC Spirit of Football codes MUST be reported to the General Secretary.