CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND SPECTATORS

1. It is the aim of the Club to promote the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play and to ensure that the 'spirit' of the game is not abused.

2. Any adult taking part in any activity organised by the Club, or attending such an activity with the Club as a guest of another, shall conduct himself or herself in an exemplary manner.

3. The behaviour of adult members must be of the highest standard to set the correct example to the players.

4. Players should expect encouragement and support and not be embarrassed or humiliated by the adults watching them.

5. Adults should not shout, swear, argue, become violent or use sarcasm. Whenever possible players who require help should be assisted and encouraged in a positive manner.

6. Adults must always aim to:

• Praise rather than rebuke.
• Praise good behaviour to show that adults value it.
• Praise effort and performance rather than just achievement and victory.
• Emphasise the importance of involvement first and winning second.
• Display patience.
• Enable players to have a clear understanding of the standard of behaviour expected.
• Help players understand the rules.
• Talk to the players, not at them.
• Treat the players with respect.

7. Matters of team selection and substitutions are the sole responsibility of the team manager/leader/coach, whose decision is final.

8. Adults associated with a team member who seek to influence unduly the manager/leader/coach in matters of team selection will be regarded as in breach of this code.

9. The decision of the referee, or team official, whether qualified or unqualified, appointed to officiate in the game, will remain final. New and young referees/officials should be encouraged and supported.

10. If the behaviour of any adult associated with any team player is considered to fall below the required standard this may result in the membership of that player being suspended or cancelled.

11. Complaints in respect of the running of a game must be dealt with by the team manager/leader/coach. If the matter is determined to be serious the Club Secretary will inform the appropriate authority. It is not acceptable for individuals to take matters into their own hands.

12. All parents, guardians and spectators shall abide by the Rules of the FA and its constituent leagues.

13. On match and training days, parents, guardians and supervisory adults will be expected to comply with the following guidelines:

• To deliver and collect children on time for Training and Matches, home or away.
• Inform the Manager/Team leader when collecting their child or if someone other than themselves is collecting their child from Training Sessions or Matches.
• Pay their Club subscriptions at the beginning of a Training Session or Matches, home or away. Ensure that the player is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions, and has the correct layers of clothes, footwear and shin guards.
• Ensure that the player has plenty of drinks at Training Sessions or Matches.
• Ensure that kit is clean and in good condition, and be returned if the player leaves the Club.
• Do not allow the player to wear match kit other than for training sessions or playing Matches.
• Inform Manager/Team leader if a child is leaving the Club.
• Treat all members of the Club with respect.

14. Under no circumstances shall a parent/spectator enter the field of play without the express permission of the manager/leader/coach or match official, any parent/spectator found in breach of this code will be asked to leave the club with immediate effect.