Adults Respect Code of Conduct

We're here to enjoy ourselves…win, lose or draw. This is the FA Grassroots Code for Adults in Youth Football. Every FCYFC parent, carer, coach and volunteer is asked to read it and follow it.

To help make football more enjoyable for all I should:

• Come to training and matches with a positive attitude and put the well-being of children first.
• Recognise examples of respect, effort and good play, as well as achievement.
• Appreciate grassroots football should be about children playing and having fun, not solely about results.

We always treat others as we'd like to be treated. To give respect at football I must:

• Always use respectful and positive language and actions.
• Not argue with the referee, coach and officials, and accept their decisions.
• Avoid coaching from the sidelines as a spectator, recognising this is likely to cause uncertainty and confusion across the team.
• Encourage children to show fair play by shaking hands with opponents and being kind, whether we win or lose.
• Stay in designated spectator or technical areas.
• Tidy up after myself and take care of the facilities we use.

We embrace our differences – football is a game for everyone. To be inclusive at football I must:

• Show zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.
• Report anything that concerns me via the relevant channel.
• Treat people based on their character, and nothing else.
• Accept that we all bring our own personal perspectives to the game.
• Not exclude anyone because of background or personal characteristics.
• Strive to give fair playing time to all children.

We're a team, on and off the pitch. To help us bond as a team I should:

• Remember we are 'one team' helping young people enjoy football.
• Encourage players and celebrate their effort.
• Avoid criticising players if they make a mistake.
• Discourage cheating, complaining and time wasting from everyone.
• Accept that my child may not always be able to play in their favourite position, or may need to make a break to give someone else playing time.

We all have a role in safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults. To keep everyone safe I must:

• Accept it is my responsibility to know if my role in football places me in a position of trust.
• Speak to my Club or League Designated Safeguarding Officer if I am unsure whether I am in a position of trust.
• Understand appropriate boundaries must be in place, both online and during face-to-face activity.
• Let a Club Official know if I see anything that looks unsafe.
• Be aware of who the first aiders are, and where the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator is located.
• Keep appropriate boundaries by:
  • Always putting the well-being of children first.
  • Being friendly but professional.
  • Encouraging children to review their own progress.
  • Raising concerns about a child to the Club Welfare Officer if they display behaviour not usual to them or which causes concern.
• Follow the 'Physical contact and young people: Guidance for grassroots football' guidelines. If my role requires physical contact with a child, I will:
  • Ask the child's permission and explain the type of, and reason for, the physical contact.
  • Keep physical contact to skill development, first aid, harm prevention, or celebration of success or comfort in times of distress.
  • Ensure another responsible adult is present for the duration.
  • Remember physical touch should be culturally sensitive to a child.
  • Not participate in training, warm up or cool down sessions with children (including my own) to protect them from accidental physical harm.

If I don't live up to the Standard

I understand that my Club, League, County FA or The FA may take action, that could include:

• Giving me a verbal warning.
• Asking me to meet with the Club, League or CFA Designated Safeguarding Officer.
• Asking me to meet with the Club Committee.
• Asking that I complete an FA education course.
• Asking that I leave the match venue.
• Requesting that I do not attend future games.
• Suspending me or removing my Club membership.
• Fining me.
• Fining and/or suspending my Club.

About Referees, Assistant Referees and Match Officials

The FA believes that all Match Officials should be able to officiate free from the threat of violence or intimidation. Any threatening behaviour or physical contact on a Match Official will result in a lengthy exclusion from football and possibly a criminal prosecution.

Source: The FA Grassroots Code for Adults in Youth Football (GrassrootsCode/AIY/0824-V1), adopted by Falmouth Community Youth Football Club.