Youth Respect Code of Conduct

We're here to enjoy ourselves…win, lose or draw. This is the FA Grassroots Code for Youth Football and every FCYFC player is asked to read it and follow it, on and off the pitch.

To help make football more enjoyable for all I should:

• Remember that football is about enjoyment, not just winning.
• Encourage others and behave well.
• Bring a positive attitude to training and matches.
• Recognise when my team-mates give respect, work together, or try their best.

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

• Always use respectful language and actions.
• Not argue with the referee, coach and officials, and accept their decisions about football and my behaviour.
• Show fair play by shaking hands with our opponents whether we win, lose or draw.
• 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:

• Welcome everyone, whoever they are and whatever their background or ability.
• Involve everyone and always be kind.
• Treat everyone fairly and tell a trusted adult if this doesn't happen.
• Celebrate everyone's good play, effort and success.

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

• Encourage my team-mates if they make a mistake.
• Try my best and help my team, by being positive and supportive.
• Play fairly, without cheating, diving, complaining or wasting time.
• Accept that I may not be able to play in my favourite position all the time, or that I may need to take a break to give someone else playing time.
• Recognise that if I'm the Captain, I need to try hard to set a positive example for others to follow.

We all have a role in safeguarding children. To help keep everyone safe I must:

• Remember football is about making friends, learning new skills and, of course, being active.
• Take responsibility, encourage others, and keep it positive.
• Know that I have a right:
  • To feel safe online and offline.
  • To have healthy relationships with appropriate boundaries.
  • Not to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
  • Not to be bullied, harassed or intimidated.
  • Not to be treated unfairly.

If this doesn't sound like your football experience, speak to an adult you trust.

If I don't live up to the Standard

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

• Giving me a verbal warning.
• Inviting me to a meeting to explain my behaviour.
• Warning me about my behaviour.
• Asking that I complete an FA education course.
• Suspending me, meaning I do not take part in games for a period of time.
• Removing my registration, meaning I can't play for my team again.
• Fining and/or suspending my Club.

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