Code of Conduct

Training should be fun but a degree of discipline is necessary for it to be effective. Players must listen to coaches and cooperate at all times. Players being continually disruptive may jeopardize their place in the starting line up of the subsequent game.

On match days players will always act in a manner to uphold the reputation of the club.

Players will treat the opposition with respect. This includes refraining from taunting mocking or barracking the opposition, either whilst on the pitch or when a spectator, and refraining from deliberate foul play.

Players will treat their team-mates with respect. This includes refraining from personal criticism and being supportive and encouraging in the event of a team-mates genuine error.

Players will respect the referee at all times. They will not question his decisions even if obviously incorrect.

Keeping warm and dry when not playing is essential. To this effect players will wear warm and/or waterproof clothing when appropriate both before play commences and when substituted. On cool and/or windy days players should wear the club issue coat until instructed to remove.

Players will warm up gently before any strenuous exercise or play.

Immediately prior to the game commencing, when requested, players will gather for warm up and final team talk and begin to concentrate on the forthcoming game
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At half time ALL players (including substitutes) will immediately congregate around the coach and listen attentively to any instructions/comments.

Maintenance of adequate hydration is essential to good health and performance. Players will take drinks before kick off, at half time and when substituted. This is non-negotiable.

At close of play the players will shake hands with the opposition regardless of the result. The designated captain for the day will raise three cheers for the opposition.
Immediately after the game the players will congregate around the coach and listen attentively to any instructions/comments. A man of the match will be designated at this point.

Coaches will be approachable and open to question by players and parents.

Coaches will communicate promptly and clearly with parents and players regarding arrangements for matches, training etc.

Coaches will provide opportunity for players to provide input during both training and match briefings. This must be done in an orderly and constructive fashion after listening to coaches briefing.

Coaches will respect all players equally. No player will be treated more favourably than another. This is not to say that individual effort or excellence will not be recognised.

Coaches will refrain from any excessive encouragement which may be deemed as criticism. Whilst acknowledging the need to give instructions from the touchline, and sometimes shouting in order to be heard, the coaches also recognise the importance of ensuring players do not feel intimidated or oppressed. The game is meant to be fun for all.

Coaches will respect referees decisions at all times and will not criticise referees in front of the players.

Parents will ensure players are suitably attired with regard to the prevailing weather conditions. A warm and waterproof garment will be provided by the club and is particularly essential in the winter months. Parents will support the coaches in attempting to ensure players adhere to the dress code.

Parents will ensure players have had adequate food and drink on the morning of a match (and sleep if possible!!).

Parents on the touchline will refrain from excessive encouragement that may be deemed as criticism of the players.

Whilst welcoming verbal encouragement, some children find it confusing and off-putting to have potentially conflicting instructions coming from many different sources. Please bear this in mind when spectating. Whilst it may be advantageous to inform a player if they are offside, or not marking an opponent, more complex instructions regarding patterns of play and configuration are probably best left to the coaches.

Parents will respect referees decisions at all times and will not criticise referees in front of the players.

Parents will ensure players arrive in good time for pre-match preparations. I.E. AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to kick off, unless otherwise stated. This will allow time for a proper warm up and pre-match brief.

Parents will regularly consult the website (where possible) for announcements regarding matches/training etc, in order to reduce the amount of time spent on ring rounds.

Parents will inform coaches of a players unavailability as soon as possible to allow alternative arrangements to made.