Club Welfare, Safeguarding & Code of Conduct 2 of 5

2. Code of Conduct for Coaches & Team Officials


Code of Conduct for Coaches

  1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
  2. Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
  3. Adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Rules of The Football Association.
  4. Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
  5. Not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  6. Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
  7. Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
  8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, the parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
  9. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
  10. 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.
  11. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
  12. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language or behaviour.
  13. Organise team matters including selection, training and equipment.
  14. Manage team discipline and encourage self-discipline in players.
  15. Promote sportsmanship and act as a role model.
  16. Manage the coaching of basic skills and tactics.
  17. Abide by the club constitution and any decisions made by the club’s committee.
  18. All Coaches are required to submit any collected subs, fees, fundraising or other funds to the club treasurer within 14 days of the match, training session or fundraising activity. Failure to comply will result in the matter being escalated to the Club Chairman and Committee.
  19. Each coach will record and report to the Club Welfare Officer and /or Club Secretary any incident during or after a game that could lead to action being taken or complaint being made action against Burnbridge Wanderers JFC officers, players or supporters. Details should also be reported of other clubs’ conduct should a future need or future incident occur with that same club.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This code applies to all team/club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).
Obligations towards the game
The team official should:

  • Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters
  • Promote and develop own team having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game
  • Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests
  • Avoid all forms of gamesmanship
  • Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game
  • Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game
  • Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the team
The team official should:

  • Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means
  • Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests
  • Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques
  • Promote ethical principles
  • Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the supporters
The team official should:

  • Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the match officials
A team official should:

  • Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest
  • Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official
  • Show due respect towards Match Officials.