Purton Football Club

Code of Conduct - Players

Version History
Version 1.0 Initial Version August 01, 2002
Version 2.0 Update for season 2003/2004 June 01, 2003

Index

  1. Introduction
  2. Obligations towards the game
  3. Obligations towards one's own team
  4. Respect towards opponents
  5. Respect for the Laws of the Game and Competition Rules
  6. Respect towards Match Officials
  7. Respect towards Team Officials
  8. Obligations towards Supporters
  9. Summary

1. Introduction

The most important people in football are the players. Representing the team, and the desire for the team to win, are the most fundamental parts of the game. But not winning at any cost.....Fair Play and respect for all others within the game are also fundamentally important.

This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for all players representing Purton Football Club.

2. Game

A player should:

  • Always make every effort to improve their own abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina. (Always try to improve as a player).
  • Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance at all times during a game, regardless of the result. (Win, lose or draw, always try to play to the best of your abilities).
  • Always set a positive example to other players, supporters and officials. (Good behaviour).
  • Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting. (No cheating).
  • Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game. (Talk about the good things in football in a positive and non critical way).
  • Not use inappropriate language. (No swearing. No abusive, insulting or racist language).
  • Ensure that they are prepared and ready for training and matches. Failure to do so lets down many people such as team mates, supporters and coaches. (Be on time, with correct kit, shin pads, and ready to train or play).
  • Respect all changing facilities and property at all clubs. Leave all changing facilities in a clean and tidy condition.
  • Play for the fun and enjoyment and not just to please parents and coaches.
  • Do not disrupt coaching sessions. Time is limited, others are there to learn.
  • Never chew gum. Remove jewellery (Dangerous).
  • Be positive. Do not be afraid to use your techniques and skills.
  • Be punctual at all times.
  • Behave appropriately when representing the club in any activity or event.
  • Promote the Code of Conduct.
  • HAVE FUN. Appreciate the importance of striving to win, not winning itself.

3. Team

A player should:

  • Make every effort within the Laws of the Game and consistent with Fair Play to help their own team win. (No cheating).
  • Resist any influence which might or might be seen to bring into question their commitment to the team winning. (Always try to win).
  • Be a team player. Work equally hard for yourself and the team. Your team's performance will benefit as well as your own.
  • Always encourage your team mates. Never criticise your own team mates. Mistakes will be made, you are still learning. Learn from any mistakes. Remember - you may make the next one.

4. Opponents

A player should:

  • Treat all opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game. (Treat other players as you would wish to be treated).
  • Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents. (Do not deliberately try to injure anybody. No fighting).
  • Shake hands with opponents after a game.

5. Laws of the Game and Competition rules

A player should:

  • Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the Competition rules. (No cheating, you will let yourself down and your team mates).
  • Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally. (Enjoy winning, learn from defeat).

6. Match Officials

A player should:

  • Accept the decisions of all Match Officials without protest. (No arguing with the referee). 
  • Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official. (Honesty, no diving, control your temper).
  • Show due respect towards all Match Officials.

7. Team Officials

A player should:

  • Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code. (Coaches are there to help, listen to their advice).
  • Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
  • Inform their team manager of any unavailability due to illness, injury, holiday or when appropriate. No matter how much you want to play, do not hide injuries (the injury will only take longer to heal, you could be doing some long term damage to yourself). Inform the team manager of any change in circumstance or personal details such as a change of address, phone number or a desire to leave the club.

8. Supporters

A player should:

  • Show due respect to all supporters.

Summary

  • Always attempt, whether in training or matches, to play to the best of their abilities and within the laws and spirits of football.
  • Show respect to all people, coaches, referees, supporters, other teams etc.
  • Show good behaviour. No racism, violence, bad language, etc.
  • Always want to learn, improve and most importantly enjoy the game of football.

Player agreement with Code of Conduct

Name: Signed: Date:

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