Purton Football Club

Code of Conduct - Parents and Spectators

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. Obligations towards opponents
  5. Obligations towards Match Officials
  6. Unacceptable Behaviour
  7. Additional
  8. Summary

1. Introduction

Players, as you know, develop differently and at different rates and react differently to the same pressures. At Purton Football Club, our objective is to give all members a good, fun, memorable experience. So much good work can be undone by any unsavoury incident. We ask that you be responsible, obey all codes of conduct and allow everyone to enjoy the game of football.

Parents and spectators have a great influence on children's enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game - it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our Club it is important to reinforce the message to parents and spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

  • Children enjoying football.
  • A sense of personal achievement.
  • Self-esteem.
  • Improving the child's skill and techniques.
  • Children have more need of example than criticism.

Parents and spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

  • Other players.
  • Officials. All referees follow the same creed to watch every move of the players and to call the game to the best of their ability. Do not openly question their judgement, and never their honesty. The referee is a symbol of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official's judgement and honesty in public.
  • Managers / Coaches.
  • Spectators.

Ensure that parents and spectators within your club are always positive and encouraging towards all children not just their own. Encourage parents and spectators to:

  • Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
  • Avoid coaching the child during a game. Encourage children to always participate according to the rules of the game and never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
  • Not to shout and scream. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse. Profanities and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
  • Respect the Officials Decision.
  • Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
  • Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
  • Act appropriately. Do not taunt other fans. Enjoy the game together.
  • Accept the results. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement. Teamwork and effort are as important as winning.
  • Respect Club Managers, Coaches and Officials. They are all volunteers giving of their personal time to provide a football environment for your child.
  • Be your child's best fan. Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw your support when your child does not play well.
  • Discuss any concerns or opinions with the club manager.
  • Advise of any medical conditions, or any changes in medical conditions.
  • Ensure that your child wears suitable clothing and footwear.
  • Pay club fees promptly. (These are needed for bills, hire, pitch fees and invoices to be paid).
  • Arrive punctually at the stated venue for each match and coaching session.
  • Advise of any unavailability due to sickness, injury or where appropriate.
  • Be a role model to the children.
  • If any problems arise, discuss these with the coach. He is there to listen and help.
  • Have fun. Football is a great game that should, and is to be, enjoyed.

Ensure that parents and spectators within your club agree and adhere to your club's Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

2. Game

A spectator should:

  • Set a positive example for others, particularly children, young players and officials.
  • Enable the promotion and development of their own team having regard to the interests of the players, officials, the club and the reputation of the national game.
  • Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interests of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
  • Conduct themselves in a sporting and reasonable manner avoiding all forms of gamesmanship.
  • Show due respect to Match Officials, assistants, club liners 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 or about any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
  • Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

3. Team

A spectator should:

  • Make every effort to appreciate the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team.
  • 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 at others.

4. Opponents

A spectator should:

  • Show due respect to the interests of opposition players, officials, coaches and supporters.

5. Match Officials

A spectator should:

  • Accept the decisions of the Match Officials without protest.
  • Avoid words or actions which may mislead the Match Officials.
  • Show due respect towards the Match Officials.
  • Refrain from entering the field of play during the game unless representing the club in an official capacity and only with the permission of the Match Officials.

6. Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Verbal abuse.
  • Negative comments.
  • Bad language.
  • Arguing with officials.
  • Supporting bad behaviour.
  • Racism.

7. Additional

  • Do not force your child to play football. They are not playing to satisfy your ambitions. They are involved in football for their enjoyment and fun.
  • Emphasis fun and enjoyment.
  • Priase effort, improvement as well as good play.
  • Make sure that players are appropriately dressed before and after matches.
  • If the parent is cautioned or sent off during a match or reported to the Club Committee then the parent shall:
    • Reimburse the Club the amount of the fine imposed by the respective league or Wiltshire County FA.
    • Be subjected to a disciplinary of a panel of at least three committee members convened by the Club Secretary having been notified by the team manager of the offence.
    • A parent may appeal against the decision of the panel in writing to the Club Secretary who shall convene an appeal panel whose decision shall be final.

8. Summary

  • Support the coaches, players and team.
  • Be a positive role model in terms of language, attitude, restraint and sportsmanship.
  • Show respect to all people officials, opposition etc.
  • Respect all decisions, regardless of opinion.

Parent/Spectators agreement with Code of Conduct

Name: Signed: Date:

Copyright © 2003 Purton Football Club. All rights reserved.