garlandale football club Code of Conduct

Player’s code of conduct

1. Play football to enjoy yourself, and accept that striving to win is more important than winning itself. Victory and defeat are inevitable, and should be accepted equally
2. Understand and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game and any competition in which you participate
3. Players will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, never condone violations of the laws of the game or exhibit behaviour contrary to the spirit of the laws of the game
4. Consistently display high standards of behaviour
5. Respect the wishes and directions of your coach
6. Respect the referees decisions at all times
7. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, and avoid words or actions that may mislead a match official
8. No offensive, abusive or insulting remarks shall be made toward any other player, official or parent
9. Display a good attitude at training and on match days
10. Players will turn up for matches in advance of kick-off and training as directed by the team manager
11. No jewellery is to be worn by players during matches or training
12. Players will always wear the correct kit
13. Club kit is only to be worn for matches
14. Football boots must in a good and safe condition
15. Players must wear shin pads during matches and training
16. Players must not eat or chew during matches or training
17. Inform the coach when you have an injury
18. Ensure that all requisite forms are filled in correctly
19. Pay any subscriptions or fees on time
20. Encourage your teammates – you cannot win a game on your own.

Parent’s code of conduct

Parents have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. 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, positive encouragement will contribute to:

• children enjoying football
• a sense of personal achievement
• self-esteem
• improving the child’s skills and techniques.

A parent’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

• other players
• officials
• managers
• parents.

1. Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, never condone violations of the laws of the game or exhibit behaviour contrary to the spirit of the laws of the game
2. Remember that children should be playing football primarily for their own enjoyment. Do not put pressure on the children
3. Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations
4. Encourage your child, and others, or be quiet. Praise effort and performance, not results
5. Parents must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
6. Stand well back when watching matches and stay behind any barriers or lines that are designated for that purpose and do not stand behind the goals
7. No offensive, abusive or insulting remarks shall be made toward any player, official, or parent
8. Parents must develop an appropriate supportive relationship with both the manager/coach and their child based on mutual trust and respect
9. Parents should seek clarification of exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from the coach
10. Discuss any concerns about training or matches with the coach or manager in private
11. Respect the referees decisions at all times and avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official
12. Ensure that your child arrives at the designated location for matches or training at the time requested by the manager or coach
13. Inform the manager if there has been a change in your child’s medical condition
14. Ensure that suitable kit is worn by your child
15. Keep club facilities, including kit, in good condition
16. Ensure that all requisite forms are filled in correctly
17. Pay any subscriptions or fees on time
18. Provide assistance to the manager, in whatever capacity is required
19. Support the coach’s decisions and discuss any concerns directly with the coach

Coaches and Managers code of conduct

As a coach you will be in a position of great responsibility in the development of the children you work with – both in terms of personal and football development. You will inevitably be a role model, especially for the younger age groups, so it is important that you take your responsibilities seriously and conduct yourself accordingly at all times. The attitude and behaviours you exhibit will set the tone for the players and parents you work with.

You will be responsible for the sporting and football development of the children, and largely responsible for their continued enjoyment of the game. It is important that the enjoyment of the game is paramount at all times.

1. Do not put undue pressure on the children. Remember that the children play football for their own enjoyment – not to fulfill any personal ambitions you may have
2. Always respect your players – never harass, abuse, or otherwise humiliate the children
3. Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, never condone violations of the laws of the game or exhibit behaviour contrary to the spirit of the laws of the game
4. Always have the correct equipment available, and ensure it is in a safe and clean condition
5. Always have a first-aid kit and water available even at training
6. Make yourself available to attend suitable training courses as required to maintain coaching, development and safety standards
7. Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
8. Do not attempt to control or direct the game from the sideline. The players should be encouraged to think for themselves
9. Always arrive before the designated time of arrival of the players at both match and training events, or make suitable alternative provision
10. Show no favouritism
11. Always be honest with players, parents, guardians and officials
12. No offensive, abusive or insulting remarks shall be made toward any player, official, or parent
13. Understand and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game and any competition in which you participate
14. Always respect the decisions of the referee and avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official
15. Always look for and encourage positive attributes or performance and effort
16. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol at match or training events
17. Maintain a clean and suitably attired physical appearance
18. Avoid being alone with individual children, especially in enclosed areas

Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.garlandalefc.co.za as the source.