Pool AFC - Club Code of Conduct
Coaches, team managers, and club officials are also responsible for promoting high standards of behaviour in the game.
As Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials, we will…

• show respect to others involved in the game, including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators.
• display and promote high standards of behaviour.
• ensure children can play in a safe and healthy environment.
• adhere to the Laws of the Game.
• always respect the match officials' decisions.
• never enter the field of play without the referee's permission.
• never engage in public criticism of the match officials.
• never engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
• ensure all children have a fair and reasonable amount of playing time
• ensure that parents and carers are fully informed of team and club developments.
• support the efforts of the club for fundraising and social events.

When working with players, we will…

• place each player's well-being, safety and enjoyment above everything, including winning.
• explain exactly what we expect of players and what they can expect from us.
• ensure that the parents/carers of all players under 18 understand these expectations.
• refrain from and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying.
• develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem.
• encourage each player to accept responsibility for their behaviour and performance.
• ensure all activities we organise are appropriate for the player’s ability level, experience, age and maturity.
• co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player's best interests.

We understand that code breaches may result in action being taken by the County FA and/or the FA.

Players’ Code of Conduct
Everyone must behave themselves when playing football.
When playing football (in training or matches), I will…

• be positive about my youth football experience and accept responsibility for participating by following this Code of Conduct.
• encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, and parents at.
• do my best in training and commit to regularly attending, and I will notify my manager/coach if I cannot.
• do my best to listen and learn from my managers/coaches and respect what they say.
• always do my best, even if we are losing or the other team is stronger.
• always play fairly - no cheating, complaining or wasting time.
• always behave well - never swear, show dissent, spit, fight or play dangerously.
• play by the rules - do what the referee tells me and never argue with the ref.
• applaud the effort and good play by either team and shake hands.
• treat ALL players as I would like to be treated regardless of race, creed or abilities.
• respect other teams’ players and supporters, and never be rude.
• take care of any provided facilities and equipment, home or away.
• remember that I am representing my club, both on and off the pitch
• talk to a trusted adult or the Club Welfare Officer if I am unhappy about anything at my club.
• remember that youth football is an opportunity to learn and have fun, and I will alert my parents and coaches if it stops being fun.

I understand that if I do not follow this code, the club, the County FA, and/or the FA may take action.

Parents’ Code of Conduct
Spectators, parents and carers are all responsible for promoting high standards of behaviour in the game. The overall success of youth football is highly dependent on parental involvement and example. Parents play a critical role in shaping and supporting the player and their success levels. As such, spectators, parents, and carers must agree to provide positive support, care, and encouragement to all children participating in youth football by following this Code of Conduct.
I will…

• encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or youth football event.
• place the emotional and physical well-being of my child and other children ahead of any personal desire to win.
• support coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
• adhere to a drug, alcohol, tobacco-free and vaping sports environment for my child and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all youth football events.
• remember that the game is for children and not for adults.
• do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
• ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
• remain outside the field of play and behind the designated spectator area - Respect Line (where provided)
• never engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• always respect the match officials' decisions,
• applaud effort, good play, and success.

In addition, when attending youth games, I will:

• remember that children play for FUN.
• let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do.
• encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials.
• never criticise a player for making mistakes - mistakes are part of learning.

I understand that code breaches may result in action being taken by the County FA and/or the FA.