Code of Conduct Policy

Codes of Conduct for: Coaches, Players, Parents and Spectators

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behavior and
sportsmanship in the game. Belmont Wanderers FC supports The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment.

As a club we promote the ethics of fair play and the acknowledgement of good play and success, not only for our own teams but for the opposition as well.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic aim for all involved in sport and this code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for everyone to disassociate themselves with a “win-at-all-costs” attitude but to be competitive and to play hard but fairly to win. Honest effort is the most important thing and to be dignified in defeat as well as in victory.

Play your part and observe Belmont Wanderers FC ‘Code of Conduct’ which is based upon The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players, coaches, spectators and parents/carers.

Code of Conduct for Players

It is important everyone behaves appropriately when playing football. As a
player, you have a big part to play. Belmont Wanderers FC expects all its players to:

• Always do their best, even if losing or the other team is stronger.

• Adhere to the Laws of the Game.

• Display and promote high standards of behaviour.
• Promote fair play and behave within the spirit of the Laws of the Game and respect your opponents.

• Never be rude to team-mates, the opposition, the referee, spectators or coach/team manager.
• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.

• Never engage in bullying and intimidation.
• Always respect match officials and their decisions.
• Be a good sport, recognising good play whether by your own team or the opposition.
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game.
• Listen to the coach/team manager and respect what he/she says.
• Play for the “fun” not just to please your parents or coach.

Code of Conduct for Team Managers and Coaches

Our Coaches are invaluable to the continued success of Belmont Wanderers FC. All our coaches are volunteers who deserve and expect everyone’s assistance and support to promote the good ethics of the club. Belmont Wanderers FC expects all its coaches to:

• Set the right example for your players, parents and spectators and actively promote our Codes of Conduct.
• Clarify with players and parents or carers exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from you.
• Respect the rights’ dignity and worth of every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
• Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations.
• Ensure all players use the necessary clothing and safety equipment such as shin pads, etc. before allowing them to train or play.
• Adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association.
• Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Ensure that the activities they direct or advocate is appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
• Never engage in or condone offensive, insulting or abusive language or behavior
• Never engage in or condone bullying and intimidation.

Always respect match officials and their decisions. Promote the appropriate Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g., fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rule and regulations or the use of the prohibited substances or techniques. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and experience and be a role model for players, parents and spectators.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

As parents/carers you play a huge part in the success and reputation of the club, and you too have a part to play in the Respect campaign. Belmont Wanderers FC expects all its parents, carers & spectators and those visiting with opposition to:
• Never force and unwilling child to participate in football.
• Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided).
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.

• Never engage in or condone bullying and intimidation.
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions.
• Applaud effort and good play as well as the success of our own teams and the opposition.
• Promote honest effort is more important that victory.
• Read the Laws of the Game to better understand what you are watching and commenting on.
• Remember that children play for FUN and learn from your example.
• 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 a mistake – mistakes are part of learning.

Remember at matches you are all representatives of Belmont Wanderers FC and under no circumstances must you allow yourself to be drawn into any verbal or physical confrontation. Should the Club be fined as a consequence of the behaviour of any coach, player, parent/carer then payment of the fine will be solely your responsibility.