Please help us to ensure that our games are not marred by inappropriate behaviour
Player code of conduct
“Never protest at referees’ decisions and treat other players as you would like to be
treated. Fair play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.”
Players are one of the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the
team to win, is a fundamental part of the game but not-win-at-all-cost. Fair play and respect
for all others in the game is also fundamentally important. No player shall be registered with
The League if they have been excluded by another league or club for misconduct. All players
shall sign a declaration when registering with The League agreeing to abide by This Code.
No player shall be registered unless such declaration has been signed.
Players should:
Responsibilities towards the game:
1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique and
tactics.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly younger players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
5. Not use inappropriate language.
6. Show due respect to the interests of all supporters.
Responsibilities towards one’s own team:
1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help their own
team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question your
commitment to the team winning.
3. Promote ethical principles.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules:
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
Respect towards Opponents:
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help
injured opponents.
Respect towards the Match Officials:
1. Accept the decisions of Match Officials without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Respect towards Team Officials:
1. Abide by the instructions of your Coach / Team Officials provided they do not contradict the
spirit of this code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Parent’s code of conduct
“Applaud and encourage good play from both teams and never openly criticise referees’ decisions.
Remember your child is playing for their enjoyment not yours”.
Football is run purely for the players and if the Laws and the spirit of the Laws of the game are
adhered to the end result will be enjoyable and controlled games of football. All parents / guardians
shall sign a declaration when registering their child with The League agreeing to abide by this Code.
No player shall be registered unless such declaration has been signed. Parents/Guardians/Spectators
will adhere to the F.A Child Protection Policy, Safeguarding Children in Football and The League’s
Child Protection Policy Statement and endeavour at all times to meet the aims contained within those
policies. In doing so you will be expected to behave at all times in a sporting and disciplined manner. A
code of conduct for parents/guardians/spectators is a proper response to these expectations.
All should:
Obligations towards the game:
1. Will not openly criticise team officials/ manager and / or players during the game.
2. Will not use inappropriate, foul and abusive language to any player, official, supporter or others on
or off the field of play.
3. Will consistently display high standards of behaviour. The consumption of alcohol at games is
totally forbidden.
4. Will show due respect towards match officials, club officials, players and all supporters.
5. Will always promote ethical principles.
6. Will set a positive example for others, particularly younger players.
7. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion
of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
8. Will not enter the field of play at any time unless otherwise instructed by the referee
9. Will not coach the team from behind the goal areas.
Obligations towards the teams:
1. Will not interfere with the running of the team.
2. Will show due respect to the interest of players, coaches and other officials at his/her own/other
club/team and others.
3. Promote ethical principles.
4. Will avoid open criticism of players during the game and will ensure that the activities you direct /
advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity and ability of the players
Respect towards the Match Officials (referee and assistant referees):
1. Will show respect towards match officials.
2. Will accept the decisions of the match officials without dissent.
3. Will not openly criticise the match officials (appointed and/or club members).
4. Will avoid words and actions which may mislead match officials.
All should:
Obligations towards the game:
1. Will not openly criticise team officials/ manager and / or players during the game.
2. Will not use inappropriate, foul and abusive language to any player, official, supporter or others on
or off the field of play.
3. Will consistently display high standards of behaviour. The consumption of alcohol at games is
totally forbidden.
4. Will show due respect towards match officials, club officials, players and all supporters.
5. Will always promote ethical principles.
6. Will set a positive example for others, particularly younger players.
7. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion
of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
8. Will not enter the field of play at any time unless otherwise instructed by the referee
9. Will not coach the team from behind the goal areas.
Obligations towards the teams:
1. Will not interfere with the running of the team.
2. Will show due respect to the interest of players, coaches and other officials at his/her own/other
club/team and others.
3. Promote ethical principles.
4. Will avoid open criticism of players during the game and will ensure that the activities you direct /
advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity and ability of the players
Respect towards the Match Officials (referee and assistant referees):
1. Will show respect towards match officials.
2. Will accept the decisions of the match officials without dissent.
3. Will not openly criticise the match officials (appointed and/or club members).
4. Will avoid words and actions which may mislead match officials.