Ireland/N. Ireland

Code of Conduct

Ambassadors Coaches Code of Conduct

I will:

Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
Adhere to the Laws of the Game
Display and promote high standards of behaviour
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.

When working with players, I will:

Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
Ensure the parents/carers of all players under the age of 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 own behaviour and performance
Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ 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

Youth Players Code of Conduct

Ambassadors Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that staff/coaches/volunteers and parents/guardians associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others.

Therefore, everyone is encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the club welfare officer Derek Livingstone. Football clubs for children/young people should offer a positive experience where they can learn new things in a safe and positive environment.

As a member of Ambassadors FC, you are expected to abide by the following code of practice.

Children/young players are expected to:

Be loyal and give their team mates a second chance.
Be friendly and particularly welcoming to new members.
Be supportive and committed to other team mates, offer comfort when required.
Not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure and push others into something they do not want to do.
Be responsible for their own kit.
Wear appropriate footwear/shin pads.
Bring their own water bottle/fluid.
Keep within the defined boundary of the playing/coaching area.
Behave and listen to all instructions from the coach/volunteers.
Take care of equipment owned by the club/centre.
Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references.
Refrain from bullying or persistent use of rough and dangerous play.
Show respect to other players, staff/coaches/volunteers and parents/guardians.
Report inappropriate behaviour.
Play fairly.
Respect officials and accept decisions.
Be gracious in defeat.
Respect opponents and not cheat.
Not use violence.
Arrive on time.
Take part in all elements of the session to the best of your ability, whether on training pitch or in the classroom.
Be collected on time.

Children/young people have the right to:

Be safe and happy in football.
Be listened to.
Be respected and treated fairly.
Privacy.
Enjoy football in a protective environment.
Be referred to professional help if needed.
Be protected from inappropriate behaviour/abuse by other club/centre members or outside sources.
Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability.
Experience competition and the desire to win.
Be believed when asking for help.

Any breach of the Code of Conduct for Children/Young Players will be addressed by the immediate coach/volunteer and reported verbally and in writing to the designated Child Protection person/co-ordinator.

If a child/young player continues to breach the Code of Conduct after an initial verbal warning from the immediate coach/volunteer, the following disciplinary action should take place:

1st Official Warning: Reported to parent/guardian verbally and in writing. Child is given a 2 week suspension.

2nd Official Warning (final): Reported to parent/guardian verbally and in writing. Child is given a minimum of 1 month suspension.

In extreme cases expulsion will be considered.

The club should form a Disciplinary Committee as well as an Appeals committee. If parents/guardians wish to appeal any of the committee’s decisions they must do so in writing, by special delivery letter, within 7 days of receiving official notification. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and binding on all parties concerned and there should be no further appeals from it.

Senior Players Code of Conduct

We want our teams to be competitive, to back each other and believe they can be successful on and off the pitch. But we also know football is a competitive game and we are not perfect people and we as a club will try to be the best witness we all can.

This code of conduct was set in place to help define Ambassadors FC and give the club a clear identity. The code of conduct is to be upheld at all times by all AFC members.

The views and opinion’s of players and staff were taken into account when setting the code of conduct at a meeting before training on 3/9/08.

Every player is expected to play the game in a sporting manner and uphold the club vision (ethos) at all times.
AFC players are expected to uphold the name of the club at all times, on and off the pitch.
All members of AFC are expected to support and encourage the growth of the football club.
AFC will not for stand unsporting or inappropriate behaviour.
After signing for AFC players should not play for another team illegally.

Training

Every player is expected to attend all aspects of training, especially the devotional part as it is an integral part of the club. If the player cannot make training then he is expected to inform the manager as soon as possible.

If the player does not contact the manager before training then he has no right to be in the squad for the next game.

Match

All AFC members should attempt to attend and support the team at all games.

Any AFC player that turns up under the influence of alcohol will be given a two game suspension.
AFC players are expected to respect the management staff and their decisions at all times.
All AFC players are expected to uphold the rules of the game at all times.
No AFC player should attempt to use gamesmanship to gain an advantage over his opponent. All AFC players can make conversation with the opposing player but should not wind up or incite them.
Every player has a right to appeal decisions with the referee, once the referee has made his decision then nothing more should be said.
No attempt should be made to influence the referee to gain decisions that are not theirs, therefore AFC players should never appeal for decisions that are not theirs.
AFC players are expected to own up to decisions that go the wrong way.
AFC players are expected to respect their teammates at all times.
The referee and opposition should be respected at all times.
After every game, the AFC players are expected to shake the hand of the opposition and referee.
AFC will not stand unsporting or inappropriate behaviour. The club committee will deal with inappropriate behaviour as they see fit. The committee also has the right to define inappropriate behaviour.

All decisions made by the committee can be appealed.

The committee will also see that the club fine system is enforced.

Every AFC member is responsible for enforcing this code of conduct.

AFC encourages accountability between its players as we look to do football differently. The code applies for all signed players whether playing, supporting, or on the side lines.

Parents / Guardians Code of Conduct

Parents/guardians are expected to:

Positively reinforce their child and show an interest in their football. Support their child’s involvement and help them to enjoy football.
Not place their child under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do.
Complete and return the Registration/Consent Form pertaining to their child’s participation.
Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from coaching sessions/matches.
Ensure their child is properly and adequately attired for the weather conditions.
Ensure that proper footwear and protective equipment are worn at ALL times. Any child/young person not in possession of the fundamental requirements should not be permitted to participate.
Detail any health concerns pertaining to the child on the consent form, in particular breathing or chest conditions. Any changes in the state of the child’s health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions.
Inform the coach/co-ordinator if their child has been ill or hurt recently.
Inform the coach prior to departure from the field of play if the child is to be collected early from a coaching session.
Encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best. Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
Acknowledge the importance and role of the club/centre coaches who provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in the club/centre.
Encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best.
Show appreciation and support the coach.
Be realistic.
Ensure their child’s hygiene and nutritional needs are met.
Accept the referee/game supervisor’s judgement.
Behave responsibly on the sidelines; do not embarrass your child.
Encourage children to show respect.
Promote their child’s participation in playing football for fun.

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

Know their child is safe.
Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children.
Be informed if their child is injured.
Have their consent sought for issues such as trips.
Contribute to decisions within the club/centre.
Speak to the coach/co-ordinator and voice their concerns about the standard of coaching.

Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by the coach/volunteer. Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend the club/centre if their attendance is detrimental to the child’s/young person’s welfare.

The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may mean the coach/co-ordinator regrettably asking the child/young person to leave the club.