Code of Conduct for Parents / Guardians

Parents / guardians have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All 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 within our club it is important to that we reinforce the message to parents / guardians that 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 / guardian’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

• Other players, officials, managers and spectators.

We expect all parents / guardians within our club to be always positive and encouraging towards all of the children (not just their own). Parents / guardians are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:

• Applaud the opposition as well as our own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• At matches the managers / coaches will have had team talks. Tactics will have been decided prior to the match. Whilst encouragement is welcomed please do not shout instructions to players during a game.
• Respect the referee’s decision.
• Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.
• Read the Players Code of Conduct provided to your child. Please encourage your child to comply with the code.
• Familiarise themselves with the Child Protection Policy. The Child Protection Officers are Gary Port and Bill MacDonald.
• The changing rooms and adjacent areas are for players and coaching staff only. Please do not embarrass your child by entering.
• Please never comment on the match officials. Please never get involved in any matter of dispute with other people watching. If you feel threatened or are approached by any member or supporter of the opposing team, please report this immediately to an official of the football club and let them deal with it.
• Please ensure that the club is aware of any injury that your child picks up as soon as possible. It is important to get injuries assessed quickly by physiotherapists and allow the injury to be treated in the correct manner. If your child is told to rest or carry out certain actions after the injury has been assessed, it is important that they follow those instructions to the letter, it is for their own benefit in the long run.

The relationship between the players, parents and manager / coach is an important one. Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact your player’s manager / coach in the first instance or to a Committee member if necessary.

All parents / guardians within our club are expected to agree and adhere to this Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.