Players' Behaviour
 

The Club sets the highest possible standard for player behaviour during training and games. All players are expected to actively participate in training offering respect to their Coaches and in no-way being disruptive to the group. The club has the following process for dealing with any players who do not meet the player behaviour code:

1. In the first instance – the player will be informed of the problem by the Coach
2. In the second instance – the player’s parents will be informed of the problem by the Coach,the Manager or the Director of Junior Development
3. In the third instance – the player will be suspended from playing for 2 matches
4.  If the problem persists, the player may be suspended indefinitely

 Decisions associated with negative player behaviour of a junior player will be taken through consultation between the team coach, the Director of Junior Development and Junior Vice President. For seniors, the decision will be taken by the Team Coach, The Senior Coach and the Senior Vice President.

ALL DECISIONS WILL BE FINAL AND THE CLUB WILL NOT ENTER INTO ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS OR THEIR PARENTS.

Players' Code 

1. Play for the “love of the game” and not just to please parents and coaches.
2. Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will you.
3. Play by the rules
4. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the official during a break or after the game
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are by your team or the opposition
6. Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player
7. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent, is unacceptable behaviour
8. Co-operate with your coach, Team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.

Spectators' Code

1. Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals
2. Applaud good performance and efforts by your team and the opponents. Congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome
3. Respect the officials’ decision and at all times demonstrate appropriate social sporting behaviour
4. Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a game. Positive comments are motivational
5. Condemn the use of violence in any from. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all sporting activities
6. Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game
7. Encourage players to play by the rules and the officials’ decisions

Parents' Code

1. Remember that children play football for their enjoyment, not yours. If a child is reluctant to play, encourage but don’t force them
2. Focus on the player’s effort and performance rather than winning or losing
3. Assist in setting realistic personal goals related to his/her ability
4. Encourage children to always play according to the laws of the game
5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by both teams
7. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all sporting activities
8. Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise
9. Show your appreciation of volunteers, coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate
10. Encourage children to recognize the value of an honest effort so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

Coaches' Code

1. Remember that children play for the fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of their motivation
2. Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game
3. Be reasonable in your demands on your players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
4. Teach your players to follow the rules
5. Whenever possible, group players to ensure that everyone has a reasonable chance of success
6. Avoid over playing the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time
7. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players
8. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgments of officials and opposing coaches and to never abuse or argue the officials decision
9. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or playing
10. Keep informed of the latest coaching practices and the principles of children’s growth and development
11. Do not engage in the use of crude, foul or abusive language that may be determined offensive or engage in any conduct detrimental to the image of the game when on or off the field and accept responsibility for your actions and encourage players to demonstrate the same qualities
12. To always maintain a safe environment for all players, and to have a duty of care to maintain a safe environment.

Administrators' Code

1. Involve mature young people in the planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to our sport
2. Give all children equal opportunities to participate
3. Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules suit the age, ability and maturity level of players
4. Provide appropriate supervision and quality instruction for all players
5. Remember that children participate for enjoyment. Don’t over-emphasize awards
6. Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour, skill development and help improve the standards of coaching and officiating

Officials' Code

1. Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of children
2. Compliment and encourage all participants
3. Be consistent, fair, objective and courteous when making decisions
4. Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all participants
5. Emphasize the ‘spirit’ of the game, rather than errors
6. Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable
7. Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive
8. Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and knowledge of children’s growth and development