Lexden Saints Football Club
Codes of Conduct



Contents:

1. Lexden Saints Football Club Codes of Conduct Introduction

2. Codes of Conduct for Managers and Coaches

3. Codes of Conduct for Players

4. Codes of Conduct for Club Officials

5. Codes of Conduct for Match Officials

6. Codes of Conduct for Spectators

7. The Clubs Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy

8. The Clubs Complaints Procedures




1. Lexden Saints Football Club - Codes of Conduct - Introduction


Football is the national game.

At Lexden Saints F.C., all those involved with the game at every level, whether as a Player, Match Official, Manager, Coach, Officer or Helper, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the Club and the game is, and remains, high.

These Code apply to all those involved in football under the auspices of Lexden Saints Football Club.

· Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Lexden Saints F.C. will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

· Equality
Lexden Saints F.C. is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

· Participants
Lexden Saints F.C. recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who manage and coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Lexden Saints F.C. is committed to appropriate consultation.

· Young People
Lexden Saints F.C. acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the Club, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

· Trust and Respect
Lexden Saints F.C. will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

· Violence
Lexden Saints F.C. rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

· Fairness
Lexden Saints F.C. is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

· Integrity and Fair Play
Lexden Saints F.C. is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

On Behalf of the Management Committee




Paul Rogers and Steve Parker
Chairman / Secretary







2. Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches

Introduction :

Managers and Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Managers and Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct. Managers and Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for Managers and Coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for Managers and Coaches to disassociate themselves from a "win-at-all-costs" attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from Managers and Coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.

Set out below are The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches), which Lexden Saints F.C. has adopted in full to form the benchmark for all involved in Managing or Coaching our Teams:

1. Managers and Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

2. Managers and Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

3.Managers and Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Club, Management Committee or governing bodies.

4. Managers and Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Managers and Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Managers and Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

7. Managers and Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.

8. Managers and Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their Manager/Coach.

9. Managers and Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player(s).

10. Managers and Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. Fair Play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

11. Managers and Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

12. Managers and Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

3. Code of Conduct for Players

Introduction:

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost, Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.
This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football, however the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at Lexden Saints F.C. and have been fully adopted by the Club.

Obligations towards the game:
A player must:
1. Make every effort to develop his/her own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly younger players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.
7. Play for fun


Obligations towards own Team:
A player must:
1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.
3. Be a Team player “ get along with your teammates
4. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline
5. Be on time for training and games

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules:
A player must:
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:
A player must:
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials:
A player must:
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials:
A player must:
1. Abide by the instructions of his Manager/Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this or other Club Codes of Conduct.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters:
A player must:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

4. Code of Conduct for Club Officials

Introduction:

This Code applies to all Club and Team Officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

Obligations towards the Game:
The team official will:
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Promote and develop his/her own team having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
6. 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.
7. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Club/Team:
The team official should:
1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at his own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A team official should:
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

5. Code of Conduct for Match Officials

(Referees, Assistant Referees, Club Referees, Fourth Officials and Substitute Referees)

INTRODUCTION

Under the Laws of the Game the decisions of a referee on points of fact connected with the play are final as far as the result of the game is concerned. A referee also has wide-ranging powers defined in Law 5.
The exercising of such power requires a high level of ethics from referees and assistant referees (referred to in this Code together as "referees").
In addition to the quality of refereeing, the behaviour of the referee has an impact, either directly or indirectly, on the conduct of all others involved in the game. Respect for referees and their decisions are a fundamental part of the game. A Code of Conduct for Match Officials is a proper response to those expectations.
While the Code focuses primarily on referees involved in top-class football, with few exceptions the basic ideas are valid for match officials at all levels, be they on the National List, or registered with County Football Associations and only involved in local football.
These Codes are applicable to match officials at all levels of the game and are fully adopted by Lexden Saints F.C.
.
Obligations towards the Game:

The referee has a duty to the game in its widest sense. One of those duties is to help the game to keep moving, compatible with Fair Play, and to seek to ensure it is attractive and is not subject to unnecessary halts.
The referee must:
1. Make every effort to prepare fully for a match, both physically and mentally. On a physical level, a referee must be able to keep up with the speed of the modern game, and be alert and close enough to take correct decisions from credible locations on the field of play.
2. Not be afraid to take decisions. A referee should be fair and firm and must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of players, team officials or spectators.
3. Show respect towards players and team officials.
4. Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the teams, players or team officials involved in the match.
5. Decline to be appointed to a match if not completely physically or mentally fir to referee that match (because of illness, injury, or for family or other reasons).
6. Inform The Football Association and/or County Association and/or league or competition directly responsible if unable to referee a team or teams for any reason.
7. Refrain from requesting hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered and considered to be excessive.
8. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game or any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
9. Not tolerate inappropriate language from players and/or officials.

Obligations towards the Players:

The powers of a referee must be used with wise judgement and care. Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.

1. A referee should have regard to protecting the players.
2. A referee should show due respect when speaking with the players, even in the event of infringements.
3. In reports, a referee should set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions.

Obligations towards fellow Officials:

It is necessary for the referee’s authority to be protected, not only for the sake of the game, but also in the interest of fellow referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and substitute referees. This protection should, however, not influence the over-riding regard for protection of the players.
1. A referee should refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow referees, assistant referees or other match officials.
2. A referee should assist with the development of less experienced referees and assistant referees.
3. An assistant referee should give his total support to the referee, but without undue interference or insistence.

6. Code of Conduct for Parents & Spectators

INTRODUCTION
Parents and Spectators have a great influence on childrens 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 reinforce the message to Parents and Spectators that positive encouragement WILL contribute to:

· Children enjoying football

A sense of personal achievement
Self-esteem
Improving the childs skills and techniques“ make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience
Children have more need of example than criticism

· A Parents and Spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant impact on a childs attitude towards:

Other players
Officials “ All Referees follow the same creed to watch every move of the players and to call the game to the best of their ability. Do not openly question their judgement, and never their honesty. The referee is a symbol of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the officials judgement and honesty in public.
Managers and Coaches
Spectators

· We ask all Parents and Spectators to be positive and encouraging at all times, towards all of the children not just your own. You are asked to:

Applaud good play by both the opposition as well as your own team “ our opponents are necessary friends, without them we cannot participate.
Avoid coaching the child during the game“ encourage children to always participate acording to the rules of the game, and never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
Not to shout and scream “ support all our efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from our sporting activities. Profanities and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
Act appropriately: do not taunt or disturb other fans: enjoy the game together.
Respect the Referees decisions
Do not enter the field of play at any time
Respect changing rooms as private areas for Plyers, Managers/Coaches and Officials
Accept the results of each team. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory, and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement.
Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in footballs
Be kind to Club Managers, Coaches and Officials and to Match Officials. Accept their decisions with good grace. They are all volunteers giving of their personal time to provide a recreational activity for your child.



7. The Clubs Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy
INTRODUCTION:
As the governing body of the game, The Football Association is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level.
The following policies are at the heart of all Lexden Saints F.C. activities.

Anti Discrimination Policy
Lexden Saints Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
· Equality of opportunity at Lexden Saints Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
This includes:
· The advertisement for volunteers.
· The selection of candidates for volunteers.
. Courses.
· External coaching and education activities and awards.
· Football development activities.
· Selection for teams.
· Appointments to honorary positions.
· Lexden Saints Junior Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
· Lexden Saints Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.
Equal Opportunities Policy for Clubs
· Lexden Saints Junior Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.
· All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:
· Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
· Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.
· Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
· Victimisation of an individual.
· Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.
· Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Club's recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.
· Lexden Saints Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.
· Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Football Club's policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.
· The Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.


8. The Clubs Complaints Procedures

In the event that any Club member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Policies, Rules or Codes of Conduct have been broken, the following procedures should be followed:

1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Management Committee
· Your report should include:
· Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place
· Any witness statements, names and contact details
· Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
· Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made
· A preference for a solution to the incident

2. The Clubs Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested

3. The Clubs Management Committee will have the power to:
· Warn as to future conduct
· Suspend from membership
· Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Clubs Policies or Codes of conduct.