MEADOWRIDGE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

CODE OF CONDUCT – COACHES & TEAM OFFICIALS

PURPOSE

The code of conduct is to ensure that respect amongst players (junior and senior), coaches, team managers, club officials, match officials, spectators and parents is achieved. It is to ensure that all parties are committed to the same standard of fair play when playing for our Club and Association.

DISCRIMINATION

Meadowridge AFC support a zero-tolerance against forms of racism, discrimination and abuse whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability, or any other form of abuse must be immediately reported to the Senior and Junior Chairperson and or the Club Captain to ensure the appropriate action is implemented.

EQUALITY

Meadowridge AFC will ensure that everyone has an equal chance to be involved in football, regardless of ability, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. We are about encouraging and increasing the involvement of groups at all levels of football by recognising that inequalities exist and taking steps to address them.

The Code of Conduct will be circulated to all members (junior, senior, match officials and coaches) and is compulsory for the registration forms to be signed by them or their parents with regards to the said disclaimer. Registration will not be processed if the registration form is not completed in full and signed by the player, referee, coach, member, and or parent in the case of juniors.

GENERAL

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As coaches, team managers and team officials are your responsibility to concentrates on players’ enjoyment of the game and their overall, and long-term development. The CTTFA Play and Respect message is to deter unacceptable behaviour within our Association. Remain responsible and ensure that the Code of Conduct for coaches, team managers and officials are always adhered to together with the follow: –

I will:

  1. Show respect to others involved in the game including the match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials spectators and executive committee members and their decision;
  2. Adhere to the Laws of the Game, display and promote high standards of discipline and behaviour;
  3. Always respect the match officials’ decisions and never engage in public criticism of the match officials;
  4. Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission;
  5. Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour;
  6. Develop ourselves to meet a high standard of coaching;
  7. Coaches, in all contact with MAFC players, parents, officials and coaches, should strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct before, during and after the game they should be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
  8. before games opposing coaches should meet and exchange greetings to set the proper tone for the game. After games the teams and coaches should meet and congratulate each other in a sportsmanlike manner.
  9. Coaches should ensure that their players’ football experience is one of fun and enjoyment and improvement in skill as winning is only a part of it.
  10. Coaches should avoid any conduct which could be construed as physically or verbally abusive.
  11. Coaches not permitted to use any form of verbal dissent during a game with an opposing coach’s bench or the referee.
  12. Coaches should honour all professional communication and relationships with parents, colleagues, officials, club officials and spectators.

Players Safe and Equipment in Control

  1. When working with players, I will:
  • have the safety of the players in their charge as their priority at all times. Coaches should be familiar with the facilities and fields on which their teams practice and play and be mindful of the levels of fitness and skill of each of their players.
  • check players’ equipment and playing facilities frequently. They should meet or exceed safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of players.
  • familiar myself with the Laws of the Game, CTTLFA Rules and Regulations, and MAFC Constitution.
  • place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything;
  • explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me and ensure the parents of all players under these expectations;
  • treat each player equally, with respect and ensure that the confidentiality their personal affairs are respected;
  • not tolerate bulling and undertake to address with appropriate parent and undertake to immediately report the incident to the Junior Chairperson, Senior Chairperson and Club Captain for action by relevant authorities;
  • develop a mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem and ensure that players know how to manage conflict resolutions, stress and use of good judgement;
  • 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;
  • Coaches should follow the advice of a doctor when determining when an injured player is ready to play again. During a game, and in the absence of medical advice, coaches should err on the side of caution in permitting an injured player to return to play.
  • Coaches that are issued with kit ie. jerseys, bibs, balls and cones at the start of the season. This equipment is purchased at considerable expense to MAFC. Coaches are responsible for the care and return of the kit issued at the end of the season. Ensure that regular checks of equipment are carried out and report any discrepancies to the Club Chairperson and Junior Chairperson.
  • Coaches will be held responsible for any loss of equipment.

Creating a Positive Experience

  1. MAFC wishes to ensure that games are fair, positive and an enjoyable experience for the children and adults involved. A football game should be friendly and unifying – a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.
  2. Coaches should require all players and spectators to adhere to the highest level of sportsmanship at all times. During the game the coach is responsible for the sportsmanship of the players. If a player is carded or is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive the coach should remove the player from the game for at least long enough for the player to calm down. Coaches should explain acceptable behaviour to players and parents at a preseason meeting. Encourage parents to make positive comments about fair play by either team. Prohibit them from shouting at players and at the referee.
  3. Coaches may not use any form of social media, private meetings or informal chats to air any grievances that they have with MAFC, other coaches, parents, players or officials and the CTTLFA. Kindly follow the correct channel i.e. Club Chairperson, Junior Chairperson and or Club Captain to list your concerns.
  4. Coaches should ensure that when coaching the players especially from the touch line it is implemented in a constructive manner in addressing players mistakes and complimenting players when such is needed.

Relating to Officials

  1. Coaches should demonstrate respect for the official and his / her role. Coaches can help referees improve by letting them concentrate on the game, accepting their inevitable occasional mistakes.
  2. Before a game coaches should introduce themselves to the referee. During the game they should never address the referee except to request a substitution. After the game they should thank the referee and ask players to do the same.
  3. A small disagreement should be discussed with the referee calmly after the game. For major complaints, or if the referee appeared to be unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent report your opinion to the Club Chairman or Junior Chairman.