Code of Ethics

SPORTING GREYSTONES FC Code of Ethics

CODE FOR PLAYERS

• Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach.

• Play by the Laws of the Game

• Always accept the referee’s decision.

• Play with control. Do not lose your temper.

• Play for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.

• Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opponent.

• Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not “bully” or take advantage of any player.

• Co-operate with the coach, team mates and opponents.

• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.

• At the final whistle applaud and thanks your opponents and the referee for the match.

• Always remember that you owe a duty of care for your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.

• Win with humility – loose with dignity.

CODE FOR COACHES

• Remember that as a coach of under-age teams you must act in “loco parentis” and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.

• Remember that young people need a coach whom they can respect. Lead by example.

• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.

• Never ridicule or shout at payers for making mistakes or losing a match.

• Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.

• Be reasonable in your demands on the player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time. Ensure that all players participate in matches. The “average” players require and deserve equal time.

• Remember that young players play for fund and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.

• Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.

• Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.

• Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult- like competitions.

PLEASE KEEP FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS

• Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.

• Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and paly.

• Do not over-burden younger players with too much information.

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of your people.

• Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.

• Never criticise the referee or assistant referee during or after a match in front of players or spectators.

• Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.

• Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

• Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.

Code for Parents

• Remember, young people are involved in Soccer for their enjoyment, not yours.

• Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.

• Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.

• Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.

• Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.

• Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.

• Don not pace emphasis on winning at all costs.

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of soccer. IF the child is to play he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement. There are other aspects of soccer other than playing which are equally fulfilling. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from soccer.

• As a spectator, do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches, or players.

• Do not publicly question the referees’ judgement and never their honesty.

• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.

• Encourage in your child an appreciation of mutual respect for team-mates and opponent.

Code for Spectators

• Remember that although young people play organised soccer they are not miniature internationals.

• Be on your best behaviour and lead by example.

• Applaud good pay by the visiting team as well as your won.

• Showing respect for your tea’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match.

• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.

• Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or form. Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.

• Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game.

Updated December October 2018