Code of Conduct

Young Players Code of Conduct

WHEN PLAYING FOOTBALL, I WILL:

Always play to the best of my ability and for the benefit of my team.
Play fairly — I won’t cheat, dive, complain, or waste time.
Respect my teammates, the opposition, the referee, and my coach/manager.
Follow the rules as directed by the referee.
Be gracious in victory and defeat — I will shake hands with the other team and the referee at the end of the game.
Listen to and respond positively to guidance from my coach or team manager.
Understand that the coach must make decisions based on what is best for the team, not just one player.
Speak to someone I trust, or the Club Welfare Officer, if I am unhappy about anything at my club.

I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, any of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, or The FA:

I MAY:

Be required to apologise to my teammates, the opposition, the referee, or my team manager.
Receive a formal warning from my coach or the club committee.
Be dropped or substituted.
Be suspended from training.
Be required to leave the club.

IN ADDITION:

My club, County FA, or The FA may inform my parent or carer of any breaches of the Code of Conduct.
The FA or County FA may impose a fine and/or suspension on my club.

We all share a collective responsibility to set the right example and create a positive environment where children can learn, develop, and enjoy the game. Please play your part by following The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for Spectators at all times.

I WILL:

Remember this is grassroots children’s football — it’s not life or death, it’s fun.
Applaud effort and good play, not just success.
Respect the referee’s decisions, even when you disagree.
Appreciate good play, regardless of which team it comes from.
Stay behind the touchline and within the designated spectators’ area.
Allow the coach to do their job and avoid giving players conflicting instructions.
Encourage players to show respect to the opposition, the referee, and all match officials.
Support positively, offering encouragement rather than criticism.
Never engage in — or tolerate — offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

YOU WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIOURS:

Use or tolerate any offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.
Smoke or vape on the sidelines.
Make negative comments about children or how they play.
Criticise or undermine decisions made by the team manager or coaches to other spectators.
Continuously coach the children during the game.
Engage in excessive shouting or screaming from the sidelines.
Ignore or cross the Respect Barrier.
Commit any form of racial, physical, or sexual discrimination.
Criticise or confront the referee about their decisions.
Confront opposition players, parents, or coaches, or behave in a way that brings the team or club into disrepute.
Enter the field of play (the pitch).
Consume alcohol or use any substances.
Break University rules.

I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, any of the following actions may be taken:

I MAY:

Receive a verbal warning from a club or league official.
Be required to meet with the club, league, or CFA Welfare Officer.
Be asked to meet with the club committee.
Be required to complete an FA education course.
Be asked to leave the match venue by the club.
Be requested not to attend future games.
Be suspended or have my club membership removed.
Be required to leave the club, along with any dependants.

IN ADDITION:

The FA or County FA may impose fines and/or suspensions on the club.

WHY WE HAVE THIS CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents, guardians, and spectators of children playing for Cottingham Rangers are expected to understand, agree to, and follow the Club’s Code of Conduct.

Parents, guardians, and spectators have a significant influence on a child’s enjoyment and success in football. Children play because they love the game — their experience should always reflect that.

Positive encouragement helps children to:

Enjoy playing football
Develop a sense of personal achievement
Build self-esteem
Improve their skills and techniques

REMEMBER: YOUR ATTITUDE SETS THE EXAMPLE

A parent’s, guardian’s, or spectator’s expectations and behaviour — good or bad — strongly influence how a child views and responds to:

Other players
Match officials
Team managers and coaches
Fellow spectators

By supporting positively and respectfully, you help create the best possible environment for every child to grow, learn, and enjoy the game.

CLUB OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT
(Managers / Coaches / Volunteers)

We all share a collective responsibility to set a positive example and create an environment where children can learn, develop, and enjoy the game. Play your part by following The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times.

ON AND OFF THE FIELD, I WILL:

Always act in the best interests of the team and the players in my care.
Use my position to set a positive example for the young people I am responsible for.
Show respect to everyone involved in the game — including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, club officials, and spectators.
Adhere to both the laws and the spirit of the game.
Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour.
Respect the decisions of match officials.
Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.
Be gracious in both victory and defeat.

WHEN WORKING WITH PLAYERS, I WILL:

Prioritise the well-being, safety, and enjoyment of every player above all else, including winning.
Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying.
Encourage each player to take responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
Ensure all activities and sessions are appropriate to the players’ age, ability, and maturity.
Work cooperatively with others involved in football (e.g., officials, medical staff, physiotherapists, welfare officers) to ensure each player’s best interests are supported.

IN ADDITION:

My club, County FA, or The FA may inform parents or carers of any breaches of this Code of Conduct.
The FA or County FA may impose fines and/or suspensions on the club for serious or repeated misconduct.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COACH

Football coaching is about far more than teaching a child how to play a 10-yard pass.
The best grassroots coaches have qualities that not only help players develop their skills, but also make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children they work with.

Great coaches understand the importance of a child-centred, player-focused approach. This is a core expectation within our club, ensuring every young player receives the best possible footballing experience — one that supports their growth, confidence, and love for the game.

MATCH OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT (REFEREES)

We all share a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in football. The conduct of match officials directly and indirectly influences the behaviour of everyone involved — players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Play your part by following The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for Match Officials at all times.

I WILL:

Be honest, fair, and completely impartial at all times.
Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules consistently and without bias.
Manage the game in a positive, calm, and confident manner.
Address all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play, and misconduct.
Never tolerate offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour from players or team officials.
Support my fellow match officials at all times.
Set a positive example by promoting good behaviour and respect among players and team officials.
Communicate clearly with players and encourage fair play throughout the game.
Respond in a calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification from team captains.
Prepare both physically and mentally for each match.
Complete and submit accurate, concise match reports within the required timescales.

I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, any of the following actions may be taken:

I MAY BE:

Required to meet with The FA or County FA Refereeing Official.
Required to meet with The FA or County FA Refereeing Committee.

PLAY YOUR PART IN RETAINING REFEREES

Every year, many referees leave the game because of abuse. You can help change that by ensuring match officials have a positive and respectful experience.

Youth football relies heavily on young referees — many of whom are under 18. Any abuse directed at them is a safeguarding and welfare issue and will be reported to the County FA.

By showing respect, patience, and support, you help protect referees, promote Fair Play, and ensure the future of the game for everyone.

Aduly Players (+18 Years)
Code of Conduct

We all share a responsibility to uphold high standards of behaviour in football. Play your part by following The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for Players at all times.

ON AND OFF THE FIELD, I WILL:

Adhere to the Laws of the Game.
Display and promote high standards of behaviour.
Promote Fair Play at all times.
Respect the decisions of match officials.
Never publicly criticise match officials.
Never use offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.
Never engage in bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
Speak respectfully to teammates, opponents, and my coach/manager.
Remember that everyone makes mistakes — including myself and others.
Win or lose with dignity, shaking hands with the opposition and the referee after every game.

I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, any of the following actions may be taken:

I MAY BE:

Required to apologise to teammates, opponents, match officials, or team staff.
Given a verbal warning by my coach.
Issued with a written warning by the club committee.
Required to attend an FA education course.
Dropped or substituted during matches.
Suspended from training.
Not selected for future fixtures.
Required to serve a suspension.
Fined.
Required to leave the club.

IN ADDITION:

The FA or County FA may impose fines and/or suspensions on the club.
The team may be removed from the Club (unaffiliated) if standards are not met.

FACILITIES CODE OF CONDUCT

The University Sports Staff work hard to ensure the facilities are safe, clean, and well maintained. Cottingham Rangers has agreed to uphold certain responsibilities regarding how our members use and treat these spaces.

When using the University facilities:

I WILL:

Treat the University Sports Staff with respect at all times.
Dispose of litter properly and help keep the facilities clean for the next users.
Vacate the training pitches on time and without needing to be asked.
Be mindful and considerate of other facility users.
Never enter the pitches before the start of our booked session.
Report any damage or safety concerns to the Sports Staff immediately.
Never climb over fences to retrieve footballs.
Leave the facilities promptly when requested by the Sports Staff.
Not climb on goalposts.
Not intentionally damage or misuse the grass pitches.

I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, any of the following actions may be taken:

I MAY BE: