Code of Conduct

COACHES

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport
• Coaches must place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations including the development of performance
• Coaches must adhere to the guidelines laid down by governing bodies
• Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect
• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
• Coaches must encourage and guide their players to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour
• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of all players
• Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate the parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach
• Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player
• 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
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance and not to use or tolerate inappropriate language

PLAYERS

A player should:

• Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina
• Give maximum effort and strive to for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved
• Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting
• Always have regard for 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
• Not use inappropriate language
• Obligations toward one's own team
• Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the laws of the game to help his team to win
• Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning
• Respect for the Laws of the Game and Competition Rules
• Know and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game and the competition rules
• Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally
• Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques

Respect toward opponents

• Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game
• Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents

Respect toward match officials

• Accept the decision of the match official without protest
• Avoid words or actions that might mislead a match official
• Show respect to match officials

Respect toward team officials

• Abide by the instructions of their coach and team officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code
• Show due respect towards the team officials of the opposition

Respect toward the supporters

• Show due respect to the interests of supporters

PARENTS & SPECTATORS

Parents and spectators have a great influence on children's enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within Skill 7 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
• Assist to improve the child's skills and techniques
• Have a significant bearing on a Child’s attitude towards; Other players, Officials, and Managers

As a spectator, (All parents and spectators involved with Skill 7 are encouraged to always be positive and to encourage all children involved with football and not just on their own), we request that the following be adhered to:

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team
• Avoid coaching the child during the game
• Not to shout or scream
• Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football

All parents and spectators involved with Skill 7 must adhere to our Code of Conduct and our Child Protection Policy