At Cringleford Junior Football Club, we are committed to creating a positive and respectful environment for all players, coaches, parents, and spectators. Our Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that everyone involved in the club adheres to the highest standards of behaviour, fostering a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
By following these guidelines, we can work together to uphold the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect that are central to our club’s philosophy. We appreciate your cooperation and dedication to maintaining the spirit and standards of Cringleford Junior Football Club.
Players
Playing football should be fun and enjoyable for everyone and isn’t always about winning. When playing football, I will:
- Always respect the referee’s decision. Thank him/her after each match.
- Treat the opposition as you would like to be treated, always shake hands after a match.
- Never swear or use abusive language.
- Play to win but play for fun. Enjoy playing football.
- Encourage your team-mates. Mistakes happen – the next one may be yours!
- Take responsibility for your actions and your own performance.
- Keep your self-control, even in moments of high tension.
- Without your coach, you don’t have a game. Listen and accept their decisions no matter how unfair you think they are.
- Be a good sport. Celebrate winning but lose with dignity. Bad tempers or sulking will spoil everyone’s day.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken:
- Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager/coach
- Receive a formal warning from the coach or club committee
- Be substituted or miss other matches
- Be suspended from training or not allowed to play in matches
- Be required to leave the club
- My club may make my parent/carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
- Be suspended or fined by the league or County FA
Supporters
- The world will carry on - EVEN if the team loses.
- The game is primarily for boys and girls to enjoy playing football, so enjoy watching.
- Applaud after good play and encourage after mistakes.
- Recognise the skill, enthusiasm and sporting behaviour of both teams.
- Do not query match officials or use abusive language towards them, no matter how ludicrous their decisions may appear
- Keep your self-control, even in moments of high tension.
- Never trade insults or confront other spectators.
- Do not coach players from the sidelines. Leave that to their coaches.
- Reject violence, both physical and verbal, in ALL aspects of the game.
- Congratulate winning teams and accept losing positively, preferably with a smile.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken:
- Issued with a verbal warning from a league or club official
- Required to meet with the club or league committee, or County Welfare Officer
- Suspension of team or all club fixtures
- Required to undertake an FA education course
- Ordered to leave the match venue by the club or match official
- Banned from attending future games
- Required to leave the club along with any dependents
- The FA, County FA or league could impose a fine and/or suspension of the club team
Coaches, Managers & Club Officials
We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and always observe this Code of Conduct.
- I will use my position to set a positive example for the people I am responsible for.
- Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators.
- Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game.
- Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour.
- Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.
- Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
- Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on other participants, facility users or neighbours.
- Be gracious in victory and defeat.
- Place the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.
- Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying.
- Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity.
- Ensure all administration tasks are completely correctly and on time. This includes the creation and exchange of Team Sheets prior to kick off, result reporting and match return submission on Full-Time.
- Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interest.
- If you are assisting the referee or are the match referee, you cannot offer coaching from your position.
- I will follow all the procedures and guidelines set out in our Club Coaches Handbook, and if not sure about something clarify it with a committee member prior to taking any action.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken:
- Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official.
- Required to meet with the club or league committee, or County FA Welfare Officer.
- Suspension of team, or whole club fixtures.
- Required to undertake an FA education course.
- Suspended by the club from attending matches.
- Suspended or fined by the league or County FA.
- Required to leave or be removed by the club.
Match Officials
Officials also need to play their part in the Code of Conduct. When officiating, I will:
- Respect the game, the competition and all other participants.
- Maintain my integrity and approach each game with a positive mind set.
- Be knowledgeable of the laws of the game, regulations and competition rules.
- Set a positive personal example, by promoting good behaviour.
- Embrace and empathise with the spirit of the game.
- Complete and submit accurate and concise reports and misconduct.
- Apply the laws of the game, promoting positive actions and not tolerating actions that do not fit the image of the game.
- Make myself familiar with safeguarding practices & review guidance on physical contact (5.6) & Acceptable Behaviours When Working With Young People (5.7) documents on the safeguarding section of EnglandFootball.com
- Not coach if officiating. If you are assisting the referee, for example, you cannot provide coaching.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all the following actions may be taken:
- Required to meet with The FA, County FA Referee Development Staff or Referees Committee
- Suspension by the County FA