Coaches Code Of Conduct

Coaches are the key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a 'win-at-all-costs' attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the organisation, club, school, coach or parent.

Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching.

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. Praise positive aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players by focusing on their failings.

2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association.

4. Coaches must develop a good working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.

8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.

10. 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.

11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour, appearance and endeavour to be a role model for players, parents and spectators.

12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

13. Coaches must emphasise the importance of striving to win, not winning itself. Praise should be given for effort and performance rather than results.

Players Code Of Conduct

We expect all players involved with HYFC to follow the guidelines set out below and we ask all parents to ensure their child understands our Players Code of Conduct.

1. Play because you enjoy football, not to please your parents or your coach. However, always try your best in training sessions and in matches.

2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person (team manager, coaches, fellow team mates and opponents) and treat each equally within the context of the sport. 

3. Adhere to all guidelines laid down by the Club Rules and the Code of Conduct of the HYFC.

4. Develop a good working relationship with the coach based on mutual trust and respect, and listen to the Team Manager and coaches, when coaching is being given.

5. Accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance, and will not argue with the Referee or the Assistant Referee.

6. Should, from the beginning of your association with the Club, clarify with the coach exactly what is expected of you.

7. Must agree to co-operate as necessary with specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists).

8. Must agree to adhere to 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.

9. Must consistently display high standards of behaviour at all times during coaching sessions and matches.

10. Must not use or tolerate inappropriate language. 

11. Must appreciate the importance of striving to win, not winning itself. Accept success, failure, victory and defeat equally.

Parents Code Of Conduct

Parents have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game - its fun.

It is important to remember that however good a child may become at football it is important that we reinforce the fact that positive encouragement will contribute to:


* Children enjoying football.

* A sense of personal achievement.

* Self-esteem. 

* Improving the child's skills and techniques.

A parent’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

* Other players, Officials, Managers and Coaches, and Spectators.

At HYFC we want to ensure that the parents of our players are always positive and encouraging towards ALL of the players and not just their own child.

We therefore encourage you to: 

* Applaud all children as well as your own.

* Avoid coaching your child during training or games.

* Not to shout and scream.

* Respect the coach and other officials.

* Give attention to each of the children involved in our organisation, not just the most talented.

* Give encouragement to every child who participates in activities organised by HYFC.

We would ask all parents to agree and adhere to the HYFC Code of Conduct below:

1. Agree that your child’s involvement in playing football is primarily for their personal enjoyment.

2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. Praise positive aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players by focusing on their failings.

3. Place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

4. Adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association.

5. Develop a good supporting relationship with the coach and your child based on mutual trust and respect.

6. Must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

7. Encourage your child to accept responsibility for their behaviour and performance.

8. Should, from the beginning of your association with the Club, clarify with the coach exactly what is expected of you and your child.

9. Must agree to co-operate as necessary with specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of your child.

10. Must agree to 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.

11. Must consistently display high standards of behaviour.

12. Must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

13. Must emphasise the importance of striving to win, not winning itself. Praise should be given for effort and performance rather than results. 

Spectators Code Of Conduct

Positive encouragement will contribute to:


* Children enjoying football.

* A sense of personal achievement. 

 * Self-esteem. 

* Improving the child's skills and techniques.

A spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a player’s attitude towards:

* Other players, Officials, Managers and Coaches, and Spectators.

At HYFC we want to ensure that the spectators of our players are always positive and encouraging towards ALL of the players and not just their own child.

We therefore encourage you to: 

* Applaud all children as well as your own.

* Avoid coaching your child during training or games.

* Not to shout and scream.

* Respect the coach and other officials.

* Give attention to each of the children involved in our organisation, not just the most talented.

* Give encouragement to every child who participates in activities organised by HYFC.

We would ask all spectators to agree and adhere to the HYFC Code of Conduct below:

1. Appreciate that a child’s involvement in playing football is primarily for their personal enjoyment.

2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport. Praise positive aspects of play and avoid becoming frustrated or ridiculing young players by focusing on their failings.

3. Adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of The Football Association.

4. Must ensure that the activities you advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.

5. Encourage your child to accept responsibility for their behaviour and performance.

6. Should, from the beginning of your association with the Club, clarify with the Club exactly what is expected of you and what you are entitled to expect from the coaches, players and parents.

7. Must agree to 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.

8. Must consistently display high standards of behaviour.

9. Must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

10. Must emphasise the importance of striving to win, not winning itself. Praise should be given for effort and performance rather than results.