SUTTON HEATH FOOTBALL CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUB OFFICIALS AND SPECTATORS OF YOUTH FOOTBALL.
The football Association has decided to change the way youngsters are introduced to and coached in the art of football.
Sutton Heath FC wishes to use this opportunity to play its part in trying to reverse the trend of off field misconduct currently prevalent in youth football, those mainly responsible being Club Officials and parents of children taking part.
To that end the parent of each child wishing to join Sutton Heath FC will be required to sign this Charter and therefore be responsible for their own and any member of their families behaviour at any match this Club is involved in.
The principles that Sutton Heath FC wishes all parents to adopt are as follows:
1.LEARN THE RULES OF THE GAME-as an informed spectator you will understand better what you are watching and appreciate the difficulties of interpretation for a referee. Always encourage your children to play by the laws of the game.
2.RESPECT YOUR OPPONENTS AND OFFICIALS-without either of them there would be no game. Refrain from abusing the officials, such behaviour on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship and this reflects on our team and players. Most youth football officials have limited experience and formal training and do the job the best they can and the poor calls usually balance out for both teams.
3.NEVER DIRECT ABUSE-always direct good humour and courtesy. Do not use profane language and never taunt or direct dissent towards Club Officials, Match Officials or players. Show respect at all times.
4.NEVER RIDICULE a child for making a mistake during a game. They are young people not professional players and will make mistakes. Always use encouragement.
5.APPRECIATE GOOD FOOTBALL-applaud all good play by both sides and the children should be applauded for good behaviour, particularly in the face of adversity.
6.NEVER TAKE THE LAW INTO OUR OWN HANDS-let Match Officials and Club Officials sort out any problems that may arise. Condemn violence at all times.
7.NEVER BE DRAWN INTO DISPUTES-do not get into arguments with players, Officials or other spectators.
8.SET A GOOD EXAMPLE-your conduct and attitude will be copied by young players. In football as in other aspects of life it is not always possible to win and we must be gracious about losing. How you deal with this effects how your child deals with it. There is always something to learn from a loss and then look forward to the challenge of the next game.
9.TO PAY ALL FINES THAT YOUR CHILD INCURS –if you do not pay fines then your child will be suspended from playing for the club until they are paid. Two letters of reminder will be sent and then the FA will be informed and will deal with the situation. A list of the fines is displayed in the pavilion.
The real purpose of football is to have fun, to be able to participate, to improve skills, to learn sportsmanship, to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, to develop a group loyalty and comradeship, to learn to compete within established rules, to accept decisions of authorised officials and develop sound minds and bodies.