Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude direct 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 and reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.

 

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport;

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 by governing bodies;

4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player base 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 players;

8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) 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 Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Games or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques;

11. Coaches must not create any private social media or whats app groups that include both children and adults;

12. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance;

13. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language;

14. Coaches must behaviour in a positive and encouraging manner on the touchline. On the touchline stay within the boundaries of your own team and do not encroach on the oppositions half. 

15. Coaches must not enter the field of play without permission of the referee;

16. Coaches must never enter the field of play whilst the match is in progress;

17. Coaches must always arrive on time;

18. Coaches must always have a first aid kit available;

19. Coaches must be available to attend the appropriate training courses;

20. Coaches must ensure that all players, up to year 7, are collected by their parent/guardian or nominated responsible adult before leaving the playing/training venue;

21. Coaches must ensure that Registration Cards or Team Sheet is available for every match;

22. Coaches must ensure that all results and match information is submitted to their relevant league within the timeframe set by the league;

23. Coaches must allow individual player development and help the play develop to the best of his or her ability;

24. Coaches must ensure the safety and suitability of the equipment they use;

25. Coaches must ensure that their players are aware of and follow the Players (Youth) Code of Conduct;

26.  Coaches must ensure that their parents/carers/spectators are aware of and follow the Parent Code of Conduct;

27. All coaches will be overall responsible for the behaviour or players, other coaches and parents/spectators while representing Welwyn Pegasus FC;

28. All coaches must report any actions that are unacceptable from players or parents/spectators that are representing Welwyn Pegasus FC.

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The club management committee will sanction Coaches who ignore this code of conduct. Sanctions will be:

1. First Offence, the coach will be warned;

2. Second Offence, the coach will be suspended for a period decided by the committee;

3. Third Offence, the coach will be expelled from the club.

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The management committee has the right to move directly to the second or third stage if the committee judges that an incident is so serious that this action is necessary.

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Anyone sanctioned under this code has the right to appear to the Hertfordshire FA within fourteen days of the sanction.

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This code of practice is not designed to restrict anyone’s freedom but to set the standards or behaviour that are expected to ensure that everyone enjoys the football.