Policies
Coach and Manager Code of Conduct
Responsibilities On and Off the Field
Coaches and team managers must:
- Act as a positive role model and maintain the highest standards of behaviour at all times
- Show respect to all participants in football, including players, match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, club officials, parents, and spectators
- Adhere to the Laws of the Game and the spirit of football
- Promote Fair Play and encourage a positive environment free from abuse or intimidation
- Respect match officials’ decisions at all times
- Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Never engage in public criticism with match officials
- Never use or tolerate offensive, discriminatory, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour
- Understand, uphold, and actively promote the club’s values to players, parents/carers and spectators
- Remind all parents/spectators to stand behind the respect barrier at all times on match days, along with standing outside of any training areas due to safeguarding.
- Support club events and activities in a professional manner
When Working With Children and Young People
Coaches and team managers must:
- Place the safety, welfare and enjoyment of each player above all other considerations, including winning
- Create a safe, positive and inclusive environment where all children feel valued and respected
- Clearly communicate expectations of behaviour to players and ensure players understand what they can expect from coaches and managers
- Ensure parents/carers of players under 18 are informed of expectations and club standards
- Never engage in or tolerate, bullying, harassment, abuse or discrimination in any form
- Build appropriate, professional relationships based on trust and mutual respect
- Encourage players to take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions
- Ensure all coaching activities are suitable for the age, ability, and maturity of the players
- Work in partnership with others involved in football (including match officials, medical professionals, and welfare officers) to safeguard and promote the best interests of the child
Safeguarding and Welfare
Coaches and team managers must:
- Follow the club’s Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures at all times
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer
- Never ignore, dismiss, or conceal safeguarding concerns
- Understand that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Use of WhatsApp and Social Media Communication
Where WhatsApp are used for team communication:
- At least two club officials must be administrators of the group
- One administrators must be the Club Welfare Officer or Club Secretary
- All administrators must:
- Hold a valid Enhanced DBS check
- Have completed FA Safeguarding Children training
- Understand online safety risks
- Be familiar with the club’s Safeguarding, Online Safety and Code of Conduct policies
Where Social Media is used, this will be managed either by the Club Chairperson, Welfare Office or Club Secretary and must be professional, appropriate and transparent at all times.
Any concerns, investigations or statements relating to online conduct will be managed by the Club Welfare Officer and Club Secretary, in line with FA guidance.
Any third party company promoting must hold valid DBS and safeguarding certificates.
Committee Attendance
All members of the club committee are expected to actively contribute to the effective running of the club.
Committee members must:
Attend scheduled committee meetings unless prior notice and a valid reason are given
Failure to attend committee meetings without reasonable explanation will be treated seriously.
- Any committee member who misses two consecutive committee meetings without prior approval or valid reason will be automatically removed from the committee
- The Club Chairperson and/or Secretary will confirm removal in writing
This requirement supports good governance, accountability, and continuity, in line with FA club standards.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action by the club, including:
Meetings with the Club Chairperson(s), Club Welfare Officer, Club Secretary(s) and members of the Club Committee
- Suspension from matches and/or training
- Removal from role within the club
