CODE OF ETHICS (Condensed Version) FOR PLAYERS & PARENTS/GUARDIANS
River Valley Rangers AFC is committed to ensuring that all steps are taken to protect our children, who in turn should therefore do the following :-
CODE FOR PLAYERS
RESPECT
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why we are asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:
- Always try my best and give 100% in training and on match days
- Play for my enjoyment, not to please anyone else
- Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
- Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee and my coach/manager
- Listen only to my manager/coach during training and on match days. I will not not take instruction from anyone else.
- Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
- Tackle hard but fairly; never intending to hurt an opponent.
- Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
- Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
- Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
- Win with humility – lose with dignity.
CODE FOR PARENTS
Parents / guardians play an important role in promoting children’s happiness and success in football and sport in general. Parental expectations and behaviour have a significant bearing on children’s attitude and behaviour while participating in football. Parents / guardians need to be aware of why children want to play football. Children want to learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a group, to win and be successful, experience challenges, excitement and action. While winning is important, it must be remembered that winning at all costs does not meet the needs of players. Results are not necessarily a good indicator of coaching effectiveness or ability, the improvement level of players and their level of enjoyment is.
- Remember, young people are involved in football for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.
- Never issue instruction to your child or any of his team during a match.
- Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
- Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
- Do not place an emphasis on winning at all costs.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.
- As a spectator, do not use bad language or harass referees, coaches, or players.
- Do not publicly question the referees’ judgement and never their honesty.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.
- Encourage in your child an appreciation of mutual respect for team-mates and opponents.