Football Code of Conduct

The FAW Code of Conduct and Good Practice sets standards for clubs, coaches, players and parents involved in football. It has been developed to improve standards of good practice and protect the welfare and well-being of all those involved in the game, particularly young players themselves.

PARENTS

• Encourage your child to play by the laws of the game.
• Avoid pressurising players about winning or losing.
• Support and encourage all players, including the opposition.
• Never publicly criticise your child or other players.
• Do not question decisions made by the match officials.

PLAYERS

• Show respect and fair play to your opponents.
• Play within the rules of the game.
• ·Encourage, support and co-operate with your team-mates.
• Respect the officials and accept all decisions without question.

COACHES

• Give all players, whatever their ability, the chance to play.
• Always pursue fair play.
• Accept that striving to win is more important than winning itself.
• Ensure that coaching sessions are fun, well-structured and focus on developing skill, decision-making and understanding of the game.

ADDITIONAL GOOD PRACTICE FOR ALL ADULTS IN FOOTBALL

(Including Match Officials, Medical Staff and Volunteers)

• Be aware of the FAW Welfare Policy and your responsibilities.
• Avoid spending time alone with young players and adults at risk away from others.
• It is not appropriate to have an intimate relationship with a young player or an adult at risk.
• Avoid any horseplay, sexually suggestive comments or language.
• Never ridicule a child or adult at risk or reduce them to tears.
• Never do things of a personal nature for a child or an adult at risk that they can do for themselves.
• Never allow allegations made by a child or a adult at risk to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.

WHO TO CONTACT

If you suspect abuse could be taking place you should contact your nominated Club Safeguarding Officer, or a Safeguarding Officer appointed by the FAW’s Area Association to which your club is registered. If you are unsure who these persons are, or if you wish to speak directly to an expert for advice then contact the NSPCC Helpline.

It is not your responsibility to decide whether abuse is taking place, but it is your responsibility to act if you have any concerns.