AFC Corsham Football Club - Code of Conduct

Introduction

At AFC Corsham, we believe in fostering a respectful, inclusive and positive environment for all our members, whether they are players, coaches, parents or supporters. This Code of Conduct is aligned with the latest FA guidelines and is underpinned by our commitment to diversity, inclusion and fair play. By joining this club members affirm their agreement to adhere to these principles, ensuring that our club remains a welcoming and safe space for everyone.

Players

1. Play for enjoyment and the love of the game. Enjoy your sport.
2. Play by the rules. Never argue with the referee.
3. Be a true sport. Applaud all good play whether by your own team or the opponents and shake hands.
4. Treat others as you wish to be treated; do not criticise, bully or take unfair advantage of any players.
5. Maintain self-control; do not swear. Control your temper and do not gloat over victory or scoring a goal.
6. Show respect and listen to your coach. Try your best at all times during games and in training.
7. Be proud of your football club and take care of the facilities and equipment that are provided.
8. Be courteous to visiting teams and supporters and respect your opposition and their facilities when playing away.
9. Never forget that you are representing your club AFC Corsham.
10. Finally, remember the aim of the game is to have fun. Enjoy it and always keep smiling.

Parents and Guardians

1. Encourage, don't force, your child to participate in football.
2. Remember children are involved in football for their enjoyment, not yours.
3. Encourage your child to play to the Laws of the Game and not to argue with referees & officials.
4. Teach your child that honest effort is more important than victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
5. Turn losing into winning by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake.
6. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and members of the opposition.
7. Do not question the referee’s judgment or honesty. Remember he/she is only human with the same feelings as you and, like you, sometimes may make an honest error.
8. Support all efforts to remove verbal, racial and physical abuse from children’s football.
9. Recognise the value and importance of coaches who are all volunteers. They give their time and resources to provide football to the community and for your child. Be at hand to provide support to them whether responding to communications effectively, setting up pitches before matches or reinforcing decisions made within a team context.
10. Uphold and promote this Code of Conduct at all times.

Coaches and Managers

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including development of performance.
3. Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
4. Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
5. Ensure that the activities advocated are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
6. To at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
7. Always promote the club’s Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone any violations of the Laws of the Game or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
8. Coaches/Managers must consistently display high standards of behaviour and be a role model for players, parents and spectators.
9. Adhere to the guidelines laid out in the Constitution and Rules of The FA..
10. Commit to ongoing education and awareness in safeguarding, diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We at AFC Corsham embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all forms of discrimination are actively opposed. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or ability, has the right to participate in and enjoy football. We are dedicated to ensuring that our club reflects these values in all its activities and interactions.