NTFC Code of Conduct

Introduction

All those involved with the game at every level have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in football under the banner of The Football Association.

Consequences of breaching the code

Any breach should be reported to the Welfare Officer as soon as possible, or in her or his absence the Chair, Secretary or other board member. You can do this by telephone, post or email.

Other than where employment or contractual issues are concerned, which will always take precedence, and are governed by the employment law rights of the individual or contractual terms between the parties, any breach of these code of conduct will result in the following:

1. The Welfare Officer will investigate the alleged breach with reference to any other relevant policies and report to the board.

2. The board will decide on appropriate measures to be taken. These may include a formal warning, temporary or permanent expulsion of membership, being asked to leave the club or being made unavailable for selection.

MANAGERS/COACHES

A manager/coach should

* Respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

* Place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

* Adhere to all rules, laws and guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

* Develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

* Not exert undue influence on others to obtain personal benefit or reward.

* Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

* Ensure that the activities they direct, or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of players.

* At the outset, clarify with players exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from their coach/manager.

* Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. doctors, physios and sports scientists) in the best interests of a player.

* Always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play).

* Never verbally abuse a player, coach, official or spectator based on their appearance, race, religion, gender, sexuality, age, or disability.

* Show due respect towards match officials and accept their decisions without protest.

* Never condone violations of the laws of the game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of laws of the game or relevant rules and regulations, or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

* Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.

* Not accept rewards, either financial or in kind, other than from the club.

* Not use or tolerate inappropriate language or unreasonably aggressive behaviour.

* Maintain the playing budget within the limit approved by the board of directors.

* Not negotiate or agree any expenditure outside of the playing budget without the prior approval of the board of directors.

PLAYERS

A player should:

* Make every effort to strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has been achieved.

* Make every effort to develop their own abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

* Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

* Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

* Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game, including others involved in the game.

* Not use inappropriate language.

* Make every effort consistent with fair play and the laws of the game to help their own team win.

* Demonstrate fair play at all times and follow the laws and regulations of the game.

* Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question their commitment to the team winning.

* Know and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game, along with competition rules.

* Accept success and failure, victory and defeat equally.

* Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

* Treat opponents with due respect at all times, no matter what the score in a game.

* Safeguard the physical fitness and welfare of opponents, avoid violence and undue aggression, and help injured opponents.

* Show due respect towards match officials.

* Accept any decision of a match official without protest and avoid misleading a match official.

* Abide by the instructions of their coach and team officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code of Conduct.

* Show due respect to the team officials of the opposition.

* Show due respect to the interests of both sets of supporters.

TEAM OFFICIALS

Team officials (including volunteers) should:

* Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

* Promote and develop their team having regard to the interests of the players and supporters.

* Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so.

* Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

* Show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game, accepting the decisions of match officials without protest.

* Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game, including others involved in the game.

* Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means.

* Give reasonable priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.

* Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.

* Never verbally abuse a player, coach, official or spectator based on their appearance, race, religion, gender, sexuality, age or disability.

* Promote ethical principles.

* Show due respect for the interests of players, coaches, officials and supporters, including those of the opposition.

SPECTATORS

Spectators should:

* Show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game.

* Not verbally abuse match officials.

* Encourage and show positivity towards all players.

* Not applaud or cheer foul play.

* Show respect for the opposition team, its officials and supporters, no matter what the score or situation in any particular game.

* Never verbally abuse a player, coach, official or spectator based on their appearance, race, religion, gender, sexuality, age, or disability.

* Not engage in racist, sexist or homophobic chanting.

* Not use inappropriate language or engage in aggressive behaviour.

* Never encroach on, or throw any items onto the pitch or its surrounds.

* Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game, including others involved in the game.

VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS’ CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERS

Volunteers and Supporters’ Co-operative Members should:

* Abide by the rules of membership where they are members.

* Show respect to other members and volunteers and their opinions.

* Do not verbally abuse or intimidate other members and volunteers.

* Encourage and welcome new members and volunteers.

* Never verbally abuse anyone based on their appearance, race, religion, gender, sexuality, age, or disability.