Every school/association is responsible to the DCSFA Council for the action of its players, officials and spectators. Schools/associations are further required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators threatening or assaulting officials and players during or at the conclusion of matches.
RESPECT
Respect is the FA's response to a clear message from throughout the game that the health of football depends on high standards of behaviour on and off the pitch.
- Respect is a behavioural code for Football
- Respect is about recognising that the integrity of the game is more important than the result of the match
- Respect is about creating an understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in Football
- Respect is about those involved taking responsibility for the consequences of their own actions
- Respect is about supporting match officials to do their job. Without them we don't have a game
- Respect is not a slogan. It is a collective responsibility of those involved in football to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place.
The following Respect Codes of Conduct outline the types of behaviour that will support a fair, safe and enjoyable game in this country. They also identify a range of sanctions which may be taken if these codes are not abided by.
YOUNG PLAYERS
When playing football, I will:
- Always play to the best of my ability and for the benefit of my team
- Play fairly - I won't cheat, dive, complain or waste time
- Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my teacher/coach/manager.
- Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
- Be gracious in victory and defeat - I will shake hands with the other team and referee before or at the end of the game
- Listen and respond to what my teacher/coach/team manager tells me
- Understand that a teacher/coach must do what is best for the team and not one individual player
- Talk to someone I trust or the school/association welfare officer if I'm unhappy about anything within my school/association team.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my school, association or County Schools' FA.
I may:
- Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee, teacher or team manager
- Receive a formal warning from the teacher, school or County Schools' FA
- Be dropped or substituted
- Be suspended from training
In addition:
- My school/association, may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
- The County Schools' FA could prevent my school from participating in schools' competitions
SPECTATORS AND PARENTS/CARERS
- We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game.
- Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators at all times
I will:
- Remember that children play for FUN.
- Applaud effort and good play as well as success.
- Respect the Referee's decisions even when you don't agree with them
- Appreciate good play from whatever team it comes from
- Remain behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators' Area (where provided)
- Let the teachers/coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
- Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
- Support positively. When players make a mistake offer them encouragement not criticism
- Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by the school, association or County Schools' FA.
I may be:
- Issued with a verbal warning from a school, association or county official
- Required to meet with the school, association or county Welfare Officer
- Obliged to undertake an FA education course
- Obliged to leave the match venue by the school, association or county
- Requested by the school, association or county not to attend future games
In addition:
- The County Schools' FA could prevent the school or association from participating in schools' competitions.
TEACHERS, TEAM MANAGERS AND ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS
- We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game.
- Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct at all times.
On and off the field, I will:
- Use my position to set a positive example for the people I am responsible for
- Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, teachers, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
- Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
- Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
- Respect the match official's decision
- Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
- Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
- Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on other participants, facility users or neighbours
- Be gracious in victory and defeat
When working with players, I will:
- Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
- Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
- Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players' ability level, age and maturity
- Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player's best interests
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by the school, association or County Schools' FA.
I may be:
- Required to meet with the school, association or County Schools' FA Welfare Officer
- Suspended by the school, association or County Schools' FA from attending matches
- Suspended by the County Schools' FA
- Required to leave the position
In addition:
- My FA Coaching Licence, if applicable, may be withdrawn
MATCH OFFICIALS
- We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.
- The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game - both on the pitch and on the sidelines.
- Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct of match officials at all time.
I will:
- Be honest and completely impartial at all times
- Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently
- Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner
- Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct
- Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and team officials
- Support my match official colleagues at all times
- Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game
- Communicate with the players and encourage fair play
- Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains
- Prepare physically and mentally for every match
- Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, the following actions may be taken by my County FA or The FA.
I may be:
- Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Official
- Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Committee