California Football Club organises football for youngsters so that they enjoy the game and acquire skills that will enable them to play at a higher level. California Football Club is also committed to ensuring that the players learn how to combine the principles of playing to win, with a sense of fair play.

It is important that everyone who is involved with California Football Club understands and upholds the level of behaviour needed to maintain the above objectives.

For this reason, California Football Club is looking for all players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators to observe the Code of Conduct.

California Football Club is fully committed to the Code of Conduct and advises that failure by anyone to uphold the required standards may result in expulsion from the Club.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches must, therefore, pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, coach or parent.

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.

2. Coaches must place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.

8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.

9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.

10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.

11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Code of Conduct for Players

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important. A Coach should aim to ensure that all players are taught and then apply the following points:

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

2. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

3. Set a positive example for others.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.

5. Not use inappropriate language.

6. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game and the competition rules.

7. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

8. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents.

9. Show due respect towards Match Officials and opponents.

10. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials (Coaches and Assistants)

Obligations towards the Game

The team official should

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

2. Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players and Supporters.

3. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.

4. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

5. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language

Obligations towards the Team

The team official should

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

2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.

3. Promote ethical principles.

4. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters and Match Officials

The team official should

1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters and Match Officials.

2. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.

3. Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.

Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within your club it is important to remember that your positive encouragement will contribute to:

· Children enjoying football.

· A sense of personal achievement.

· Self-esteem.

· Improving the child’s skills and techniques.

· Assisting your child’s Coach in setting good standards.

· A parent’s / spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

· Other players.

· Officials.

· Managers.

· Spectators.

Ensure that you are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.

Parents / Spectators are encouraged to:

· Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.

· Avoid coaching the child during the game.

· Not to shout or scream and be considerate towards other spectators.

· Respect the referee’s decision and take time to learn the Laws of Association Football.

· Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.

· Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.

Parents / Spectators are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct .

Club Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, should follow the procedures below.

1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.

Your report should include:

i. Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.

ii. Any witness statement and names.

iii. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.

iv. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.

v. A preference for a solution to the incident.

2. The Club’s Executive Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

3. The Club’s Executive Committee will have the power to:

i. Warn as to future conduct

ii. Suspend from membership

iii. Remove from membership

Any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.