General Code of Conduct

Appleton Boys AFC insists that all officials, players, parents and spectators agree with and adhere to the following code of conduct:

• Never argue with a referee or any linesmen or spectator
• Never molest match officials
• Never blame the referee for your mistakes or inability
• Never lose your temper or self control
• Never take the law into your own hands by retaliation
• Never cheat
• Never get involved in matters that do not concern you
• Never attempt to get opponents into trouble
• Never copy bad habits of others
• Never fail to respect the authority of referees

Failure to control your emotions can result in the referee reporting the incident to the Warrington & District Junior Football League (W&DJFL) and further action may be taken by Cheshire County Football Association (CCFA). Substantial fines can be imposed and the club banned from playing all football at all ages until the fine is paid.

Player Discipline and Behaviour - Team Players

• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
• Any player whose conduct falls short of the required standard of good sportsmanship and fair play at all times will be withdrawn from the match or training session whatever the circumstances and will be subject to further disciplinary action to be determined by his manager. Swearing, Spitting or Fighting will not be tolerated at any time.
• Players must accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
• Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
• Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
• If a player is cautioned during a match then the player shall:-

1. reimburse the Club the amount of the fine imposed by W&DJFL or CCFA,
2. be suspended for a minimum of 1 subsequent match actually played, or as the Manager deems fit,
3. be suspended for a minimum of 2 subsequent matches actually played in the event of a second caution, increasing proportionally should subsequent offences occur.

• If a player is sent off during a match then the player shall:-

1. reimburse the Club the amount of the fine imposed by W&DJFL or CCFA,
2. be suspended for up to four subsequent matches actually played, the exact number to be determined by a panel of 3 committee members convened by the Club Secretary having been notified by the player's team manager of the offence.

• In the event of a further sending off the same procedure shall be followed and the period of suspension determined shall include the previous suspension served. A subsequent caution shall result in a suspension of one match plus the previous suspension served.
• A player may appeal against the suspension in writing to the Club Secretary who shall convene a panel of the Club Committee whose decision will be final.
• All players must be up to date with their weekly membership payments. No player will be allowed to participate in either training or matches unless he has paid all monies due to the club.
• All players must wear appropriate soccer strip at all training sessions i.e., Shirt, Shorts, Socks, Shin pads, Boots or Trainers (depending on surface). The Club will provide Kit for matches.
• Any player unable to attend training or a match must notify his team manager as soon as possible. Parents are responsible for ensuring that players safely arrive at, and return from, training and matches
• Any player injured during any coaching session or match must report the incident to the team manager no matter how slight the injury.

Parent / Carer / Spectator Code of Conduct - Discipline and Behaviour

• Parents / carers / spectators are expected to agree with and adhere to the club's Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
• Support your child and their team-mates by offering praise whenever possible.
• Give encouragement to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
• Respect the decisions of the referee, keep any criticisms out of earshot.
• Do not go onto the pitch unless requested. Foul and abusive language will not be tolerated.
• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Do not shout and scream.
• Failure to observe these rules may result in your child's membership being terminated.
• If a parent is cautioned or sent off during a match or reported to the Management Committee then the parent shall:

1. Reimburse the Club the amount of the fine imposed by W&DJFL and/or CCFA,
2. Be subject to a disciplinary hearing of a panel of at least 3 committee members convened by the Club Secretary having been notified by the team manager of the offence.
   A parent may appeal against decision of the panel in writing to the Club Secretary who shall convene an Appeal panel whose decision will be final.

• The FA soccer parenting qualification is available to all parents. It is recommended by Appleton Boys AFC that all parents complete this online at theFA.com. Please follow this link.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

• Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
• Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
• Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
• Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
• Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
• 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.
• Coaches must cooperate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
• 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.
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Neither team managers or coaches shall:

• Allow themselves to be in a single adult/child situation that could conceivably lead to an allegation of improper behaviour
• Appoint other helpers in contact with the children without consultation with the Committee
• Other than for routine matters, hold meetings with parents without proper notice to the committee.

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This Code applies to all team / club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

Obligations towards the Game

• Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
• Promote and develop his own team having regard to the interest of the Players, Supporters and reputation of the national game.
• Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
• Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
• 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.
• Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations towards the Team

The team official should

• 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.
• Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
• Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
• Promote ethical principles.
• Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

Obligations towards the Supporters

The team official should

• Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect towards the Match Officials

A team official should

• Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
• Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
• Show due respect towards Match Officials

Appleton Boys AFC Anti Discrimination Policy

Appleton Boys Amateur Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

Equality of opportunity at Appleton Boys Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.This includes:

• The advertisement for volunteers.
• The selection of candidates for volunteers.
• Courses.
• External coaching and education activities and awards.
• Football development activities.
• Selection for teams.
• Appointments to honorary positions.

Appleton Boys Amateur Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

Appleton Boys Amateur Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy - General

Appleton Boys Amateur Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:

• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.
• Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
• Victimisation of an individual.
• Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.
• Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Club's recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

Appleton Boys AFC commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.

Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Club's policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

The Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Appleton Boys AFC 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. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.

Your report should include:

• Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.
• Any witness statement and names.
• Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
• Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
• A preference for a solution to the incident.

The Club's Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

The Club's Management Committee will have the power to:

• Warn as to future conduct
• Suspend from membership
• Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Club's Policies or Codes of Conduct

Child Protection Policy

(a) The FA Child Protection Policy Statement as adopted by Appleton Boys AFC 

• Every child or young person, defined, as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse.
• This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.
• The Football Association recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that those clubs and organisations providing football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care. (Appendix 1 Football Association Regulation)
• These procedures apply to anyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. For example, volunteers in clubs, referees, and club officials, helpers on club tours, football coaches and medical staff.
• The football association will consider, having taken advice, whether anyone who has a previous criminal conviction or caution for offences related to the abuse of children or young people, violence or any sexual offences should be excluded from working with children and young people. This position is re-enforced by UK legislation and guidance.

The FA Child Protection Policy

(b) Club Objectives 

Are to:

• Promote the awareness of club officials, parents and supporters towards the protection of the children involved from any actual or possible abuse
• Comply with rules set down by the League and the Football Association
• Promote best practice and encouragement at all times
• Put the safety and needs of the children first

(c) Club Policy 

• To promote the appropriate training methods to the relevant age group.
• To ensure all equipment complies with all safety standards.
• To promote positive and ethical behaviour from Club Officials, Parents and Supporters.
• To give the same protection and respect to all children no matter whether a club member or not.
• To encourage all Club Officials, Parents and Supporters to be positive at all times when being critical of children’s performance.
• To recognise the need to confront and eliminate any form of abuse, be it Verbal, Physical, Emotional or Neglect.
• To record and act upon any reports of actual or potential Child Protection issues.
• To take all-reasonable steps to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children.

(d) Adherence

• All club officials shall agree to abide by and adhere to the Child Protection Policy as specified by the FA and applied within the Rules and Constitution of the Club.