Code of Conduct 
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Introduction
Mandatory
Rules
Players Code
of Conduct
Coaches Code
of Conduct
Parents
and Spectators Code of Conduct
Carlingford
Uniting Soccer Club operates under the patronage of the Carlingford Uniting
Church within the membership of the NSW Churches Football Association (NSWCFA)
whose motto is “For God and Sport".
The aim of the Club is to promote the game of soccer and provide a safe
Christian environment in which the game can be learned and enjoyed. Team
Coaches focus on the development of both individual and team skills by providing
positive encouragement and guidance within a wholesome sportsmanlike
environment. Enjoying the game of soccer is seen as the most important
priority for the Club Teams.
The following Code of Conduct has been established to set a framework of behaviour expected of players, Coaches and spectators representing Carlingford Uniting Soccer Club. Failure to comply with the standards set out in this document may lead to the forfeiture of the right to represent the Club.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not to be brought
to or consumed at any ground by Club officials, players or their spectators.
Personnel breaching this rule will be banned from the Club and the
Association.
Language and Behaviour
The
use of foul, offensive, blasphemous or insulting language, or the involvement in
racist, sexist or harassing behaviour at any ground, venue or function is
strictly prohibited under the Club and Association rules.
Players and spectators who breach these rules may be cited by the Referee
or Club Official and be required to appear before the relevant Committee of the
Club or Association. Repeat
offenders will be banned from playing or attending games.
Referees
In
line with the spirit of good sportsmanship, Referees must be treated with
respect at all times. Their
decisions are final and should not to be argued with by players, Coaches or
spectators. Referees may cite people, teams or clubs before or after a game,
including non-players. They are instructed by the Association not to show the
card after the match has commenced and not to give their name. If you have
concerns or complaints about a Referee, these concerns should be put in writing
to the Club Secretary. All discussion between the Club and the Association is
strictly on a Secretary to Secretary basis only.
Team players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship
and behaviour at all times to players, Referees, Coaches and spectators of both
teams. The Club has a proud tradition of good sportsmanship both in victory and
defeat, with the following points providing sound guidance in this regard:.
·
The
Coach will determine your position on the field and when you are to be
substituted. Remember that he/she
has your and your team’s best interests at heart in making these decisions.
The Coach is authorised to remove players from the field should their behaviour
fall below the acceptable standard or bring the Club into disrepute – you must
respect such decisions.
·
Play
soccer for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or Coach. Remember
that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
·
Play to
the rules of the game.
·
Work
equally hard for yourself and for your team - your team's performance will
benefit and so will your own.
·
Be a good
sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent.
·
Treat all
players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or
take unfair advantage of any player.
·
Co-operate
with your Coach, team-mates, Referee and opponents, for without them you don't
have a game.
·
Control
your temper. Never use foul, offensive, blasphemous or insulting
language or behave in a racist or sexist or harassing manner. Players who behave in
this manner can expect to be cited by the referee, removed from the field and will face subsequent match
suspension.
·
Never
argue with the Referee's decisions. His decision is final and must be respected
whether you agree with it or not.
·
Any
player sent off the field by any person Refereeing may not play again until he
has served any penalty imposed by this Club or the Association.
·
Thank the
opposition players at the end of each game with a hearty cheer and by shaking
hands whether you win or lose. Remember
that good manners and sportsmanship make the game more enjoyable.
· Remember that playing soccer for enjoyment is much more important than winning. Accepting defeat by a better team on the day with dignity shows great maturity and sportsmanship. Treat a defeat as an opportunity to improve your skills - there will always be another opportunity to win a game.
The
Coach should set the standard for acceptable behaviour for both the players and
spectators. A Coaches positive
attitude and behaviour toward his/her team, the opposing team and the Referee
creates a sportsmanlike environment under which soccer can be played and
enjoyed. Team Coaches are appointed by the Club and are charged with the following
responsibilities and delegations:
·
The Coach
has the sole responsibility for Coaching and training the team, but may be
assisted by others, including an assistant Coach and Manager.
·
The Coach
shall choose the players and their positions for every match endeavouring that,
as far as possible, each player receives an equal number of games during the
season, except for sickness, holidays or disciplinary reasons.
·
The Coach
should ensure that every player is to get a minimum of half a game each game. At
the end of the season all players should have had an approximately equal amount
of playing time for the season, subject to absences and discipline, including
knockouts and competition games.
·
The Coach
should insist on fair play and not tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour, fighting
or foul language by any player. The Coach is authorised to remove any player
from the field whose behaviour is considered unacceptable or may bring the Club
or Association into disrepute.
·
The Coach
(assisted by the Team Manager) is responsible for managing the sidelines
including his/her team players, spectators and equipment.
Coaches/Managers should be prepared to counsel team spectators whose
behaviour is unacceptable or unsportsmanlike, and assist the Referee in
maintaining good order.
·
The Coach
is not permitted to argue or express dissent with the Referee either verbally or
by action, and is responsible for ensuring that both players and spectators
honour this rule. Coaches may not
enter the field of play unless signalled to do so by the Referee.
·
Coaches
should recognise and reward achievements by all players not just those scoring
goals. They should be generous with praise when it is deserved and ensure that
efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are acknowledged.
· Coaches should be selective in the instructions given from the sideline and let the players play. Coaches must ensure that they never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a game.
Parents
and Spectators Code of Conduct
Parents and spectators are very positive influences on
the game of soccer and are encouraged to attend as many games as possible to
support their Teams. Your hearty cheers of support from the sideline will
inspire the players to perform well, and greatly enhance the enjoyment of the
game for all.
Being
a Club Team spectator carries with it the responsibility of behaving in a manner
appropriate to the Club and Association. The following points provide guidance to parents and
spectators in this regard:
·
Spectators
must not be disrespectful to Referees, other spectators, players or Coaches nor
should they disrupt the game. Referees
may cite a team whose spectators behave inappropriately, and are within their
rights to ask offending spectators to leave the ground.
·
Spectators
should exhibit good sportsmanship and provide encouragement to players, Referees
and Coaches of both teams. Simply stated, if you haven't got something nice to
say, don't say it. Remember that
people play soccer for their own enjoyment – they are not there to entertain
you. Do not let your behaviour detract from their enjoyment.
·
The best
example that spectators can set is to generously applaud skilled performances
and play by both Teams. The Club
has a proud tradition of good sportsmanship both on and off the field which will
continue to be enhanced by the support of Team spectators.
For the Parents of the Younger Players
·
Recognise
the value and importance of volunteer Coaches and Referees. They give their time
and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
·
Teach
your child that an honest effort, skilled performance and team loyalty is as
important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue
disappointment. Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards
skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
· Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Remember, your child learns best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team as youngsters thrive on the support, praise and respect of adults.