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At 5Ways Soccer, Brighton and Withdean Youth we fully support the FA’s Respect Campaign. If you have spent any time watching your child play in Sunday league matches you will see plenty of familiar scenes played out on the FA videos.  At 5Ways Soccer and Withdean Youth FC, we expect the Respect Code of Conduct to be followed by Coaches, Spectators and Players when they participate in any of the football related events we are involved in.

Respect Handshake Academy Select

Why football needs Respect

The FA is responding to a plea from grassroots football to tackle unacceptable behavior in football. Respect aims to tackle the mass drop-out of referees from football due to abuse. Thousands of referees dropped out of the game last season which has led to the number of match officials hitting its lowest ever level.  Respect also aims to bring the fun back to football for young players. Parents and coaches pushing too hard and pressurising impressionable children for three points is having a negative impact on their development and enjoyment of the game. Statistics show that:

• 98% of referees have been verbally abused and 27% have been physically abused.
• One in three grassroots matches is now played without a qualified match official.
• A huge number of grassroots matches get abandoned due to unacceptable behaviour from players and/or spectators.
• Parents and coaches want role models in the elite game to provide a positive example for young players.
• The No.2 priority from grassroots football is tackling the ‘pushy parent’ placing too much pressure on their child and their child’s team from the sidelines.

Respect Code of Conduct For Youth Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why we are asking every player involved in any our football activities at 5Ways Soccer, Brighton or Withdean Youth to follow the FA Respect Code of Conduct.

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When playing football, I will:

• Always play to the best of my ability
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager
• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me
• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA. I may:

• Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
• Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
• Be dropped or substituted
• Be suspended from training
• Be required to leave the club.

In addition:
• My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.

Respect DAD

Respect Code of Conduct for Spectators, Parents and Carers

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. 5Ways Soccer is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment. We strongly believe that it is the role of all parents, carers and supporters present at any of our events to help facilitate this.

Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything.

Parents, Supporters and Carers must play their part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times whilst in attendance at Hawks Youth Matches, Saturday Soccer School and 5Ways Academy sessions and all other 5Ways soccer related events.

Parents, Carers and Supporters must…
• Remember that children play for FUN
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions
• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
• Let the coach 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
• Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In the FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline.

Play your part and observe the FA’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do.
When taking part in club events on and off the field, I will:
• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
• Always respect the match official’s decision
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.

When involved in coaching children, I will:
• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
• Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
• 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.

To download the full FA Respect Guide – please click HERE