Code of conduct

Players and Supporters Code of Conduct

Dundee East Football Club operates the following Players & Supporters Code of Conduct. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

Players and supporters must comply with the Code of Conduct. Those who are proven to be operating outwith the code will be liable for action to be taken against them by the Club. 

The actions that the club may take include; requests to make an apology, formal warning from coach or club committee, dropped or substituted, suspended from training/playing or required to leave the club.

 Players must…….

• Act in a responsible manner and treat all players and coaches equally and with dignity and respect when representing Dundee East Football Club.
• Play by the rules – the rules of your club and the laws of the game.
• Never argue with a referee or other official – without these people you can’t play football. 
• Control your temper - verbal abuse of officials and abusing other players doesn’t help you enjoy or win any games.
• Be a team player – It’s a team game, treat it that way.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated – fairly.
• Shake hands/applaud with the other team and referee at the end of the game.
• Co-operate with your coach, the referees and team-mates.
• Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your coach, team-mates and family if you do.
• Wear suitable kit for training and games. Shin guards are required for all football sessions.
• Prepare for training and matches as stated by your coach. (e.g. clean boots, appropriate footwear for the playing surface, drinks, etc.) and keep to agreed timings. 
• Make your coach aware of when you are training / playing with your school or other team.
• Take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do. Correctly use all equipment provided by the club. Do not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare. 
• Always work hard and do your best. Play for your enjoyment and try to improve your skills.
• Listen and respond to what your coach/manager says.
• Talk to someone you trust or the club protection officer if you are unhappy or have concerns.
• Respect your body. No smoking, alcohol or drugs are permitted (excluding essential medication).

Parents and Supporters must…….

• Remember that you are there for the participants to enjoy the game.
• Encourage participation but don’t force it.
• Never coach any player during the game or confuse the players by telling them what to do.
• Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding good performances, not just winning or results.
• Never ridicule mistakes or losses – supporters are there to support not downgrade.
• Lead by example and respect all players, coaches, referees and spectators – physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
• Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior to the best of their ability.
• Recognise all volunteers who are giving up their valuable time.
• Never publicly criticise referees – raise personal concerns with club officials in private.
• Openly accept judgements of coaches and committee members. The team manager, coaches and club officials must be respected at all times, and actions contrary to this will not be tolerated.
• Ensure affiliation fees are paid promptly as advised by team manager/coach.
• Don’t use ugly remarks based on race, religion, gender or ability – you’ll let down your family and yourself if you do – & many such comments are actually now illegal.
• Discuss any concerns with the manager, coach or committee member at earliest opportunity.

By registering our/my child with Dundee East ootball Club we agree to abide by these principles. I/we support the Club in its undertakings and encourage the Club to take any necessary disciplinary actions where warranted of any players, parents and or spectators for repeated or serious breaches of these Codes of Conduct.

Coaches Code of Conduct

Dundee East Football Club operates the following Coaches Code of Conduct. Coaches must comply with the Charter and respect the position of representing the Club. 

Coaches who are proven to be operating outwith the charter will be liable for disciplinary action to be taken against them by the Club. 

Coaches must…….

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat everyone equally within the context of the sport.
• Prohibit any use of camcorders and cameras unless parental consent is provided.
• Place the well-being and safety of the performer above the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with players based on mutual trust and respect. Coaches must not exert any undue influence to gain any personal benefit or reward.
• Encourage and guide athletes to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Always promote the positive aspect of their sport (e.g. respect, effort and sportsmanship) and never condone rule violations.
• Ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, ability and experience of the individual.
• Endeavour to obtain up to date and nationally recognised governing body coaching qualifications.
• At the beginning clarify with athletes exactly what is expected of them and what athletes are entitled to expect of their coach.
• Respect athletes’ right to their own personal development, independence and self-determination.
• Follow an open door policy in changing rooms and showers
• Must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Should be aware of how to deal with and report the disclosure or suspicion of abuse or wellbeing concerns.
• Immediately report incidents of inappropriate language, behaviour or abuse by another coach.
• Have current membership list / register available at all activities.
• Know where the first aid box is

Coaches must not………………….

• Allow parents access to changing areas where appropriate
• Use, encourage or allow inappropriate language or behaviour or abuse
• Participate in one to one coaching other than during normal coaching sessions and always in the presence of other coaches and athletes
• Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form
• Not make sexually suggestive comments about or to a child, even in fun
• Not refer to a child's ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or sexuality in a way that is derogatory
• Not allow children or other coaches to use inappropriate language 
• Not do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves
• Attempt to treat injuries unless qualified to do so.
• Meet children away from the Club environment or a meeting place without a parent or other adult being present. 
• Not smoke or allow smoking on club facilities or during any club activities
• No alcohol or drugs of any kind may be consumed during club activities that involve children under the age of 18 (excludes any essential medication required). This also includes the period immediately prior to such activities, where it is reasonably expected the effects of alcohol or drugs may still be apparent.