EDGE FA FOOTBALL ACADEMY
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
POLICY STATEMENT
Edge FA Football Academy is committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive and enjoyable environment where every player can develop both on and off the pitch. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards expected of all players representing the Academy and supports the FA Respect programme.
OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPECT
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in football.
AS A PLAYER, I WILL:
Always play to the best of my ability.
Play fairly and honestly. I will not cheat, deliberately waste time or show unsporting behaviour.
Respect all players, coaches, opponents, match officials, volunteers and spectators.
Play by the Laws of the Game and accept the referee’s decisions respectfully.
Listen to and respond positively to coaching instructions.
Support, encourage and help my teammates.
Attend training sessions and matches punctually.
Wear appropriate training and matchday equipment.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
Take responsibility for my actions and behaviour.
Represent Edge FA Football Academy positively both on and off the pitch.
Follow all Academy safeguarding, welfare and online safety procedures.
Shake hands with opponents and match officials after fixtures where appropriate.
Speak to a trusted adult, coach or the Club Welfare Officer if I am worried, unhappy or concerned about anything.
AS A PLAYER, I WILL NOT:
Use abusive, offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate language.
Bully, intimidate, exclude or harass others.
Engage in violent, aggressive or dangerous behaviour.
Damage Academy, venue or third-party property.
Show disrespect towards coaches, officials, teammates, opponents or spectators.
Post inappropriate content relating to the Academy on social media or online platforms.
Engage in behaviour that brings Edge FA Football Academy or the game into disrepute.
MATCHDAY EXPECTATIONS
Play fairly and respectfully.
Accept match officials’ decisions positively.
Show respect towards opponents before, during and after fixtures.
Display excellent behaviour on the touchline and playing area.
Represent the values of Edge FA Football Academy at all times.
TRAINING EXPECTATIONS
Arrive prepared and ready to learn.
Demonstrate effort, commitment and a positive attitude.
Participate fully in all activities.
Respect facilities, equipment and fellow participants.
Contribute to a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
ONLINE BEHAVIOUR
Players must behave responsibly online and follow the Edge FA Online Safety Policy. Cyberbullying, abusive messaging, inappropriate content, discriminatory behaviour or any online conduct that harms others will not be tolerated.
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Players should report any safeguarding, welfare, bullying or wellbeing concerns to a coach, parent/carer, Club Welfare Officer or trusted adult as soon as possible.
BREACHES OF THIS CODE
I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, the Academy may take one or more of the following actions:
Informal discussion and guidance.
Verbal warning.
Formal written warning.
Be required to apologise to teammates, opponents, coaches or match officials.
Parent or carer meeting.
Temporary removal from training activities.
Be substituted or withdrawn from a fixture.
Suspension from training sessions or matches.
Temporary restriction from Academy activities.
Removal from the Academy in serious or repeated cases.
IN ADDITION
Parents or carers may be informed of any breaches of this Code of Conduct.
Serious misconduct may be referred to the relevant County FA or The Football Association where appropriate.
The County FA or The FA may impose additional sanctions in accordance with their disciplinary procedures.
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EDGE FA VALUES
Developing Players. Building Futures.
Respect | Inclusion | Excellence | Integrity
Safeguarding Children is Everyone’s Responsibility.
