Players’ Respect Charter

·        Always do my best, even if we're losing or the other team is stronger

·        Play fairly - I won't cheat, complain or waste time

·        Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee, spectators or my coach/team manager

·        Do what the referee tells me

·        Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game

·        Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says

·        Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents, team manager or the Association’s  Welfare Officer (AWO) if I'm unhappy about anything at all.

Situations which would incur disciplinary action include persistent or serious foul play or the use of inappropriate actions and / or language / disrespect towards own team mates, opposition players, match officials, team officials or spectators.

Procedures

1. Player is withdrawn from the game either temporarily or permanently
2. Informal discussion with player regarding the situation
3. Meeting with player / parents
4. Fixed term suspension from matches / training / other squad activities
5. Permanent removal from squad (school and other relevant bodies to be notified)

While most offences in schools’ football are dealt with by initially removing the player from the field (see above), there may be occasions where a formal caution or sending off is administered. In this case, the player will be liable to any sanctions imposed by the GFA.

Players (in non-match situations)

Players who display poor behaviour off the field, whether it be on training or match days, trips or tours, will face the sanctions 2-5 as described above.

Parents or Other Adults

·        The example that parents and other adults set to young players is crucial. In line with the FA’s ‘respect campaign’, spectators will :

·        Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided)

·        Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

·        Always respect the match officials' decisions – even if you think otherwise

·        Appreciate effort and good play as well as success

·        Remember that children play for FUN

·        Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do

·        Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials

·        Never criticise a player for making a mistake -mistakes are part of learning

Should parents / spectators not adhere to the above guidelines, the procedure will be:

1.   Informal discussion with the person / people regarding the situation

2. Meeting with Disciplinary Committee members and the person / people involved
3. Fixed term suspension from matches / training sessions / other squad activities
4. Permanent suspension from matches / training sessions / other squad activities
5. Should parents / relatives fail to comply at any point with the above, the child will be removed temporarily or permanently from the squad