EFL Code of Conduct

Forest Hill Football Club fully supports the EFL Code of Conduct. Our aim is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to play football. In doing so it is important that we respect our team mates, coaches, opponents and the umpires.

EFL PLAYERS:

• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, discuss the matter with your coach.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, or provoking an opponent is not acceptable.
• Work equally hard for yourself and/or for your team. Your team's performance will benefit so will you.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Play for the "fun of it" and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Avoid using derogatory language.

 

EFL COACHES:

• Be reasonable in your demands on players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Avoid over-playing the talented players, the "just average" players need and deserve equal time.
• Remember that players participate for fun and enjoyment.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
• Take into consideration the maturity level of the players, when scheduling and determining the length of practice times and competition.
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.
• Keep yourself informed of the sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of players.
• Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well basic skills.
• Ensure that skill learning and appropriate sports behaviour have priority over highly structured competitions for young players.
• Help players understand the responsibilities and implications of their freedom to choose between fair and unfair play.

 

 ADMINISTRATORS/OFFICIALS:

• Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in.
• Sports are made available to all players, regardless of ability, size, shape, sex (for females under 14), age, disability or ethnic origin.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating players.
• Ensure that adequate supervision is provided by qualified and competent coaches and officials capable of developing appropriate sports behaviour and skill technique.
• Remember that players participate for enjoyment and play down the importance of rewards.
• Provide clinics aimed at improving the standards of coaching and officiating, with an emphasis on appropriate behaviour and skill technique.
• Ensure that parents, coaches, sponsors, physicians and participants understand their responsibilities regarding fair play.
• Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of players and their needs.
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.
• Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.
• Ensure that your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sporting behaviour.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of players.

 

PARENTS/SPECTATORS:

• Encourage players to participate, if they are interested.
• Encourage players to always participate according to the rules.
• Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or losing the game.
• Remember that players learn best from example. Applaud good plays by all teams.
• If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official's judgment and honesty in public.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches.
• Remember that children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment to spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials' decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing other players, coaches or officials.