NGFDG CODE OF CONDUCT

Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, spectator or parent, have a responsibility above and beyond compliance with the law to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game and the North Glasgow Football Development Group (NGFDG) is, and remains, high.

Fundamental Principles of NGFDG
· Equality
NGFDG is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.
· Trust and Respect
NGFDG will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations irrespective of background.
· Fairness
NGFDG is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game
· Integrity and Fair Play
NGFDG is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES
Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concepts of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a "win-at-all-costs" attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the NGFDG.
1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must not discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability
3. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
4. Coaches must adhere to guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
5. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
6. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
7. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
8. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
9. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. Fair Play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS - SENIOR
Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any costs – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

Obligations towards the game
1. Make every effort to develop your own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if your team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.
5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it.
6. Don’t use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards your own team
1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help your own team win.
2. Resists any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question your commitment to the team winning.
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.
Respect towards Opponents
1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.
2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
Respect towards the Match Officials
1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Respect towards Team Officials
1. Abide by the instructions of the Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.
Obligations towards the Supporters
Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS - JUNIOR
· Always do your best
· Learn and play by the laws of the game
· Avoid all forms of cheating and time-wasting
· Do not question match officials’ decisions
· Be a good sportsman and set a positive example
· Treat all players – team-mates and opponents – with respect
· Treat all Club Officials and spectators of both Clubs with respect
· Be familiar with, and respect, the rules of the NGFDG
· Listen to your managers and Club officials
· Prepare properly
· Enjoy your football!

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM OFFICIALS
This Code applies to all team/club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).
Obligations towards the Game
The team official should:
1. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Promote and develop your own team having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and members of NGFDG.
3. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
5. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
6. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
7. Don’t use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Obligations towards the Team
The team official should:
1. Make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means.
2. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
3. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
4. Promote ethical principles.
5. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, your own club and others.
Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should:
1. Show due respect for the interests of supporters.
Respect towards the Match Officials
The team official should:
1. Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/SPECTATORS
You have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – it’s fun. It is important to remember that your expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards other players, officials and spectators.
You are therefore expected to:
· Deliver and collect your child punctually to and from coaching sessions/matches
· Ensure your child is properly and adequately attired in NGFDG clothing appropriate for the weather conditions of the time
· Advise the coach of any health concerns pertaining to your child prior to coaching sessions
· Inform the coach prior to departure from the field of play if your child is to be collected early from a coaching session
· Encourage your child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best
· Promote your child’s participation in playing football for fun
· Behave responsibly on the sidelines and be realistic
· Accept the official’s judgement
· Acknowledge the importance and role of the club coaches who provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in club football

In return, you have the right to:
· Know your child is safe
· Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child
· Be informed if your child is injured
· Have your consent sought for issues such as trips
· Contribute to decisions within the club
· Complain if you have concerns about the standard of coaching

GENERAL
Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by a NGFDG official. Persistent concerns or breaches may result in the individual regrettably being asked to leave NGFDG.