THE GRASSROOTS CODE FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL

We’re here to enjoy ourselves…win, lose or draw.
To help make football more enjoyable for all I should:
• Remember that football is about enjoyment, not just winning.
• Encourage others and behave well.
• Bring a positive attitude to training and matches.
• Recognise when my team-mates give respect, work together, or try their best.

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We always treat others as we’d like to be treated. To give respect at football I must:
• Always use respectful language and actions.
• Not argue with the referee, coach, and officials, and accept their decisions about football and my behaviour.
• Show fair play by shaking hands with our opponents whether we win, lose or draw.
• Tidy up after myself and take care of the facilities we use.

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We embrace our differences, football is a game for everyone.
To be inclusive at football I must:
• Welcome everyone, whoever they are and whatever their background or ability.
• Involve everyone and always be kind.
• Treat everyone fairly and tell a trusted adult if this doesn’t happen.
• Celebrate everyone’s good play, effort and success.

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We’re a team, on and off the pitch. To help us bond as a team I should:
• Encourage my team-mates if they make a mistake.
• Try my best and help my team, by being positive and supportive.
• Play fairly, without cheating, diving, complaining, or wasting time.
• Accept that I may not be able to play in my favourite position all the time,
or that I may need to take a break to give someone else playing time.
• Recognise that if I’m the Captain, I need to try hard to set a positive example for others to follow.

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We all have a role in safeguarding children. To help keep everyone safe I must:
• Remember football is about making friends, learning new skills and of course,
being active!
• Take responsibility, encourage others, and keep it positive.
• Know that I have a right:
• To feel safe online and offline.
• To have healthy relationships with appropriate boundaries.
• Not to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Not to be bullied, harassed, or intimidated.
• Not to be treated unfairly.

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If this doesn’t sound like your football experience, speak to an adult you trust.

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I understand that my Club, League or County FA may take action, that could include:
• Giving me a verbal warning.
• Inviting me to a meeting to explain my behaviour.
• Warning me about my behaviour.
• Asking that I complete an FA education course.
• Suspending me, meaning I do not take part in games for a period of time.
• Removing my registration, meaning I can’t play for my team again.
• Fining and/or suspending my Club.