'The health, safety and
welfare of young people
will remain our first priority'
Lowick Youth Football Club commit to upholding the high standards of ethical behaviour for coaches as set out in the F.A. Coaches Association code of conduct below.
- Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
- Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
- Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by football’s governing bodies.
- Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
- Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
- 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.
- Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other Coaches, officials, sports Scientists, doctors, Physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
- 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.
- Coaches must consistently display high standards or behaviour and appearance.
- Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
What does this mean in practice?
All of the above is easy if we get our priorities straight. If we are coaching young people for the right reasons we will get it right most of the time. Of course there are a variety of right reasons but all of them involve putting the interests of young people ahead of our own. Bad practice is usually a result of adults who are coaching for the wrong reasons, or who mean well but lack knowledge, or both.
Being part of a coaching team is important. Coaches get better when they are learning from each other and importantly, when they are accountable to others. While the Club Welfare Officer has first responsibility we should all feel free to give positive feedback to each other when things are done well and speak up if we have concerns about others actions.
