Woodvale FC Code of Conduct

Standards and expected behaviour of everyone involved with Woodvale FC – administrators, coaches, players, parents and spectators.

Coaches, Players, Parents/ Spectator, Managers Code
1. Preface
At Woodvale FC, we are committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect, tolerance, and quality football
development. It is essential that all members of the club—players, parents, spectators, coaches, and
officials—uphold the highest standards of behaviour both on and off the field. This ensures a positive and
enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
To achieve the best possible development for our players, we emphasize the importance of adhering to the
following principles:
• Respect: Treating all individuals with dignity, regardless of their role or background.
• Tolerance: Embracing diversity and maintaining an open mind towards all participants.
• Quality Football Development: Focusing on continuous improvement, fair play, and skill
development at all levels.
These guidelines are designed to help promote a supportive environment for our players, ensuring that their
development is encouraged in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. By following these principles, we work
together to create the best possible experience for everyone involved in the club.

2. Coaches
Coaches are a vital part of the Woodvale FC community, and as such, it is essential that they uphold the
highest standards of behaviour at all times. As the primary point of contact for both players and parents,
coaches represent the club and must demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. They serve as role
models, guiding and inspiring players both on and off the field.
Coaches have a responsibility to ensure a safe, supportive, and positive environment for all participants. Their
actions should promote the enjoyment and development of players, fostering a sense of respect, inclusivity,
and sportsmanship. By setting the right example, coaches contribute to the overall success and enjoyment of
the club’s activities.
A. At Training
• The coach is a leader on and off the pitch.
• Coaches should always be at training at least 20 minutes before the start of their session and the last
to leave, making sure all equipment is packed away.
• Coaches are to be organised. Plan your training sessions, keep them flowing and add variety. Coaches
are to be actively involved in the training session, including demonstrating technical and tactical
elements. Explanations should be clear, and every player should understand them.
• Coaches will take good care of all Club equipment.
• Coaches will show concern and caution toward sick and injured players and to follow the advice of a
physician to determine when an injured player can recommence training or playing.
• Coaches will not use mobile phones during sessions, unless in cases of emergency and will refrain
from communicating with parents during training sessions as this detracts from the quality of the
session, is disruptive and unprofessional.
• Coaches will display self-respect and respect for players, parents and spectators.
• Coaches will endeavour to provide periodical feedback on player development or general feedback
for the team.
• Coaches are to obtain appropriate qualification and keep up to date with the latest coaching
practices and the principles of growth and development of young people.
B. At the Game
Coaches are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism in all aspects of their behaviour. This
includes respectful and positive interactions with opponents, referees, officials, players, parents, and
spectators. As ambassadors of Woodvale FC, coaches represent the club both on and off the field, and their
conduct should reflect the club’s core values of respect, sportsmanship, and integrity.
• Club apparel shall be worn.
• Coaches should be mindful of their behaviour in public settings, ensuring that their actions do not
negatively impact their personal reputation or that of the club.
• Coaches should identify the technical area on the side of the pitch and invite all the players not on the
pitch to stay in that area during the game. Parents and spectator should not be allowed to stand in the
technical area and keep a respectful distance. (Exception: team managers)
• Coaches should not engage in any conversation with parents or spectator as that may impair their
decisions as well as his/her ability to adequately support the team during the game. (Exception: team
managers)
• Coaches should refrain from engaging in discussions or debates about officials (referees) or
opponents during matches. It is essential that coaches maintain a professional demeanour and focus
on the game. Should any issues arise on the pitch, coaches should always aim to propose peaceful
and respectful resolutions.
In addition to the above, coaches should also adopt behaviours to:
• Remember that players participate for fun and winning is only part of the fun.
• Respect all player’s individuality and help them reach their own full potential.
• Be fair, considerate and honest with all players.
• Be reasonable in your demands on your players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Encourage children to play fairly and within the rules.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants
on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the decisions of officials and teach young people to do the same.
• Focus on children’s effort and performance not the score.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or not winning.
• Never criticise or ridicule any child’s performance after a game.
• Refrain from crude, foul, derogatory, offensive or abusive language.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone involved regardless of gender, ability, cultural
background or religion.

3. Players
Players are a vital part of Woodvale FC, and as such, it is essential that they adhere to the club's Code of
Conduct. By following this Code, players contribute to maintaining a positive, respectful, and enjoyable
environment for everyone involved. Upholding these standards ensures that all players are able to develop to
their full potential, both as athletes and as individuals, while fostering a sense of community within the club.
A. At training
• Players should arrive at training at least 10 minutes before the start of the session. Boots, shin guards
and other appropriate gear should be on and the player ready to start training on time.
• During training, players should strive to be active and motivated, as this will help the whole team to
improve.
• Players must listen to the coach at training and communicate with the coach about all elements of
training and games respectfully.
• If a player is not able to make it to training, the Coach needs to be notified with ample notice.
B. During Matches
• Players are to arrive to games on time, as communicated by the Coach/Manager. If a player cannot
come to the game, the coach should be notified with reasonable notice, with a valid explanation or
reason.
• Players must listen to the coach and avoid engaging in conversation with parent’s/spectator/
opponents and officials during the game.
• Players must behave in the spirit of fair play before, during and after the match.
• Players must show respect toward the opponent, referees, officials, spectators and teammates.
• Players must win and lose graciously.
In addition to the above, players should endeavour to:
• Work hard for themselves and their team.
• Play to the best of their ability.
• Play by the rules.
• Cooperate with team-mates and treat them with courtesy and respect.
• Thank the opposition and referees after the game.
• Never argue with the referee and to respect their decisions.
• Refrain from any form of abuse directed at team-mates, coaches, opponents, referees (Football
West/parent), officials, parents or spectators.
• Refrain from crude, foul, derogatory, offensive or abusive language.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone involved regardless of gender, ability, cultural
background or religion.

4. Parents/Spectators
Parents and spectators play an important role in the Woodvale FC community, and as such, they have a
responsibility to support their child’s football activities in a positive and constructive manner, both on and off
the pitch. It is essential that parents and spectators uphold high standards of behaviour and serve as role
models for children, demonstrating respect and sportsmanship in their interactions with players, coaches,
officials, and fellow parents and spectators.
While supporting their child and their team is natural, it is crucial that this support is expressed in a positive
way. By doing so, parents and spectators help create a safe, enjoyable environment for all participants,
ensuring that everyone involved can enjoy the game and contribute to the overall success of the club.
A. At training and During Matches
• Rude and derogatory comments from the side by parents/spectators will not be tolerated. If this type
of conduct occurs, the ground marshal will intervene and may ask the individual to leave the
premises.
• Parents/spectators are not allowed on the sports field during the match unless invited by the match
official (referee) and coach to do so. They should stand outside of the designated technical area
identified by the coach prior the start of the game.
• At training sessions, parents and spectators are welcome to watch but should do so from a respectful
distance. This allows coaches to focus on the players' development and ensures that the training
environment remains positive and free from distractions.
• Parents/spectators are not to advise the coach on how to do his or her job, equally during matches or
training. Parents/spectators should refrain from “coaching” their child or any other players during
training or the game, as it is distracting for the players on the pitch.
In addition to the above, parents and spectators are expected to
• Remember that young people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
• Encourage players to participate but not force or pressure them.
• Focus on player’s effort and performance not the score.
• Encourage players to play fairly and within the rules.
• Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.
• Never criticise or ridicule any player’s performance after a game.
• Treat all players, coaches, referees (Football West/parents), officials, administrators, parents and
spectators with respect and courtesy.
• Never argue with the referee, respect their decisions and teach players to do the same.
• Refrain from any form of abuse directed at players, coaches, referees, officials, parents or spectators.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone involved regardless of gender, ability, cultural
background or religion.

5. Managers
As a manager at Woodvale FC, you play a critical role in shaping the culture and environment of the team. To
ensure a positive, supportive, and respectful atmosphere, it is essential that managers adhere to the
following:
A. Lead by Example
• Demonstrate high standards of behaviour, integrity, and sportsmanship at all times, both on and off
the field.
• Serve as a role model for players, coaches, parents, and spectators.
B. Respect for All
• Treat all players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with respect, fairness, and dignity.
• Value the contributions of others and promote inclusion within the team.
C. Support Coaches and Officials
• Support the decisions of referees and officials and promote fair play at all times.
• Avoid criticism of referees or officials in public, addressing any concerns through the proper channels.
D. Maintain Professionalism
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner when dealing with all aspects of the sport, including
communication with players, parents, spectators and the committee.
• Ensure that team management and operations are organized, efficient, and well-structured.
E. Encourage Positive Communication
• Maintain open, honest, and constructive communication with players, coaches, and parents.
• Address concerns or issues promptly and appropriately to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony
within the team.
F. Abide by the Club’s Values
• Uphold the core values of the club, including respect, tolerance, sportsmanship, and inclusivity.

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