The FA Charter Standard
Club Programme
Respect Code of
Conduct for coaches,
team managers and
club officials
Football Club
Respect Code of Conduct for coaches,
team managers and club officials
We all have a responsibility to promote
high standards of behaviour in
the game.
In the FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots
participants, behaviour was the biggest
concern in the game. This included the
abuse of match officials and the
unacceptable behaviour of
over-competitive parents, spectators
and coaches on the sideline.
Play your part and observe the Football
Association’s Respect Code of Conduct
in everything you do.
On and off the field, I will:
• Show respect to others involved in
the game including match officials,
opposition players, coaches,
managers, officials and spectators
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of
the game
• Promote Fair Play and high
standards of behaviour
• Always respect the match officials’
decisions
• Never enter the field of play without
the referee’s permission
• Never engage in public criticism of
the match officials
• Never engage in, or tolerate,
offensive, insulting or abusive
language or behaviour.
When working with players, I will:
• Place the well-being, safety and
enjoyment of each player above
everything, including winning
• Explain exactly what I expect of
players and what they can expect
from me
• Ensure all parents/carers of all
players under the age of 18
understand these expectations
• Never engage in or tolerate any
form of bullying
• Develop mutual trust and respect
with every player to build their
self-esteem
• Encourage each player to accept
responsibility for their own
behaviour and performance
• Ensure all activities I organise are
appropriate for the players’ ability
level, age and maturity
• Co-operate fully with others in
football (e.g. officials, doctors,
physiotherapists, welfare officers)
for each player’s best interests.
I understand that if I do not follow the
Code, any/all of the following actions
may be taken by my club, County FA,
league or The FA.
I may be:
• Required to meet with the club,
league or County Welfare Officer
• Required to meet with the club
committee
• Monitored by another club coach
The FA Charter Standard
Club Programme
Respect Code of
Conduct for coaches,
team managers and
club officials
• Required to attend a FA education
course
• Suspended by the club from
attending matches
• Suspended or fined by the
County FA
• FACA membership withdrawn
• Required to leave or be sacked by
the club.
In addition:
• My FACA (FA Coaches Association)
membership may be withdrawn.