A Code of Conduct for Los Campos FC -  Our Values

Everyone involved in Los Campos Football club, whether as a player, parent/carer, coach, administrator or club official, has a responsibility to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in the club.

Equality - The club is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Young People - The club acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example, and is committed to provide a fun environment for their development

Trust and Respect - The club will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence - The club rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness - The club is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play - Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Community - The club is based in the local community; a wonderfully dynamic part of East London which the club embraces promoting inclusivity and diversity at all times.

 

Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers/ Spectators

Parents/Carers/Spectators 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 however good a child becomes at football within your club it is important to reinforce the message to parents/carers/spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

  • Children enjoying football.

  • A sense of personal achievement.

  • Self-esteem.

  • Improving the child's skills and techniques.

A parent's/carer’s/spectator's expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

  • Other players.

  • Officials.

  • Managers.

  • Spectators.

Ensure that parents/carers/spectators within our club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own.

Parents and spectators should:

  • Applaud the opposition as well as the Club’s team

  • Avoid coaching any child during the game

  • Show respect towards the match officials and their decisions

  • Show respect towards the opposition

  • Show respect towards the Club’s coaches and players

  • Not enter the field of play except in an emergency

If, as a result of the conduct or behaviour of any parent/carer or spectator, action is taken against the Club or any of its officials or representatives, the parent or spectator in question will be responsible for any fine, penalty or other liability or cost incurred.

 

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches’ attitudes directly affect 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 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 club, school, coach or parent. Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching:

  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 place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.

  3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.

  4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.

  5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.

  6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

  7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players, including on match days

  8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach, in terms of developmental support, and matches.

  9. Coaches should always be on time at matches and coaching sessions themselves, and provide clear guidance to players and parents that the same is expected from them.

  10. On the rare occasions that coaches are unable to attend training or matches, at least one weeks notice must be given to the Head Coach, unless there are emergency circumstances. The coach must make every effort to provide cover for their absence.

  11. Coaches must co-operate fully with others both in the club and outside (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player, especially where medical conditions are concerned.

  12. 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.

  13. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance, wearing Club kit / uniform on all occasions, as specified by the club, for example T-Shirts, Jackets or Track Suit tops

  14. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

  15. Coaches ultimately still have the discretion to make the right decision for what is best for the team and individuals, but ultimately have a duty of care to every individual player in their team. Parents should always be consulted by the coach if there are any concerns relating to the player’s welfare. Coaches should always consult and report such cases to Head Coach.

  16. Coaches should only ever play registered players (with Los Campos and the FAO, and never knowingly, play players from older ages groups in matches.

  17. Coaches should always complete Team Sheets for matches, and have these available on their mobile phone, and share them on the coaches groups

  18. Coaches should always maintain accurate information on Heja or whichever tool is being used to manage attendance confirmation from all players.

 

Code of Conduct for Players

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 cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important. This Code focuses on players involved in youth football intended to be played at the highest level.

The key concepts in this Code are valid for players at all levels. 

In their obligations towards the game,and their own team, a player should

  1. Make every effort to develop their 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

  3. Set a positive example for others

  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, including others involved in the game.

  6. Not use inappropriate language. 

  7. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

  8. Confirm via Heja or the tool being used at the time, 24 hours before sessions. 

In Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules, a player should

  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.

In Respect towards Opponents, a player should

  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.

In Respect towards the Match Officials, a player should

  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

Furthermore, a player should

  1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

  2. Show due respect towards the opposition and their supporters

  3. Players must wear Los Campos Kit -No variations from kit given. If lost, club can sell kit.

  4. Maintain an acceptable attendance record at training. Failure to attend training on a regular basis or in the week of a match, will result in the player not being selected for matches.

  5. In respect of the time of the coaches and team mates, players should maintain an acceptable attendance record for games/saturday matches. Missing matches may result in reduced membership to train only

  6. Heja based confirmation of attendance at matches should be provided on the same day as training that same week (Wednesday)

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. Provide leadership, and carry out their duties to their best abilities

  2. Lead by example by setting the very highest standards for how affairs of the club are conducted, as set out by the FA and elsewhere in the club’s codes of conduct

  3. Always be working towards the creation of a ‘sustainable’ club financially and administratively, that is able to grow and prosper long after the official leaves the club

  4. Take responsibility for the well being of everyone involved in the club

  5. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and parents.

  6. 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.

  7. Always have regard for the best interests of the club, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the club and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

  8. Not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

  9. Show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others.

  10. Attend all club meetings and external meeting (for example with the League) without fail, or provide due notice in advance, and ensuring a replacement is always confirmed instead.

Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policy

As the governing body of the game, the Football Association is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level.

Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

Anti Discrimination Policy

  • Los Campos Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

  • Equality of opportunity at Los Campos Football Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

This includes:

  • The advertisement for volunteers.

  • The selection of candidates for volunteers.

  • Courses.

  • External coaching and education activities and awards.

  • Football development activities.

  • Selection for teams.

  • Appointments to honorary positions.

  • Los Campos Football Club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

  • Los Campos Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy

  • Los Campos Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

  • All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and all other relevant legislation. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:

  • Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.

  • Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements for others.

  • Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.

  • Victimisation of an individual.

  • Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination.

  • Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the Club's recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

  • Los Campos Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.

  • Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Football Club's policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

  • Los Campos Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Club Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, they should follow the procedures below.

  1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.

Your report should include:

  1. Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.

  2. Any witness statement and names.

  3. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.

  4. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.

  5. A preference for a solution to the incident.

  6. The Club's Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.

  7. The Club's Management Committee will have the power to:

  8. Warn as to future conduct

  9. Suspend from membership

  10. Remove from membership

Disciplinary Procedure

GENERAL

The Club’s Committee is entitled at its discretion to take disciplinary action against any person (player, coach, parent, spectator or other) who, as appropriate:

-­‐ Fails to comply with the relevant Code of Conduct;

-­‐ Fails to pay any fee, fine or other sum due to the Club within 14 days of request;

-­‐ Is booked or sent off;

-­‐ Is guilty of misconduct as charged by the relevant League or FA;

-­‐ Is guilty of undesirable conduct (including acts of violence) or any other behaviour which is likely to bring the Club into disrepute.

For these purposes:

  1. “disciplinary action” includes all or any of the following:

-­‐ verbal or written warning regarding future conduct;

-­‐ suspension from participation in matches for a specified period or a number of matches;

-­‐ suspension from participation in Club activities (eg training, presentations) for a specified period or specified activities;

-­‐ permanent exclusion from the Club and associated de-registration;

NOTIFICATION OF DECISION

The Club Secretary shall notify any person against whom disciplinary action is taken within 7 days of the Club’s Management Committee’s decision

APPEALS

  1. Any person against whom disciplinary action is taken has the right to appeal against such action by giving notice in writing of an appeal to the Club Secretary. Such notice must be given within 14 days of the notification of the relevant disciplinary action.

The Club Management Committee (or any sub-committee appointed by the Club Management Committee for that purpose) will hear the appeal within 14 days of receipt of the notice of appeal. For the avoidance of doubt, the person affected shall be entitled to attend the hearing in person and may be accompanied by a responsible.