Respect in Soccer

The Respect in Soccer program was introduced in 2011 to provide coaches with invaluable information about coaching and essential approaches around working with youngsters in an appropriately respectful and nurturing coaching environment. RiS is an e-learning program for coaches, trainers, managers and any adult with a supervisory role over youth involved in soccer. It is designed as a tool to assist participants in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment and bullying in sport.

Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Spectators

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Parent’s, carers and spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

• Other Players
• Referees
• Team Officials
• Spectators and others

This club is supporting The OSA’s Show Your Respect program to ensure soccer can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment. Remember children’s soccer is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything.

Play your part and observe The OSA’s Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Spectators and at all times.

• Remember that children play for FUN
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions
• Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
• Let the team official do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
• Avoid criticizing a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

Understand that if you do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, District Association, league or The OSA. I may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official
• Required to meet with the club committee
• Obliged to leave the match venue by the club
• Requested by the club not to attend future games
• Suspended or have my club membership removed
• Required to leave the club along with any dependents.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Commitment
A coach’s commitment is to improve the performance of the players and the team physically and mentally. A coach
needs to provide a high quality soccer program for players within a positive environment and atmosphere.

Know Your Subject
A Coach must be thoroughly acquainted with FIFA Laws of the Game and they must keep attuned to the sound
principles of Coaching.

Respect
Coaches must respect all human beings i.e., players, and officials. Opponents and officials must be treated with
respect. Players must be coached to win within the laws of the Game.

Enthusiasm
Coaches must be enthusiastic and positive. They must ensure that they are generous with their praise when
deserved.

Personal Conduct
A Coach must maintain the high standards of personal conduct and fair play. Coaches should never be involved in
any circumstance which is offensive or suggests sexual connotations.

Code of Conduct for Players

With regard to each of the following areas of the game a Player must:

Obligations toward the game

1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting ability, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard to 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.

Obligations towards the Team

1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help the teams win.
2. Resist any influence that might, or might be seen to, bring into question commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and Competition Rules

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.

Respect towards Opponents

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.

Respect towards the Referees

1. Accept the decision of the Referee without protest.
2. Avoid words or actions that may mislead a Referee.
3. Show due respect towards Referee.

Respect towards Team Officials

1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.
2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.