Inappropriate Language & Referee Abuse

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Edgware & Kingsbury FC is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe and positive environment for both players and Match Officials.

As a spectator the Officers of Edgware & Kingsbury FC ask that you play your part and observe The Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct.

• Edgware & Kingsbury FC acknowledges that everyone who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

• Edgware & Kingsbury FC will not tolerate inappropriate language or threatening behaviour used on match side lines; particularly verbal or physical abuse directed at Match Officials.

• Edgware & Kingsbury FC recognise that Match Officials are just as entitled to enjoy the match as players and spectators.

• Edgware & Kingsbury FC reserve the right to ask anyone demonstrating actions deemed to conflict with Club policy to leave the ground.

Adult Players Policy

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Players tell The FA they want a referee for every match, yet thousands of match officials drop out because of the abuse and intimidation they receive on and off the pitch.

Respect your referee today and you may just get one for every match this season. Edgware & Kingsbury FC asks you to play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.

On and off the field, I will:

• Adhere to the Laws of The Game

• Display and promote high standards of behaviour

• Promote Fair Play

• Always respect the match officials’ decisions

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials

• Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment

• Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect</li>

• Remember we all make mistakes.

• Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game.

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any or all of the following actions may be taken by Edgware & Kingsbury FC, County FA or The FA:

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, the referee or the team manager

• Receive a warning from the coach/manager

• Receive a written warning from the Edgware & Kingsbury FC committee

• Be required to attend an FA education course

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Not be selected for the team

• Be required to serve a suspension

• Be fined

• Be required to leave the Edgware & Kingsbury FC.

In addition:

• The FA, County FA could impose a fine and or suspension on Edgware & Kingsbury FC.

Coaches, Team Managers & Club Officials Policy

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 side line.

Edgware & Kingsbury FC asks you to 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 official’s decision

• 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 or all of the following actions may be taken by Edgware & Kingsbury FC, County FA, league or The FA:

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer</li>

• Required to meet with the club committee

• Monitored by another club coach

• Required to attend an FA education course

• Suspended by the club from attending matches

• Suspended or fined by the County FA

• Required to leave or be sacked by the club

In addition:

• My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn

Equality Policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club is equally accessible to them all.

Edgware & Kingsbury 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, anyone who wants to participate in it.

Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability.

It means that Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation ‘Equality Act 2010’.

Edgware & Kingsbury Football Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stop and sanctions are imposed as appropriate.

Your cooperation with all policies would be very much appreciated