Code of Conduct

St. Patrick’s Sports Academy prides itself on the good behaviour of its coaches, players, supporters, parents and all linked with the club. The club therefore greatly appreciates efforts by all to keep to the club’s code of conduct. The club expects all to behave in a manner appropriate to their surroundings. Failure to comply to the club’s Code of Conduct could result in suspension and/or dismissal. A warning may not be issued given the nature and gravity of the offence.

St. Patrick’s Sports Academy believes in a policy of inclusivity and diversity with a primary aim to welcome all people regardless of social, racial, cultural, disability, belief and gender differences; where individuals are enriched, integrated and supported in meeting their aspirations and goals. The club therefore condemns any such behaviour that discriminates on the basis of race, gender, disability, age and any other criteria that may be used as a basis for discrimination.

At the St. Patrick’s Sports Academy everyone has a responsibility to help keep others safe, in particular children and other vulnerable adults. Vigilance at all times is required of staff to ensure that children are not exposed to risks, abuse, harassment or any harm. The club takes this policy very seriously. The club has adopted and consistently applies guidance approved by Disclosure Scotland to meet safeguard requirements. This demonstrates the club’s commitment in helping keep children and vulnerable adults safe. Take good care of children and vulnerable adults until they have safely been returned to their guardians.

Good sportsmanship should be promoted at every level whether in recreational activities, competitive games, training or when representing the club at festivals and other meetings. This applies to players, coaches, parents and supporters of the club.

St. Patrick’s Sports Academy is a non profit organisation. Members linked to the club in any capacity should never exert undue influence in any capacity to obtain financial gain or personal benefit or reward. Fees and charges applied by the club for services rendered must be paid directly into the club central fund to benefit all teams run by the club.
Participants should always be encouraged to value their performances and not only the results. As a result, never condone rule violation, foul play, use of offensive language and unsporting behaviour, use of drugs or prohibited substances. Never encourage or promote lewd acts, excessive alcohol consumption or force anyone to take part in such activities.

Do not miss-use the name of the club in activities, meetings, gatherings and literature for personal or financial gain without prior permission.

Parents of players and members of the club should abide to the parents and spectators code of conduct.

Young people should be given the emotional and educational support to help them develop. Support staff should create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and development. This implies encouragement and supporting efforts; and eliminate intimidation of any kind.

Promote respect of coaches and volunteers, respect of children and players, respect of parents and guardians, respect of opponents, opposing parents, opposing coaches and staff. Consistently display high standards of behaviour at training, games and any meeting attended in the name of the club.

PLAYERS’ OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS THE GAME:

  • players should make every effort to develop their own abilities in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina
  • they must never criticise any team mate’s skills or technique
  • 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
  • accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally and always shake hands with the other team and match official at the end of the game
  • set a positive example for all others and always have regard to the best interests of the game
  • do not use inappropriate language or gestures and resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques
  • make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help your own team win but you must avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and timewasting
  • resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question your commitment to the team winning
  • treat opponents with due respect at all times by safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents irrespective
    of the result of the game
  • know and abide by the laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules
  • show due #Respect and accept the decisions of the match official without protest
  • abide by the instructions of your club officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code
  • you must show #Respect towards your club’s officials, your opponent’s club officials and all supporters
  • make sure you know the club’s Protection Officer and their full contact details
  • talk to the club’s Protection Officer or another club official that you trust if you are unhappy about anything at the club

CLUB OFFICIALS AND COACHES OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS THE GAME:

  • all club officials and coaches shall be subject to all relevant rules, clauses, paragraphs and sub paragraphs of the SYFA Articles of Association, Supplementary and Playing Rules, Standing Orders, Player Protection Policy, Adults at Risk Protection Policy, Disciplinary Procedures and all related policies and any amendments thereto and any regulations or decisions promulgated by the SYFA Board and regulations or decisions of the Scottish FA shall be binding
  • club officials and coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including winning. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player
  • club officials and coaches must ensure that players have appropriate kit when playing matches, especially during wet or cold periods
  • club officials and coaches must inform all players and parents of the club and SYFA Protection policies and procedures ensuring that they have the name and full contact details for the club’s Protection Officer
  • club officials and coaches must show respect to others involved in the game including your club’s players, your club’s officials, your opposition’s players, your opposition club’s officials, match officials, all parents and supporters
  • club officials and coaches must always promote the positive aspects of football and never participate in or condone violations of the Laws of the Game or relevant SYFA rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques
  • club officials and coaches must ensure that all activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players
  • club officials and coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their club
  • club officials and coaches must always be honest with players, parents, guardians and officials
  • club officials and coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect
  • club officials and coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
  • club officials and coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance

PARENTS AND SPECTATOR OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS THE GAME:

  • parents and spectators should adhere to the laws of the game, SYFA code of conduct, SYFA supplementary and playing rules, all SYFA protection policies, SYFA disciplinary procedures and all related SYFA policies and any amendments
  • parents and spectators should remember that young players play football for fun
  • parents and spectators should always applaud good play, effort and performance from both team’s players and not just results
  • parents and spectators should always remain outside the field of play or within any designated spectators area
  • parents and spectators should ensure that players obtain a sense of personal achievement have high self-esteem
  • parents and spectators should ensure that players improve their skills and techniques
  • parents and spectators should ensure that players have a positive attitude and show respect to other players, club officials, club coaches, match officials and other players and spectators
  • parents and spectators should always be positive and encouraging towards all of the players not just their own and always respect the match officials’ decisions
  • parents and spectators should develop an appropriate supportive relationship with both club officials and their son or daughter based on mutual trust and respect. Support the club’s decisions and discuss any concerns directly with the club
  • parents and spectators must never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behavior
  • parents and spectators must never coach any player during the game or confuse the players by telling them what to do
  • parents and spectators must never shout and scream or criticise a player for making a mistake as mistakes are part of the development of a player
  • parents and spectators MUST always encourage everyone participating in football

Make every possible attempt to abide by the club’s code of conduct