Our code of conduct
When joining Pro Football Academy we only accept players that follow our Code of Conduct and respect our philosophy within football. Respect’ is the FA’s response to a clear message that the health of football depends upon high standards of behaviour on and off the pitch.
Respect is
- A behavioural code of football
- About recognising that the integrity of the game is more important than the result of the match
- For all and plays a key part in uniting the game
- About creating an understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in football
- Those involved taking responsibility for the consequences of their own actions
- Supporting match officials to do their jobs
- Not a slogan, It’s a collective responsibility of those involved in football to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment in which the game can take place
The following Respect Codes of Conduct outline the types of behaviour that will support a safe, fun and inclusive game in this country. They also identify a range of sanctions which may be taken if these codes are not abided by.
Pro Football Academy players - respect code of conduct
When playing football, I will:
- Play fairly
- Not cheat, dive, complain or waste time
- Respect my team mates, the other team, the referee and my coach or team manager
- Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
- Be gracious in victory and defeat
- I will show respect to the opposite team and referee at the end of the game
- Listen and respond to what my Coach has to do what is best for the team and not one individual player
- Talk to someone I trust or the club Welfare Officer if I am unhappy about anything at my club
I understand that if I do not follow the code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, county FA or The FA: I may:
- Be required to apologise to my team-mates, my coach and any visiting club members
- Receive a formal warning from the Coach – Be excluded from game scenarios
- Be suspended from training – be required to leave the academy and in addition:
- PFA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
- The FA/County FA could make a complaint against the academy
Pro Football Academy Spectators - respect code of conduct
We all have a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. If we behave positively during training and game scenarios, our children will too.
Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for Spectators at all times:
- Remember that children play for fun and development
- Celebrate effort and good play from both sides
- Always respect the referee and coaches decisions and encourage players to do the same
- Stay behind the touchline and within the designated spectator’s area (where provided)
- Allow the coach to do their job and do not confuse players by instructing them what to do
- When players make mistakes, offer them encouragement to try again next time
- Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
- Encourage the players to respect the opposition, the referee and the match officials
Whatsapp & Social Media
As a parent/guardian/spectator I will respect the coaching staff at PFA by not placing aggressive or abusive messages or feedback on the various communication platforms available (Whatsapp, Social Media Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc). I will give myself a cooling off period of 24 hours prior to addressing training or game scenario concerns to the coach which will prevent reactive miscommunications and misread tone of messages.
