Code of Conduct

Read our Football Philosophy here

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to encourage fair, ethical treatment of all persons and organisations that come under the umbrella of Birkenhead United AFC.

All persons will agree to abide by the Birkenhead United AFC Code of Conduct and acknowledge that any breach of the Code of Conduct, or any part of it, may result in disciplinary action under the Birkenhead United AFC Constitution, Regulations and Policies.

The following Code of Conduct applies to all Birkenhead United AFC members and persons participating in Birkenhead United AFC activities.

As a player I will:

• Play to win, but play fair
• Never argue with or verbally abuse an official
• Accept defeat with dignity
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others
• Be fair, compassionate and honest
• Refrain from any form of abuse towards others
• Refrain from using any obscene language
• Refrain from any form of harassment towards others
• Promote the interests of football
• Provide a safe environment for football to be played
• Show concern and caution towards others who may be injured
• Be a positive role model for others, particularly juniors
• Pay my subs on time and in full by the date set by the football committee and understand failure to do so may mean I cannot take the field

As a team we will:

• Refrain from bringing drugs or alcohol to any fixture or training session, home or away
• Refrain from drinking in the changing rooms as it is against the terms of the liquor license that Birkenhead United AFC holds. This could result in significant fines for the individual, club, club staff and the suspension or ,loss of bar licence
• Only consume alcohol on the promises that has been purchased from the bar at Birkenhead United AFC
• Organise and run at least one club event each year
• Be positive role models for others, particularly juniors
• Be advocates for Birkenhead United AFC, whether home or away, on the field or off it
• Take pride in our appearance by wearing the correct club uniform and sponsors as appropriate

As a team manager I will:

• Be responsible for the overall welfare and well-being of team
  members
• Maintain a ‘duty of care’ towards team members and be accountable for the management of the team
• Communicate with opposing team managers to ensure the fulfillment of scheduled fixtures
• Communicate regularly with the football committee and managers from other Birkenhead teams, for the sharing of players, resources and ideas
• Attend and be an active participant in scheduled football committee meeting.
• Complete and return match scorecards to Birkenhead clubrooms within 24 hours of a fixture being played
• Be responsible for the return of all team kit, balls, bibs, cones and other training equipment at the end of each season

As a coach I will:

• Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each player in order to help them reach their full potential
• Provide all players with equal attention and opportunities they deserve
• Be fair, considerate and honest with players and parents
• Encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage players to make good life choices
• Show professional responsibility by displaying high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
• Make training sessions fun and suitable to each players talent and development stage
• Discuss player development regularly with other coaches and the Head of Football
• Actively seek out coach development opportunities
• Display control, courtesy, respect, honesty, dignity and professionalism to all in involved in the sport
• Be a positive role model for the sport and players in a way
  that projects a positive image

As a parent/guardian/spectator I will:

• Be positive and encouraging to my child and others during the game
• Treat players from both teams with the same respect
• Use correct and appropriate language at all times
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow parents, spectators, team managers, coaches and officials
• Understand that final team decisions and disputes are to be resolved by the team manager
• Praising good football and sportsmanship for both teams
• Remember that children learn best by example
• Understand that mistakes will be made, but learn more by making them
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
• Focus my efforts on performance, rather than results
• Be a positive role model for all young players having fun and aspiring to improve

As a referee I will:

• Officiate matches in a fair, safe manner that ensures spectator enjoyment and player safety
• Know the laws of the game and their interpretations thoroughly
• Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents
• Treat everyone equally, regardless of their gender, ability, age, cultural background or religion
• Conduct myself in a way that is ethically and morally beyond reproach
• Support fellow officials
• Grant players and coaches dignity and respect
• Maintain physical fitness for optimum performance
• Maintain strict impartiality
• Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures

As the football committee we will:

• Act as the conduit between team managers and club management to ensure good lines of communication at all times
• Act as the conduit between team managers and the regional administrative body for efficient and effective communication
• Create and promote development pathways for players, coaches and referees from within the club
• Bring together team managers for regular meetings to help them fulfill their duties and to resolve any issues that may arise before, during or post-season
• Ensure each team is kitted out with appropriate playing strips and playing equipment in the build up to the season

As a club we will:

• Offer quality football programmes, coaching and playing opportunities for people of all ages, genders and ethnicities.
• Listen to the needs of our members and our community
• Promote a culture of attractive football that is good to play and good to watch
• Develop our people
• Develop our programmes
• Develop our facilities

Code of Conduct Breaches

Any serious breaches of the BUAFC Code of Conduct, or persistent violations, may result in the suspension or termination of club membership.

This is in addition to sanctions imposed by the sport’s governing body, that could include game suspensions, good behaviour bonds, loss of competitions points and/or, league expulsion.

Read our Football Philosophy here