STAFFORD FALCONS FC

Club Code of Conduct

Respect • Teamwork • Fair Play • Enjoyment

Our commitment
 

At Stafford Falcons FC, we are committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive and enjoyable environment where every player has the opportunity to develop, build confidence, make friends and enjoy football.
 

Our Code of Conduct is based on The FA's Respect principles. We expect everyone involved with Stafford Falcons FC, including players, parents, carers, spectators, coaches and club officials, to uphold these standards both on and off the pitch.

 

1. Players
 

As a Stafford Falcons FC player, I agree to:

• Always try my best in training and matches.

• Treat teammates, opponents, coaches and referees with respect.

• Play fairly, follow the rules and accept the referee's decisions.

• Encourage and support my teammates, regardless of their ability or mistakes.

• Never bully, discriminate against or deliberately hurt another player.

• Listen to my coaches and maintain a positive attitude.

• Be gracious in victory and respectful in defeat.

• Look after club equipment and respect all facilities.

• Speak to a coach, parent or Club Welfare Officer if anything makes me feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
  
   

2. Parents, carers and spectators
 

Parents and spectators play an important role in creating a positive football environment.

We ask everyone supporting Stafford Falcons FC to:

• Remember that football should be enjoyable for every child.

• Encourage effort, teamwork and improvement rather than focusing solely on winning.

• Applaud good football from both teams.

• Respect referees and accept their decisions without confrontation.

• Allow coaches to coach and players to make their own decisions on the pitch.

• Never use offensive, abusive, discriminatory or threatening language.

• Remain within designated spectator areas.

• Raise concerns calmly through the appropriate club channels.

• Set a positive example at every training session and match.

Aggressive behaviour, intimidation and abuse towards referees, coaches, players or other spectators will not be tolerated.

 

3. Coaches, managers and club officials
 

All Stafford Falcons FC coaches, managers and officials are expected to:

• Put the safety, welfare and enjoyment of players first.

• Treat every player fairly, with dignity and respect.

• Create an inclusive environment where players of all abilities feel valued.

• Provide age-appropriate coaching and positive encouragement.

• Never engage in or tolerate bullying, discrimination or abusive behaviour.

• Respect match officials, opposition teams and fellow coaches.

• Follow the club's safeguarding procedures and applicable FA requirements.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with young players, including online.

• Report safeguarding concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.

• Be positive role models both on and off the pitch.
  
   

4. Safeguarding and welfare
 

The safety and wellbeing of everyone at Stafford Falcons FC is our priority.

We are committed to following The FA's safeguarding policies and procedures and providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all children and young people.

Any concerns about a child's safety or welfare should be reported to our Club Welfare Officer.

Club Welfare Officer

Jemma Hollinshead

07826 843188

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If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and handled sensitively in accordance with the club's safeguarding procedures and relevant FA guidance.

 

5. Social media and online behaviour
 

Everyone associated with Stafford Falcons FC is expected to behave respectfully online.

• Do not post abusive, offensive or discriminatory comments about players, coaches, referees or other clubs.

• Do not share photographs or personal information about children without appropriate consent.

• Respect the privacy of all players and families.

• Raise complaints through the club's official channels rather than through public social media posts.
  
   

6. Breaches of the Code of Conduct
 

Stafford Falcons FC takes unacceptable behaviour seriously.

Depending on the circumstances and severity of an incident, the club may take appropriate action, including a verbal warning, a formal written warning, a meeting with the club committee or suspension from training, matches or club activities.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the club. Where appropriate, incidents may also be referred to the relevant league, County FA or safeguarding authorities.

Safeguarding concerns will be handled under the club's safeguarding procedures rather than treated solely as disciplinary matters.

7. Our club values
 

Respect

Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their background, ability or role.
 

Teamwork

Support and encourage one another, both on and off the pitch.
 

Fair Play

Play by the rules, respect decisions and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
 

Enjoyment

Make football a positive, welcoming and fun experience for everyone.

By joining, representing or supporting Stafford Falcons FC, everyone is expected to uphold this Code of Conduct and help make our club a welcoming place for all.