Participants (Players) & Parents / Guardians

1. Purpose

As a member of the First Touch Football Academy (player or parent/guardian), you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct so that our environment is safe, respectful, inclusive and focused on development, enjoyment and fair play.
We believe sport is for learning, character growth and fun — not just outcomes.

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2. Scope

This Code applies to all players, parents/guardians, spectators and anyone supporting our sessions, matches, camps or events under the Academy’s auspices.

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3. Core Principles

All individuals must act in a manner that:

• Respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of gender, ability, background, culture, religion or identity.

• Upholds the spirit of the game: fair play, enjoyment, effort, improvement.

• Ensures the safety and well‑being of participants (especially children) and creates a child‑safe environment.

• Demonstrates respect for coaches, officials, volunteers, peers and opponents.

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4. Player Code of Conduct

As a player of First Touch Football Academy you should:

1. Play by the rules and within the spirit of the game; understand that you are developing skills and character, not just seeking wins.

2. Arrive on time, prepared for training and sessions (e.g., boots, shin pads, drink bottle, uniform) and ready to participate positively.

3. Treat coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and spectators with respect — no bullying, harassment, intimidation, abuse or sledging.

4. Respect the decisions of coaches and officials. If you disagree, raise issues appropriately (not during play, not verbally abusing others).

5. Encourage your teammates and acknowledge good play by others (both your team and opponents).

6. Be committed and give your best effort in training and games, but recognise that mistakes are part of learning.

7. Accept responsibility for your equipment, kit and personal behaviour (including off‑field and social media behaviours) — represent the Academy positively.

8. Refrain from the use of banned substances, alcohol or other illegal behaviour when under the Academy’s care or representing the Academy.

9. Respect the facilities, equipment and environment of the Academy and any venue used.

10. Speak up (to a coach or authorised person) if you ever feel unsafe, disrespected or witness behaviour that is not consistent with this Code.

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5. Parent / Guardian & Spectator Code of Conduct

As a parent/guardian or spectator you should:

1. Remember children participate in sport for their enjoyment, development and fulfilment — not to fulfil an adult’s ambition.

2. Encourage your child to play by the rules, respect their teammates, coaches, opponents and officials.

3. Focus on your child’s effort, improvement and enjoyment rather than just winning or losing.

4. Applaud good play by all participants (including opponents).

5. Respect the decisions of coaches and officials — never publicly criticise them in front of players. If you have concerns, raise them through the correct channel (coach, Academy administration) at an appropriate time.

6. Do not coach from the sideline during training or matches — leave the technical direction to the coaching staff.

7. Support a safe, inclusive and bully‑free environment. Do not engage in, or allow, harassment, discrimination or verbal/physical abuse of any participant.

8. Respect the property, facilities and equipment of the Academy and our venues, and those of our opponents.

9. Model positive behaviour on and off the field (including social media behaviour) — your child will learn by your example.

10. Ensure your child attends sessions ready and motivated; if unable to attend or arriving late, advise the coach/administration as required.

11. Understand and support the Academy’s policies (including Safeguarding / Child Safe, Member Protection, Health & Safety) and cooperate with them.

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6. Breaches & Consequences

• Any breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action by the Academy. Possible consequences include verbal warning, written warning, suspension from training or matches, removal from the Academy programme or termination of membership.

• There will be no financial compensation made as a result of missed trainings or matches as a result of such a breach.

• The severity of the response will be proportionate to the nature of the breach and whether it is a repeat offence.

• The Academy reserves the right to act with immediate effect in cases of serious misconduct (eg: harassment, bullying, discrimination, violence).

• The Academy will follow its own Member Protection / Child Safe policies for any issues involving children.