February 2008

DEEPING RANGERS FC CODE OF CONDUCT

Deeping Rangers Football Club prides itself on its superb reputation in the area. This reputation has been established over several years through the hard work of many players, parents and club officials.

The Football Association has in conjunction with the NSPCC launched its FULL STOP Campaign to highlight the importance placed on the protection of children and young people up to the age of 18.

The major aims of the F.A. Child Protection Policy are:

• To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who play football, enabling them to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
• To promote ethics and high standards throughout football.
• To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection, enforcing firm policies on Bullying and Racial discrimination.

Deeping Rangers FC has adopted in full the F.A. Codes of Conduct* and has included the attached additions to include our own policies on Bullying, Racism and Equal opportunities. At junior level the match is only one part of the development process of the young player. Although every team will be endeavouring to win all matches the result in itself is by no means the most important aspect. Of paramount importance to the club, its managers and coaches is the quality of football played and, above all, the progress made by the individual players in terms of technique, application and the appreciation of their role and the role of others in the team.

This Club will adopt in full all of the above policies and to enable us to carry this forward have appointed a Child Protection Officer, Charlotte Walklin (tel: 01778 421264) or her deputy Graham Mason (tel: 01778 344564).

*The F.A. Codes of Conduct along with other useful documents can be found at www.thefa.com 

SECTIONS

• A - Players
• B - Parents and Spectators
• C - Complaints Procedure

1. Learn and observe the rules of the game
2. Beat opponents by skill and not by unfair means.
3. Never argue, show dissent or swear at officials or opponents.
4. Show good sportsmanship on and off the field of play.
5. Make every effort to attend training.
6. Exercise self control at all times and do not retaliate.
7. Accept the decision of the manager/coach.
8. Show respect to the opposition (players and officials)
9. Accept victory modestly and defeat graciously, remembering that your team will be often judged by your behaviour.
10. Be punctual and inform the manager/coach of unavailability well in advance.
11. Bring clean boots and shin pads.
12. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and help injured opponents.
13. On no account use banned substances or techniques.
14. Show due respect to the interest of spectators, particularly young children.
15. Abide by all DRFC policies on Race and Bullying.

Section B: Parents and Spectators should …

1. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their child/children are delivered to and collected from the specific locations at the specific times designated by the Coach/Manager for any activity the Coach/Manager deems necessary.  Once your child is safely at the designated location at the designated time, responsibility for that child/children will be assumed by the Coach/Manager.
2. Appreciate good football by both teams.
3. Not boo or abuse anyone, including the officials or opponents.
4. Be aware that the Club is responsible for the behaviour of its supporters.
5. Show respect to other spectators.
6. Support the decision of the manager/coach.
7. Recognise skill, enthusiasm and sporting behaviour in both teams.
8. Encourage their son/ daughter to attend training and be punctual.
9. Not get involved in any matter of dispute with other people watching or with players.
10. Not enter the changing rooms in order to influence the team talks.
11. Not to coach or instruct players during a game as this often conflicts with ideas given to the players by the manager/coach.
12. Win, lose or draw appreciate the efforts of all the players and match officials.
13. Not carry out any act which is discriminatory by reason of race, religion, sex or disability.     
14. Not possess or consume any alcohol outside of the designated bar area on our ground or any other.  
15. Not enter onto the field of play for any reason. This could cause you or/and the club a suspension and a heavy fine.
16. Dogs (with the strict with the exception of guide dogs) are not allowed in, on or around the grounds of Deeping Sports & Social Club including all grass, tarmac and car parking areas.
17. All parents and spectators are requested to complete the online Soccer Parent course at: http://soccerparents.thefa.com/SoccerParent.htm  
    

Section C: Complaints Procedure

Any complaints concerning the Junior Football Section of Deeping Rangers should be addressed to...
 
Mr A. Smith
Deeping Rangers Football Club
Outgang Road
Market Deeping
PE6 8LA

...who will in the first instance deal with all complaints and, if necessary respond in writing. Serious disciplinary matters may well be referred to a sub–committee of the DRFC Executive Committee.

Alan Smith                                                                         Dave Dorward
Junior Section Chairman                                                      Junior Section Deputy Chairman