SL Kings Academy and Football Club Code Of Conduct

Every person who is involved with South London Kings Football Club and its Academy, whether as a player, coach, official, parent or carer has a responsibility to act in accordance with the specific code of conduct relevant to their role.
This means conduct has to merit the highest standards of integrity so as to protect our young and vulnerable adults and show our commitment to our safeguarding and welfare strategy.

Club members must demonstrate our values and adhere to the following:

1. Commitment to improvement as individuals and as a team
2. Always show respect for each other
3. Emphasize team work and team play
4. Play by the laws and spirit of the game
5. Always attempt to enjoy our football and play in a fun but competitive environment.
6. Be honest, respectful, disciplined, ethical leading not by words but by example

Players Code of Conduct

Players are the most important individuals at the club. Playing for the team and contributing to victory is the most fundamental part of the game. However, this does not mean winning at all costs, so fair play and respect for all others in the game is paramount. Players should adhere to the following:

1. Never swear or use inappropriate language.
2. Never argue with, or make derogatory remarks to, match officials. The decisions of the match officials should be accepted without disrespectful protest
3. Never verbally or physically abuse opposing players, coaches or spectators – even if provoked
4. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents
5. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship (i.e. cheating) and time wasting
6. Regardless of the result shake hands with the players of the opposing team after the game.
7. Set a positive example for others, particularly younger players. Players should always give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his or her team is appears to be in a losing position. .
8. Show respect for the coaches and each other.
9. For safety reasons, do not wear jewellery during training or matches.
10. Avoid disrespectful verbal or physical challenges to coaches during training or matches. The coaches are happy to talk and explain things afterwards
11. Wear shin pads and proper football boots appropriate to the playing surface If you forget either of these a you will not be allowed to play.
12. Bring a drink to training, matches and long excursions, this is especially important on warmer days to avoid getting dehydrated. However, the club will provide refreshments and sustenance whenever necessary.
13. Try to avoid chewing gum at training and matches as it represents a choking hazard. Additionally, refrain from bringing sweets and fizzy drinks to matches and training.

Code of Conduct – Managers / Coaches

Managers & coaches are essential to the structure and ethos of South London Kings. Their behaviour, conduct and deliverance of our football philosophy directly affects the players under their supervision. They are therefore, expected to pay particular care and attention to the moral and ethical aspect of their conduct at all times. It is natural that winning constitutes a fundamental priority for the coaching staff, and this code is not intended to create a conflict. However, this code must act as guidance for coaching staff who prefer to employ a must win emphasis above everything else. Increased responsibility is needed from the coaching staff involved in coaching young people and vulnerable adults. Our Welfare and health & safety policies in addition to the moral education of young people are our first priority. Adherence to the aforementioned policies in accordance with the London Football Association’s guidance is absolute.

South London Kings Football Club and its Academy supports the Code of Conduct as stated by the F.A. Coaches Association which forms the benchmark for all those involved in coaching. Consequently, adherence to the following is absolute:
1. The coaching staff must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. The coaching staff must place the well-being and safety of every player above all other considerations, including development & performance.
3. The coaching staff must adhere to all guidelines laid down by the governing bodies of the leagues they compete in.
4. The coaching staff must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5. The coaching staff must be conscientious and not exert undue influence or pressure to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. The coaching staff must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance and strive for excellence.
7. The coaching staff must ensure that all activities they conduct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players involved
8. The coaching staff in all circumstances must clarify with the players (parents if necessary) what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from you.
9. The coaching staff must always co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. dietitian, fitness coach, doctor, committee members and officials, sports scientists, physiotherapists – this list is not exhaustive) in the best interests of the player.
10. The coaching staff must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. The coaching staff must always consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance in accordance with the club’s dress code.
12. The coaching staff must not use or tolerate inappropriate, offensive or abusive language.

Code of Conduct – Club and Team Officials

This Code applies to the Club and Team Officials and specifically covers areas not covered by the aforementioned code of conducts. The following requirements are standards that all members of South London Kings Football Club & its Academy are expected to accept and promote as the minimum standard for their involvement in Club, Academy and Team activities.

1. Club, Academy and Team Officials must promote and maintain a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
2. Club, Academy Team Officials must avoid all forms of gamesmanship and disrespectful actions.
3. Club, Academy and Team Officials must show due respect to match officials and others involved in the game and accept their decisions without disrespectful protest and use the correct protocols for appeal.
4. Club, Academy and Team Officials must not use or tolerate inappropriate, offensive or abusive language.
5. Club, Academy and Team Officials must show due respect for the interests of the players, managers, coaches, officials, their own Club and Team and those of the opponents Club and Team.

Code of Conduct – Spectators and Parents / Carers

South London Kings Football Club and its Academy will not allow or tolerate abuse of any kind, especially opposing players, managers, supporters or match-day officials by anyone connected with the club. If this type of behaviour is witnessed or reported, all appropriate action will be considered by the committee, so as to ascertain liability and administer the appropriate penalty. Additionally, parents and family members are extremely influential on children’s behaviour, enjoyment and success in their football football. The expectations and attitudes of a parents and spectators have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards
i) Team mates & all players
ii) Match & Club Officials
iii) Team managers
iv) Spectators

With this in mind, parents, carers and spectators are implored to adhere to the following when involved with SL Kings Football Club and its Academy.

1. It is expected that before, during and after matches, parents and spectators will provide support and encouragement to the entire team not just their own player. Additionally, behave accordingly with respect to code of conduct to all opposing teams, coaching staff and their parents and spectators.
2. All match day tactics and coaching from the side lines is the sole responsibility of the match day management team, not the spectators or parents, as negative comments or individual intervention in an attempt to coach or manage from the side lines can be very disruptive, harmful and confusing to both the individual and team development.
3. If you want to discuss any aspect of your child’s involvement with South London Kings and its Academy, please talk to the appropriate member of the coaching staff. We will always welcome and are open to constructive feedback, comments and suggestions for improvement.
4. Raise awareness from the appropriate member of the coaching staff of any medical condition or injury that might have occurred to your child or team member during training or playing football (e.g. asthma)
5. Please make yourselves aware of our policies on our website so that you can support, aid and encourage your child or any team member in his or her football development.

Breaches of Conduct

If an individual wishes to report a breach of conduct, they should where possible attempt to inform the Club’s disciplinary officer, inform the relevant member of the coaching staff relevant to age group. Where this is not appropriate, they should immediately notify or approach a member of the SL Kings Management Committee. If a breach of conduct cannot be resolved in an informal manner, the Committee will formally consider the matter in accordance with all applicable Club and Football association rules and guidance. The Committee will then take whatever action they deem to be necessary or appropriate.

Additional Information for Academy Participants

Parents, carers and spectators of academy players should be aware of the following:

Training
In order to progress as conscientious individuals and players and as a team, weekly training sessions will focus on
i) Fitness/mobility
ii) The fundamental skills and techniques of the game.
iii) Individual & role specific coaching (e.g. striker; goalkeeper)
iv) Basic team formations, structures and tactics.
v) The rules and laws of the game appropriate to each age group.
Please note that it is also expected that players will be encouraged and supported by parents and carers to practice and work on fitness, skills, techniques and game awareness of previously conducted training sessions. Support will be able via website and distance learning.

Team Selections
Team selections for non-competitive football at age groups under 12 and lower should take into consideration the SL Kings philosophy and should aim to appreciate our efforts to strike a balance between being competitive and giving an opportunity for all players to have fun, participate and represent the club.
Team selections at under12 and upwards for competitive league fixtures will be based on fielding the strongest, most balanced side available for matches, taking into account the following criteria:
i) Attitude and behaviour – including school reports, disciplinary record and conduct at home
ii) Tactics and formation
iii) Past experience and form
v) Team working
vi) Current form and ability
vii) Availability
viii) training attendance

Substitutions

For non-competitive matches at Under 11 and lower, the Clubs philosophy applies and means that managers are be expected to give all players the opportunity to participate wherever and whenever possible.
Substitutions during the season at under 12 and upwards in competitive fixtures will be made by the Coaching staff on the day and will be made for tactical reasons or to replace injured players. The decision whether or not to make substitutions and the timing of these decisions will be made on a match by match basis, and at the sole discretion of the management team.
Finally, every member of the coaching staff attached to a specific year Group are very willing to discuss with parents or carers about the football journey and development of any relevant player. They will also provide an accurate assessment and constructive feedback pertinent to the most recent bi annual progress report. For further detailed information please contact the Club or Academy Performance Officer.

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