FMNC Codes of Fair Play

Officials Code of Fair Play

  • Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.

  • Compliment and encourage all participants.

  • Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.

  • Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.

  • Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.

  • Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable.

  • Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.

  • Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young players.

  • Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.

  • Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.

  • Give junior players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Players Code of Fair Play

  • Play by the rules.

  • Never argue with a referee or assistant referee. If you disagree, have you captain, coach or manager approach the official on your behalf.

  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in soccer.

  • Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.

  • Be a good sport, recognise all good plays whether they are part of your team or the opposition.

  • Treat all participants in soccer as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitors.

  • Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.

  • Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participant regardless of the their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents Code of Fair Play

  • Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment.

  • Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

  • Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

  • Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.

  • Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants.

  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all of soccer’s activities.

  • Respect official’s decisions and teach children to do likewise.

  • Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Coaches Code of Fair Play

  • Remember that junior players participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.

  • Never ridicule or yell at a junior players for making a mistake or not winning.

  • Be reasonable in you demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm.

  • Operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach your players to do the same.

  • Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All junior players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.

  • Avoid overplaying the talented players; the just average need and deserve equal time.

  • Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of all players.

  • Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your players to do the same.

  • Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.

  • Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.

  • Any physical contact with a junior player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s development.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Spectators Code of Fair Play

  • Remember that young people participate for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.

  • Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams.

  • Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.

  • Respect the decisions of officials and teach junior players to do the same.

  • Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.

  • Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

  • Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.

  • Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.

  • Do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches or officials.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Teachers Code of Fair Play

  • Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.

  • Compliment and encourage all participants.

  • Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.

  • Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents.

  • Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors.

  • Encourage and promote rule changes, which will make participation more enjoyable.

  • Be a good sport yourself. Actions speak louder than words.

  • Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young players.

  • Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.

  • Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else.

  • Give junior players a ‘fair go’ regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Administrators Code of Fair Play

  • Provide opportunity for involvement of young players in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related to their activity.

  • Give all young players equal opportunities to participate.

  • Create pathways for young players to participate in soccer not just as a player but also as a coach, referee, administrator etc.

  • Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of young players.

  • Provide quality supervision and instruction for junior players.

  • Remember that young players participate for their enjoyment and benefit. Do not overemphasise awards.

  • Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help to improve the standards of coaching and officiating.

  • Ensure that everyone involved in junior sport emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.

  • Give a code of Fair Play sheet to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, players & the media & encourage them to follow it.

  • Remember, you set an example. Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive.

  • Support implementation of Soccer Australia’s National Junior Development Policy.

  • Make it clear that abusing young players in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Media Code of Fair Play

  • Provide coverage of junior soccer activities as well as reporting adult soccer matches.

  • Be aware of the differences between adult soccer, professional soccer and modified sports programs for junior players.

  • Don’t highlight isolated incidents of inappropriate sporting behaviour.

  • Focus upon a young player’s fair play and honest effort.

  • Do not place unfair expectations on junior players. They are not miniature professionals.

  • Focus on the abilities and not the disabilities of junior players and the sport.

  • Avoid reinforcing stereotypical views on the involvement of boys/girls in soccer.

  • Give equal time and space to reporting boys and girls soccer activities.

  • Familiarise yourself with Soccer Australia’s Junior Development Policy.

  • Do not highlight isolated incidents of inappropriate behaviour by parents.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.