The FA’s Grass Roots Code – For Adults In Youth Football

We’re here to enjoy ourselves…win, lose or draw. To help make football more enjoyable for all I should:

• Come to training and matches with a positive attitude and put the well-being of children first.
• Recognise examples of respect, effort and good play, as well as achievement.
• Appreciate grassroots football should be about children playing and having fun, not solely about results.

We always treat others as we’d like to be treated. To give respect at football I must:

• Always use respectful and positive language and actions.
• Not argue with the referee, coach, and officials, and accept their decisions.
• Avoid coaching from the sidelines as a spectator, recognising this is likely to cause uncertainty and confusion across the team.
• Encourage children to show fair play by shaking hands with opponents and being kind, whether we win or lose.
• Stay in designated spectator or technical areas.
• Tidy up after myself and take care of the facilities we use.

We embrace our differences, football is a game for everyone. To be inclusive at football I must:

• Show zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.
• Report anything that concerns me via the relevant channel.
• Treat people based on their character, and nothing else.
• Accept that we all bring our own personal perspectives to the game.
• Not exclude anyone because of background or personal characteristics.
• Strive to give fair playing time to all children.

We’re a team, on and off the pitch. To help us bond as a team I should:

• Remember we are ‘one team’ helping young people enjoy football.
• Encourage players and celebrate their effort.
• Avoid criticising players if they make a mistake.
• Discourage cheating, complaining and time wasting from everyone.
• Accept that my child may not always be able to play in their favourite position, or may need to make a break to give someone else playing time.

We all have a role in safeguarding children. To help keep everyone safe I must:

• Accept it is my responsibility to know if my role in football places me in a position of trust.
• Speak to my Club or League Designated Safeguarding Officer if I am unsure whether I am in a position of trust.
• Understand appropriate boundaries must be in place, both online and during face-to-face activity.
• Let a Club Official know if I see anything that looks unsafe.
• Be aware of who the first aiders are, and where the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator is located.
• Keep appropriate boundaries by:
  • Always putting the well-being of children first.
  • Being friendly but professional.
  • Encouraging children to review their own progress.
  • Raising concerns about a child to the Club Welfare Officer if they display behaviour not usual to them or which causes concern.
• Follow the ‘Physical contact and young people: Guidance for grassroots football’ guidelines. If my role requires physical contact with a child, I will:
  • Ask the child’s permission and explain the type of, and reason for the physical contact.
  • Keep physical contact to skill development, first aid, harm prevention or celebration of success or comfort in times of distress.
  • Ensure another responsible adult is present for the duration.
  • Remember physical touch should be culturally sensitive to a child.
  • Not participate in training, warm up or cool down sessions with children (including my own) to protect them from accidental physical harm.

I understand that my Club, League, County FA or The FA may take action, that could include:

• Giving me a verbal warning.
• Asking me to meet with the Club, League or CFA Designated Safeguarding Officer.
• Asking me to meet with the Club Committee.
• Asking that I complete an FA education course.
• Asking that I leave the match venue.
• Requesting that I do not attend future games.
• Suspending me or removing my Club membership.
• Fining me.
• Fining and/or suspending my Club.