The FA’s Grass Roots Code – For Youth Football
RESPECT THE STANDARD AND MAKE FOOTBALL BETTER FOR EVERYONE.
The Grassroots Code is designed to unite everyone across grassroots football by driving positive standards of behaviour we can all get behind.
Good behaviour deserves everyone’s respect
Created with contributions gathered from grassroots clubs, The Grassroots Code will improve and maintain the standards everyone expects to see at your own club as well as others.
To do so, The Grassroots Code includes Standards of Behaviour which ensure a positive football environment for all. They’re very clear, so everyone can understand and remember them:
- Enjoy The Game – we’re here to enjoy ourselves… win, lose or draw.
- Give Respect – we always treat others as we’d like to be treated.
- Be Inclusive – we embrace our differences… football is a game for everyone.
- Work Together – we’re a team, on and off the pitch.
- Play Safe – we all have a role in safeguarding children.
Together, these Standards of Behaviour promote a positive, inclusive and respectful football experience for everyone. One in which your club can take pride in. One which makes even the strongest football clubs stronger. One which better represents our communities.
For more details you can either download the PDF files form the links below, keep reading or visit the FA website at https://www.englandfootball.com
I Respect The Standard
The Grassroots Code For Youth Football
We’re here to enjoy ourselves…win, lose or draw. To help make football more enjoyable for all I should:
- Remember that football is about enjoyment, not just winning.
- Encourage others and behave well.
- Bring a positive attitude to training and matches.
- Recognise when my team-mates give respect, work together, or try their best.
We always treat others as we’d like to be treated. To give respect at football I must:
- Always use respectful language and actions.
- Not argue with the referee, coach, and officials, and accept their decisions about football and my behaviour.
- Show fair play by shaking hands with our opponents whether we win, lose or draw.
- 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:
- Welcome everyone, whoever they are and whatever their background or ability.
- Involve everyone and always be kind.
- Treat everyone fairly and tell a trusted adult if this doesn’t happen.
- Celebrate everyone’s good play, effort and success.
We’re a team, on and off the pitch. To help us bond as a team I should:
- Encourage my team-mates if they make a mistake.
- Try my best and help my team, by being positive and supportive.
- Play fairly, without cheating, diving, complaining, or wasting time.
- Accept that I may not be able to play in my favourite position all the time, or that I may need to take a break to give someone else playing time.
- Recognise that if I’m the Captain, I need to try hard to set a positive example for others to follow.
We all have a role in safeguarding children. To help keep everyone safe I must:
- Remember football is about making friends, learning new skills and of course, being active!
- Take responsibility, encourage others, and keep it positive.
- Know that I have a right:
- To feel safe online and offline.
- To have healthy relationships with appropriate boundaries.
- Not to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Not to be bullied, harassed, or intimidated.
- Not to be treated unfairly.
If this doesn’t sound like your football experience,
speak to an adult you trust.
I understand that my Club, League or County FA may take action, that could include:
- Giving me a verbal warning.
- Inviting me to a meeting to explain my behaviour.
- Warning me about my behaviour.
- Asking that I complete an FA education course.
- Suspending me, meaning I do not take part in games for a period of time.
- Removing my registration, meaning I can’t play for my team again.
- Fining and/or suspending my Club.
| Click on the icon to download a PDF file of these standards for Youth Football | Click on the icon to download a PDF file of these standards for Adults in Youth Football |
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See the Standards of Behaviour in action
Here are a few examples of how embracing the Standards can make football a better experience for everyone. Respect the Standard promotes The Grassroots Code and Standards of Behaviour to everyone, including players, coaches, officials, parents and supporters.
More Information
For more information on leagues and for other news stories, you should undoubtedly try –
- Visit the Mercian Junior Football League website (Click Here)
- Visit the The Stourbridge & District Youth Football League website (Click Here)
- Latest WWFC News – He Banged The Leather for Goal (Click Here)
- Latest WWFC News – Cup Winners (Click Here)
- Latest WWFC News – Worcester Wanderers – The Beginning (Click Here)
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