Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision.
The FA level 1 Club Coach Handbook is a useful reference for the FA Coaches Association Code of Conduct. Some of the points in the code include:
• Coaches must place the safety and well being of each player above all considerations
• Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies
• Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct are appropriate for the age and experience of the players.
• Coaches must guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
• Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport e.g fair play and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game or the spirit of the Laws.
• Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance
• Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language, s pecifically:
• Set a good example; don’t forget that you are a role model to your players
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t turn up drunk
• Don’t swear
• Don’t get into arguments with opposition managers
• Don’t get into arguments with referees
• Don’t question referees decisions (no matter how bad)
• Don’t be afraid to report any blatant favouritism/other violations to the league AGC (you must be prepared to put facts in writing and be called to league to explain). There is a fee to be paid to lodge a formal complaint, which is refundable if the complaint is upheld
• Don’t let parents do any of the above “Don’ts”
• Discuss players form in a positive way, do not be negative. If you need to discuss a particular player’s performance do so with the relevant parent, not in front of everyone else