Taupo AFC – Code of Conduct

This is based on the NZ Football Code of Conduct and is intended to provide a safe environment to players, officials and spectators. Some additions, changes and deletions have been made to suit Taupo AFC.

Team Manager / Coach Code of Conduct:

• All Team managers / Coaches must adhere to the following Code of Conduct.
• Acceptance of a formal position of care/responsibility includes accepting and conforming to this Code of Conduct.
• Be responsible for the overall welfare and well being of team members, officials, and spectators.
• Ensure that all players are appropriately registered and eligible to play for Taupo AFC.
• Maintain a ‘duty of care’ towards team members and be accountable for the management of the team.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every individual player as a human being.
• Treat everyone equally regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity or religion.
• Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each player in order to help each player reach their full potential.
• Respect the need to allow players to move between teams where appropriate.
• Maintain high standards of integrity.
• Operate within the rules of football and in the spirit of fair play, while encouraging players to do the same.
• Advocate a sporting environment free of drugs, excessive alcohol, and any performance enhancing substances within the guidelines of the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency.
• Not disclose any confidential information relating to their players without written prior consent.
• Encourage their players and spectators to abide by the Code of Conduct and take reasonable steps to ensure such compliance.
• Ensure language, presentation, manner and punctuality reflect high standards.
• Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures.
• Ensure that all players act as positive role models and ambassadors for Taupo AFC at all times.
• Be fair, considerate and honest with others.
• Be professional in all actions.
• Ensure that all equipment, changing rooms, fields, and facilities of any kind are returned to the club in good order.
• Accept that any damage, fines, and costs incurred by the team remains the responsibility of the team.
• Maintain a safe environment for others.

Player Code of Conduct:

• All players must adhere to the following Code of Conduct
• Play by the rules.
• Treat everyone equally regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity or religion.
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain approach the official during a break or after the competition.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition. Remember this is a social sport competition and we are all here to have fun.
• Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
• Cooperate with your captain, team-mates, umpires and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.
• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Accept that any damage, fines, and costs incurred by the player remains the responsibility of the player.
• Any physical altercations will not be tolerated with offending parties being immediately ejected from the match and banned from social sport. Poor team behaviour may result in the removal of that team from the competition.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct:

• All parents/guardians must adhere to the following Code of Conduct
• Remember that children/youths participate in sport for their enjoyment, not the parents.
• Encourage children/youths to participate and not force them.
• Focus on the child/youth’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Encourage children/youths always to compete according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child/youth for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• Remember that children/youths learn best by example.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Respect officials’ decisions and teach children/youths to do likewise.
• Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators.

Spectator Code of Conduct:

• All spectators must adhere to the following Code of Conduct
• Remember that most people play sport for enjoyment.
• Accept decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability.
• Always be positive in your support for players.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form.
• Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators.
• Encourage players to obey the rules and to accept decisions of officials.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or officials.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
• Any physical altercations will not be tolerated, offending parties may be immediately ejected from the grounds and banned from attending future events or games.

Any serious breaches of this Code of Conduct or persistent violations of any aspect of the Code of Conduct, by any of the above may result in any of the following being imposed:

• Suspension
• Good behaviour bond
• Fines
• Loss of privilege
• Loss of any registration fees paid