Players
- Play fairly, follow the Laws of the Game and respect match officials.
- Respect teammates, coaches, opponents and spectators.
- Listen to coaches and respond positively to feedback.
- Do not use discriminatory, threatening, abusive or bullying language or behaviour.
- Tell a trusted adult if something at football makes you feel worried or uncomfortable.
Coaches & volunteers
- Put the welfare and development of young players before winning.
- Promote enjoyment, inclusion, respect and age-appropriate development.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with young players.
- Challenge poor practice, bullying, discrimination and unsafe behaviour.
- Follow club and FA safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly.
Parents, carers & spectators
- Encourage players positively and allow coaches to coach.
- Respect match officials, opponents, coaches and other families.
- Do not use abusive, discriminatory or intimidating behaviour.
- Support the club in creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
- Raise concerns through the appropriate club channels rather than confronting children or officials.
Breaches of the code
Behaviour that falls below these standards may be addressed by the club and, where appropriate, referred through league, County FA or FA processes. Safeguarding concerns will always be handled through safeguarding procedures rather than treated only as a conduct issue.
Keeping football safe
These club pages should be read alongside current FA and Cumberland FA safeguarding guidance. Where national or County FA procedures are updated, those procedures take precedence.