Managers/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.
• Managers/Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
• Managers/Coaches must be aware that almost all their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.
• It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for managers/coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for managers/coaches to disassociate themselves from a win-at-all-costs attitude.
• Increased responsibility is requested from managers/coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are priority, before the achievement of the reputation of the club, school, manager, coach or parent.
Set out below is The FA Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by sports coach UK) and forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching.
THE FA MANAGERS/COACHES ASSOCIATION CODE OF CONDUCT
1) Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of sport.
2) Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3) Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4) Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5) Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit and reward.
6) Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
7) Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct, or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8) Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9) Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10) Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11) Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12) Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
