Whilst Soccer is naturally a competitive game and everybody likes to win. A "win at all costs" mentality will, in the long term, be detrimental to the behaviour and attitudes of the players and the overall good of the game. An effective way in which all clubs and coaches can set and achieve high standards is to mutually agree relevant "Codes of Conducts". Whilst "Codes of Conducts" will not provide definitive answers on what to do and how to handle specific and serious breaches of discipline or bad behaviour, they will provide agreed terms of reference which will allow all parties to pull in the right direction and fully understand and adhere to the standards that are expected of them.

The following are guidelines and ideas for Codes of Conducts for Coaches you might want to consider when you implement your own "Codes of Conducts" at your clubs:

• The health, safety, well - being and moral education of each and every player should be placed above any other consideration, including winning, improvement in performance or the reputation of the club, school or coach.
• Coaches should always ensure that the coaching activities they undertake or recommend take into account and reflect the age, ability, physical maturity, experience and any other differences of their players.
• Coaches should always respect the rights, dignity and worth of players, officials, opposition, and colleagues and treat each equally within the environment of the game of soccer.
• Coaches should ensure that their players, coaching colleagues, team management and parents, fully understand what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from you, their coach.
• Coaches should be open minded and co - operate with specialists who can help benefit the players (i.e medical help, specialist coaches - goalkeeper, nutritionists, physiotherapists)
• Coaches should always look to promote and support fair play, the laws of the game, the spirit of the game and rules and regulations concerning the use of illegal or banned substances.
• Show respect to Match Officials, accepting decisions without protest, not to attempt to mislead or cheat, either by words or actions
• Coaches should adhere to the guidelines rules laid down by their Governing Association
• The relationship between players and coaches should always be based upon mutual trust, understanding and respect.
• Coaches should strive to encourage players to accept personal responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
• Coaches should be aware of not apply undue pressure on their players to improve their own personal reputation or gain personal benefit.
• Coaches should strive to set and maintain the highest personal standards concerning their own behaviour and appearance.
• Coaches should strive to improve their education and knowledge of the game and coaching.
• Coaches should not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

If you are also a team official you might want to consider implementing the

Grassrootscoaching.com would like to acknowledge the contribution of sports coach UK in developing the content within this code of conduct