Player Pledge
- Give it Your All!: Always strive to play your best and improve your skills. Practice makes perfect!
- Fair Play First: Football is more fun when everyone plays by the rules. Be honest, don't waste time, and avoid complaining.
- Respect the Game: Treat everyone with respect, including your teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and even the other team's fans.
- Be a Team Player: Listen to your coach's instructions, support your teammates, and celebrate each other's successes.
- Sportsmanship Matters: Shake hands with the other team and referee after the game, win or lose. It's all about good sportsmanship!
- Be a Good Listener: Pay attention to your coach's advice and instructions. They're here to help you improve your game.
- Speak Up for Yourself: If you're ever worried or unhappy about something at the academy, talk to your coach, a teammate you trust, or our club welfare officer. We're all here to support you!
Parent's Guide to Sideline Support
- Focus on Fun! Football is about learning, developing skills, and, most importantly, having fun. Celebrate your child's effort and enjoyment of the game.
- Applaud Everyone: Recognize good sportsmanship and effort from all players, regardless of the team. A great play deserves a cheer, no matter who makes it!
- Respect the Officials: Match officials are there to ensure a fair game. Treat their decisions with respect, even if you disagree.
- Be a Positive Role Model: Your behaviour sets the tone for your child. Stay in the designated spectator area, avoid sideline coaching, and encourage good sportsmanship.
- Let the Coach Coach: The coaches are there to guide the players. Trust them to do their job and allow players to learn from their coaches' instructions.
- Encourage Teamwork: Help your child understand the importance of supporting their teammates and respecting their opponents.
- Mistakes Happen: Everyone makes mistakes. Encourage your child to learn from them and bounce back. Avoid criticising them for errors.
- Promote Positivity: Focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Negative comments and abusive language have no place at Ballon Dor.
Coach and Carer Code of Conduct
- Player Well-being First: Always prioritise the well-being, safety, and enjoyment of each player above all else, including winning.
- Clear Expectations: Communicate your expectations for player behaviour and what they can expect from you as a coach or carer. Ensure all parents/guardians of players under 18 also understand these expectations.
- Positive Coaching: Create a mutual trust and respect culture with every player. Develop their self-esteem through encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance policy and will not tolerate any form of bullying towards players.
- Building Responsibility: Encourage players to take responsibility for their behaviour and performance on the field.
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Ensure all training activities you organise are appropriate for the players' ages, abilities, and maturity levels.
- Teamwork for Player Success: Collaborate effectively with officials, doctors, physiotherapists, and welfare officers to ensure the best interests of each player.
Spectator Guidelines
- Be a Fan, Not a Fanatic: Cheer on all the players and celebrate their effort and enjoyment of the game. Remember, it's about learning and having fun!
- Respect for All: Respect everyone involved, including players from both teams, coaches, referees, opponents, and fellow spectators.
- Applaud Good Sportsmanship: Create a supportive atmosphere for everyone on the field.
- Sideline Supporter Superstar: Stay within the designated spectator area. It keeps everyone safe and avoids disruptions.
- Be Mindful of Others: Refrain from smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol in designated non-smoking areas.
- Keep It Clean: Dispose of any trash around your seating area.