The following Codes of Conduct have been adopted by the Doreen United Soccer Club for the 2021 Season and beyond.

PLAYERS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 

• Play by the Rules and within the spirit of the game.
• Abide by the rules set down by your coach and club.
• Do not argue with the match official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the match official during a break in play or after the match is concluded.
• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking another person is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
• Maintain your focus and work hard for yourself and your team.
• Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that you given your best effort and never involve yourself in an argument with opposing players, referees or officials.
• Be a good sport and be prepared to acknowledge good play whether it is from your team or the opposition.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.
• Play for your own enjoyment, and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Remove all jewellery prior to training and match play, as it is a hazard to you and those around you.
• Do not accept or use any banned or unauthorised drug(s), including the consumption of alcohol at any time. 

PARENTS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR  

• Remember that children play the sport for their enjoyment, and not yours;
• Encourage children to play according to the rules and spirit of the game;
• Encourage all children to participate, do not force them;
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than the result of the activity (that is, winning or losing);
• Encourage children to always participate according to the rules;
• Never ridicule, yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game;
• Remember that children learn best by example, so applaud good play by both teams;
• Support all efforts to remove racial and religious vilification, verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities;
• Respect the match official’s decisions and teach your child to do likewise;
• Show respect and appreciation to Club officials, including coaches, officials and administrators. Ensure any issues are raised through the correct channels;
• ‘Smart Supporting’ – not loud and intense but calm, relaxed and at all times positive;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol near the team bench (Technical Area) or sideline.
• Teach children that an honest effort is as important as winning. 

SPECTATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

• Remember all children play football for their enjoyment, not just yours;
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake before, during or after the game, as this may deter that child from continuing in the sport;
• Applaud good play and performances from both teams, and be forward in congratulating all participants on their performance regardless of the final outcome;
• Respect the match official’s decisions on the day;
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players;
• Show respect to for both teams when watching matches, because without them there would be no game;
• Encourage players to follow rules and accept the decision of the match official;
• Do not intimidate, harass or use foul language towards, players, match officials, Club Officials or spectators;
• Show respect for opposition Supporters and officials;
• Keep children in your care under control and in sight;
• Always respect the use of facilities provided;

COACHES’CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 

• Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else.
• Remember that players participate for the fun of it and that winning is not everything;
• Be reasonable in your demands on younger players time, energy and enthusiasm;
• Teach your players to abide by the Rules and Laws of the Game;
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet a reasonable safety standard and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players;
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;
• Never engage in public criticism of match officials;
• Encourage every player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance;
• Avoid overplaying the talented player the less developed players need and deserve equal time on the playing field;
• Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or for not winning games;
• Any physical contact by the coach with a player should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development;
• Modify your approach to suit the skill levels and needs of players;
• Develop and enhance respect between players, opposition coaches and the decisions of the match official;
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining the extent of a player’s injury and beyond that, when players are returning from injury to training and match play;
• Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices (refer to Coach Accreditation Criteria);
• Take time out to teach players (& others) the Laws of the Game, hence raising their awareness;
• Remind all players to play within the spirit of the game at all times;
• Ensure players are good sports and ensure each team member shakes the hand of their opponents at the conclusion of every match;
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol from the team bench (Technical Area) or sideline;
• Remember the actions of yourself and your team is reflective of the perception others take away with them. 

ADMINISTRATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

• Act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the sport as a whole.
• Ensure that any information acquired or advantage gained from the position is not used improperly.
• Conduct your responsibilities with due care, competence and diligence.
• Do not allow prejudice, conflict of interest or bias to affect your objectivity.
• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and assist in raising the standards of coaching and officiating.
• Ensure everyone involved in football emphasises fair play, and not winning at all costs.
• Be tolerant and calm under pressure and approach problem solving in a supportive manner as members and players will expect you to set an example for others.
• Make every effort to educate persons who breach these guidelines from time to time.
• Support all National Policies in regard to code of conduct and child protection.
• Never engage in public criticism of match officials.
• Create pathways for young people to participate in sport, not just as a player, but also as a coach, referee, Club official etc.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Do not interfere with the progress and or conduct of a game unless called upon to do so by an Official.