ADMINISTRATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
- Involve others in planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making related toSoccer.
You have been appointed or elected to lead the administration of Soccer . However, many other people
have good ideas which can benefit the sport. Listen to their ideas. If change or review is contemplated, consult
as widely as is practical. The more people who contribute, the better the decision making process.
- Give all people equal opportunities to participate.
While the ability and time available to contribute varies from person to person, always make sure that
everyone involved in the sport is made to feel welcome to participate. Soccer could not function without
the very large number of volunteers involved. If all people are encouraged to participate, it makes the job
easier for everyone else. Involve them in planning and decision making.
- Create pathways for people to participate and develop through the sport not just as players but
as coaches, referees and administrators.
Structure your organisation so that people have an opportunity to participate in Soccer in as wide a variety
of roles as possible. Make them feel that they can progress through the organisation for as far as their abilities
allow. Don’t make judgements of people and exclude them from particular roles. If they aspire to move to a
higher level of officiating or administration, give them the opportunity and support that their enthusiasm
demands.
- Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the
age, ability and maturity level of players.
Not every player of Soccer can play at an elite level. Young people or people with handicaps have special
needs. Recognise the needs of players at various levels and provide facilities and an environment which will
allow them to participate. Encourage participants to develop realistic expectations of their abilities
- Provide quality supervision, instruction and a safe environment for all players.
Many people playing Soccer require some measure of protection. Children are vulnerable to influence by
adults who may not be the perfect role models. They can also be the subject of abuse in various forms by
adults and by their peers. Structure the game to take into account the special needs and vulnerability of
participants. Involve parents and other responsible adults in the supervision of the sport. Provide adequate
training and facilities to allow participants to enjoy their Soccer and to benefit physically and mentally from it.
6. Remember thatSocceris for fun.
Remember that playersplay for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation.
Always make sure that participants are made to feel welcome whenever they attend for training or a match.
Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition. See errors or losses as an opportunity to
learn in a constructive way. Comment in a way that is positive and designed to create interest, involvement
and development.
- Help coaches and officials highlight appropriatebehaviourand skill development, and help
improve the standards of coaching and officiating. +
Everyone involved in Soccer is entitled to expect that the standard of officials and coaches is high. You
should ensure that you have in place a program for ensuring that your officials and coaches are properly
trained and maintain their skills and knowledge of the game. You should promote a culture among them of
appropriate behaviour so that they can act as good role models with the participants with whom they come
into contact.
- Assist all participants inSoccerto know and understand the rules.
As administrators, you have a role in the education of other participants. Maintain your own knowledge of the
rules of Soccer and have in place education programs so that all other participants know and understand
the rules and that they keep that knowledge current. Where change comes to your attention, make sure that all
participants who will be effected by it are fully informed.
- Give a copy of the codes of conduct to spectators, officials, parents, coaches, teachers, players
and the media and encourage them to follow it.
In your role as an educator, you have a responsibility to ensure that as many participants as possible are aware
of what is expected of them. The codes of conduct are one important way that you can fulfil that
responsibility.
- You set an example. Yourbehaviourand comments should be positive and supportive.
Assist participants to accept responsibility for their own actions rather than mere obedience to the rules. You
will not gain the respect of participants unless you show them respect. Just as you require accountability for
the actions of others, so you must be accountable for your own actions. Never make a decision based on your
own interests. If your interests conflict with those of Soccer you must leave the decision to others.
- Make it clear that abusing people in any way is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.
If you are making a report for abuse or any other reportable offence, you must act with fairness towards all
those involved.
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.
Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all
persons connected with Soccer are entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could
be construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may give offence. Even if a person refers
to themselves with a particular label, it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion
is imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.
- Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.
Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if kept in good order. Ensure that you do
not abuse anything provided for use. Discourage players from engaging in dangerous practices such as
hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most venues. Not only can
equipment be damaged but also serious injury can occur.
