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Parent & Guardian Code of conduct

NORTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

PARENT & GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

Approved By: Board of Directors

1. PURPOSE

Norton Athletic Football Club recognises the important role that parents and guardians play in creating a positive football environment.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all parents and guardians associated with the Club.

The Club aims to create an environment where football is safe, enjoyable, inclusive and development-focused for every player.

2. OUR COMMITMENT

Norton Athletic FC is committed to:

  • Player development

  • Enjoyment of football

  • Respect for others

  • Inclusion

  • Fair play

  • Safeguarding

Parents and guardians are expected to support these principles.

 

3. POSITIVE SUPPORT

Parents and guardians should:

  • Encourage participation.

  • Support all players.

  • Celebrate effort and improvement.

  • Promote enjoyment of football.

  • Help build confidence.

Players benefit most from positive encouragement rather than excessive pressure.

4. RESPECT FOR PLAYERS

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Treat all players respectfully.

  • Avoid criticism of other children.

  • Encourage teamwork.

  • Promote inclusion.

Football should help children develop friendships, confidence and life skills.

 

5. RESPECT FOR COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Respect coaches.

  • Respect managers.

  • Respect volunteers.

  • Recognise that volunteers give their time freely.

Concerns should be raised constructively through appropriate channels.

6. RESPECT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Respect referee decisions.

  • Avoid abusive language.

  • Avoid confrontation.

  • Set a positive example.

The Club supports all match officials and expects respectful behaviour at all times.

7. TOUCHLINE BEHAVIOUR

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Encourage positively.

  • Avoid coaching from the touchline.

  • Avoid criticism of players.

  • Avoid intimidating behaviour.

  • Support a positive atmosphere.

The match environment should remain enjoyable for everyone.

8. SOCIAL MEDIA

Parents and guardians shall not:

  • Criticise players online.

  • Criticise coaches online.

  • Criticise officials online.

  • Publish offensive or discriminatory content.

  • Bring the Club into disrepute.

Social media should be used responsibly.

9. SAFEGUARDING

Parents and guardians should:

  • Support safeguarding procedures.

  • Report concerns.

  • Encourage children to speak up.

  • Respect welfare processes.

The safety and wellbeing of players is paramount.

10. EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Respect diversity.

  • Promote inclusion.

  • Challenge discrimination.

  • Support equal opportunities.

The Club welcomes participants from all backgrounds.

 

11. ATTENDANCE AND COMMUNICATION

Parents and guardians should:

  • Inform coaches of absences.

  • Keep emergency contact details updated.

  • Communicate respectfully.

  • Support team organisation.

Good communication helps teams operate effectively.

12. CLUB FACILITIES

Parents and guardians shall:

  • Respect Club property.

  • Respect changing facilities.

  • Respect clubhouse facilities.

  • Help maintain a safe environment.

The Club’s facilities are community assets that should be cared for by all.

13. SUPPORTING THE CLUB

Parents and guardians are encouraged to support:

  • Fundraising initiatives

  • Community events

  • Sponsorship opportunities

  • Clubhouse activities

  • Volunteer programmes

The growth of Norton Athletic FC benefits all participants.

14. COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Concerns should be raised through appropriate channels.

Parents should:

  • Speak respectfully.

  • Allow reasonable time for responses.

  • Follow Club procedures.

Public criticism or abusive behaviour is not acceptable.

15. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

  • Abuse towards officials

  • Abuse towards volunteers

  • Bullying

  • Harassment

  • Discrimination

  • Aggressive behaviour

  • Threatening behaviour

  • Bringing the Club into disrepute

Such behaviour may result in disciplinary action.

16. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Breaches of this Code may result in:

  • Informal warning

  • Formal warning

  • Restriction from Club activities

  • Suspension from attending matches

  • Removal from Club facilities

The Club reserves the right to take action where behaviour negatively impacts participants or the Club.

17. COMMITMENT

By registering a player with Norton Athletic FC, parents and guardians agree to:

  • Uphold this Code.

  • Promote Club values.

  • Support safeguarding.

  • Respect volunteers and officials.

  • Contribute positively to the Club environment.

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18. REVIEW

This Code shall be reviewed annually.

The Board may amend the Code where required to reflect:

  • FA guidance

  • Safeguarding requirements

  • Club development

Approved by Norton Athletic Football Club

Version 1.0

Effective from 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

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