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Player Code Of Conduct

NORTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

PLAYER 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 expects all players to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Club, its teammates, supporters, sponsors and the wider community.

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards expected of every player representing Norton Athletic FC.

Every player is an ambassador for the Club.

 

2. OUR VALUES

All players shall uphold the Club’s core values:

  • Respect

  • Integrity

  • Commitment

  • Teamwork

  • Ambition

  • Community

  • Sportsmanship

Players are expected to demonstrate these values both on and off the pitch.

 

3. RESPECT FOR TEAMMATES

Players shall:

  • Treat teammates with respect.

  • Support and encourage others.

  • Promote a positive team environment.

  • Avoid bullying or exclusion.

  • Help create a culture of togetherness.

The success of the Club depends upon collective effort.

 

4. RESPECT FOR OPPONENTS

Players shall:

  • Treat opponents fairly.

  • Shake hands before and after matches where appropriate.

  • Avoid abusive language.

  • Avoid intimidation or harassment.

  • Respect the spirit of the game.

Competitive football should always be played with good sportsmanship.

 

5. RESPECT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

Players shall:

  • Accept decisions made by referees and assistants.

  • Avoid dissent.

  • Avoid abusive language or gestures.

  • Raise concerns through appropriate channels.

Referees are essential to the game and must be respected at all times.

 

6. COMMITMENT TO THE TEAM

Players are expected to:

  • Attend training regularly.

  • Arrive on time.

  • Notify management of absences.

  • Prepare properly for matches.

  • Maintain fitness where possible.

Commitment is essential for team success.

 

7. MATCHDAY CONDUCT

Players shall:

  • Arrive at agreed times.

  • Follow management instructions.

  • Wear Club kit appropriately.

  • Respect facilities.

  • Support teammates regardless of selection decisions.

Players should represent the Club professionally at all times.

 

8. SOCIAL MEDIA

Players are ambassadors of Norton Athletic FC.

Players shall not:

  • Post abusive content.
    • Bring the Club into disrepute.
    • Criticise teammates publicly.
    • Criticise officials publicly.
    • Publish discriminatory content.

Players are encouraged to positively promote:

  • Norton Athletic FC

  • Sponsors

  • Fundraising initiatives

  • Club events

 

9. ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Players shall not:

  • Attend training under the influence of alcohol.

  • Attend matches under the influence of alcohol.

  • Use illegal substances.

  • Engage in behaviour that compromises safety.

The Club reserves the right to take disciplinary action where concerns arise.

 

10. RESPECT FOR CLUB PROPERTY

Players shall take reasonable care of:

  • Club equipment

  • Clubhouse facilities

  • Changing rooms

  • Vehicles

  • Training equipment

Deliberate damage may result in disciplinary action and recovery of costs.

 

11. SAFEGUARDING

Players shall:

  • Respect safeguarding procedures.

  • Report concerns.

  • Support younger players.

  • Help maintain a safe environment.

Bullying, harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

 

12. CLUBHOUSE BEHAVIOUR

Players are encouraged to support the Clubhouse and wider Club community.

Players shall:

  • Behave respectfully.

  • Support Club events.

  • Respect volunteers.

  • Promote a welcoming environment.

The Clubhouse is a key part of the Club’s future sustainability.

 

13. SUPPORTING THE CLUB

Players are encouraged to support:

  • Fundraising events

  • Sponsorship initiatives

  • Community activities

  • Volunteer efforts

  • Merchandise promotion

The growth of the Club benefits all players.

 

14. DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

Breaches of this Code may result in:

  • Informal warning

  • Formal warning

  • Suspension

  • Non-selection

  • Removal from Club activities

  • Termination of membership

The severity of sanctions shall reflect the seriousness of the breach.

 

15. PLAYER COMMITMENT

By registering with Norton Athletic FC, players agree to:

  • Uphold this Code.

  • Respect Club values.

  • Represent the Club positively.

  • Support teammates and volunteers.

  • Contribute to the success of the Club.

 

16. REVIEW

This Code shall be reviewed annually.

The Board may amend the Code where necessary to reflect:

  • FA guidance

  • League requirements

  • Club development

Approved by Norton Athletic Football Club

Version 1.0

Effective from 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

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