Code of conduct

Players and coaches

Players: respect others

We want you to enjoy your football, feel confident and have opportunities to improve.

• Treat teammates, coaches and everyone at the venue with respect.
• Include others and help everyone feel welcome.
• Use positive language. Bullying, hurtful comments, discrimination and threatening behaviour are not acceptable.
• Respect other people's belongings, equipment and the facilities.

Players: be ready to learn

• Arrive ready to take part, with suitable clothing, footwear, shin pads where required and a drink.
• Listen when someone is speaking and follow instructions that keep the session safe.
• Ask questions when you are unsure.
• Give your best effort and allow others to do the same.

Players: be brave and supportive

• Try new things and remember that mistakes are part of learning.
• Encourage others rather than criticising them.
• Celebrate effort and progress, including your own.
• Play fairly and take responsibility for your actions.

Players: stay safe

• Tell a coach if you are hurt, feel unwell or need a break.
• Stay within the agreed session area and tell a coach before leaving it.
• Do not leave at the end of a session until your collection arrangements have been checked.
• Do not take or share photographs or videos of others during sessions without permission.
• Tell a coach, parent, carer or another trusted adult if something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You will be listened to.

If something goes wrong

Coaches will listen, explain the concern and help you understand what needs to change. Depending on the situation, you may have a reminder, a supported break or a discussion with your parent or carer.

Repeated or serious behaviour that affects others' safety or wellbeing may lead to a temporary pause or the end of participation. We will consider your age, individual needs and the circumstances, and give you an opportunity to explain what happened.

Coaches: put the player first

At JB Football Coaching, we want every player to feel safe, valued and confident to learn. Our coaches are responsible for creating an environment where players can enjoy football, challenge themselves and develop.

• Make players' safety and wellbeing the priority in every session.
• Treat every player fairly and respectfully, recognising their individual needs, abilities and stage of development.
• Adapt activities where appropriate so players can participate meaningfully.
• Never pressure a player to train through injury, illness or distress.

Coaches: coach with purpose and care

• Arrive prepared, on time and ready to deliver an appropriate session.
• Give clear instructions and constructive feedback that players can understand and use.
• Encourage effort, decision making, creativity and learning from mistakes.
• Challenge players positively, without shouting at, humiliating or belittling them.
• Recognise progress without making comparisons that undermine another player.
• Listen to players and give them opportunities to ask questions and share their views.

Coaches: set the standard

• Model the respect, behaviour and attitude expected of players.
• Do not use discriminatory, threatening, abusive or inappropriate language.
• Challenge bullying and exclusion, and report concerns promptly.
• Respect fellow coaches, parents, venue staff and other users of the facilities.
• Do not coach while under the influence of alcohol or substances that impair judgement.

Coaches: professional boundaries

• Follow the JB Football Coaching Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy.
• Deliver individual sessions in an open, observable environment with agreed supervision arrangements.
• Keep communication with children transparent and involve parents or carers through agreed channels.
• Do not conduct private conversations with children through personal social media accounts.
• Ensure physical contact is necessary, appropriate and explained, respecting the player's comfort and boundaries.
• Do not photograph, film or share player images outside the agreed consent arrangements.
• Protect personal and medical information, sharing it only where necessary and appropriate.

Coaches: take responsibility

• Complete the suitability checks, PVG requirements and training applicable to your role.
• Follow agreed procedures for attendance, collection, emergencies and incident reporting.
• Report safeguarding concerns without delay. Do not investigate allegations yourself or promise secrecy.
• Reflect on your coaching, welcome feedback and continue developing your practice.

Responding to breaches

Breaches will be addressed according to their seriousness and impact. Action may include discussion, additional training, changes to duties, suspension or ending the coaching arrangement.

Where a concern involves safeguarding or possible criminal conduct, it will be handled through the appropriate reporting procedures. Immediate protective action may be taken where necessary.