Cambridge Football

EXPLANATORY FOREWORD

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to encourage fair and ethical treatment of all persons and organisations connected to Cambridge Football Club (CFC). Some sections will apply more directly to certain roles than others.

All members and participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and acknowledge that any breach may result in disciplinary action under the CFC Constitution, Regulations, and Policies.

This Code applies to all CFC members, participants, officials, parents, guardians, and supporters involved in CFC activities.

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

As a CFC member and/or participant, you will:

Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all individuals.
Be fair, considerate, and honest in all dealings.
Be professional in your conduct and accept responsibility for your actions.
Commit to providing and supporting quality service.
Adhere to the standards, rules, regulations, and policies of CFC.
Operate within the Constitution, Regulations, Policies, and Procedures of CFC.
Understand the possible consequences of breaching the Code.
Immediately report any breaches of the Code to the appropriate authority.
Comply with all applicable national and local laws.
Refrain from any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination, victimisation, or intimidation.
Refrain from using obscene, offensive, or inappropriate language.
Reject corruption, drugs, racism, violence, and other behaviours or influences that harm the game or others.
Promote the interests of football and CFC at all times.
Provide a safe environment for all activities in accordance with CFC policies.
Show concern and care for others who may be injured, unwell, or in distress.
Be a positive role model.
Not make comments to the media or online on behalf of CFC unless authorised.
Not make negative public or online comments about CFC, its members, or its federations.
Avoid bringing CFC, its members, sponsors, or partners into disrepute.
Not participate in sports betting or gambling activity connected to football matches or results in which you are directly involved.

A TEAM MANAGER WILL:

Be responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of team members and officials when travelling.
Maintain a duty of care towards team members and be accountable for team management.
Have a sound working knowledge of the CFC Constitution, Regulations, and Policies.
Ensure the team operates in line with CFC rules and guidelines.
Foster a collaborative and supportive approach to team management.

A REFEREE WILL:

Officiate matches fairly, safely, and in a way that promotes enjoyment for players and spectators.
Know and correctly apply the Laws of the Game.
Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all participants.
Remain impartial and professional.
Stay up to date with football knowledge and officiating practices.
Treat all participants fairly regardless of gender, ability, cultural background, or religion.
Maintain fitness for refereeing duties.
Honour all accepted appointments.
Conduct themselves ethically and professionally at all times.
Support and respect fellow referees.
Allow players and coaches dignity and self-respect.

A MEMBER, ADMINISTRATOR & ASSOCIATE WILL:

Encourage members and spectators to follow the Code of Conduct.
Be fair, considerate, and honest in all dealings.
Maintain professionalism in conduct and communication.
Ensure language, presentation, and punctuality reflect high standards.
Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures.
Maintain strict confidentiality when required.
Provide a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

A COACH WILL:

Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every player.
Treat players equally regardless of gender, disability, or ethnicity.
Recognise each player’s talent, stage of development, and personal goals.
Maintain high standards of coaching and behaviour.
Operate within the rules and spirit of football, encouraging players to do the same.
Advocate a drug-free sporting environment.
Maintain player confidentiality unless authorised to disclose information.
Be a positive role model, projecting professionalism at all times.
Provide players with equal attention, support, and opportunities.
Promote a healthy lifestyle and avoid poor lifestyle behaviours around players.
Display high standards of language, punctuality, preparation, and behaviour.
Treat all involved—opponents, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators—with courtesy and respect.
Accept responsibility for their actions and decisions.
Avoid inappropriate relationships with players and explain the ethical basis for such boundaries.
Accurately represent coaching qualifications and experience.
Refrain from criticising fellow coaches.
Commit to ongoing personal and professional development.
Provide structured and appropriate training programmes for players.
Seek expert advice where needed.
Ensure a safe training and competition environment with suitable equipment and facilities.
Show care for sick or injured players, allowing return to play only when appropriate.
Protect players from all forms of abuse, harassment, and inappropriate physical contact.
Be alert to signs of abuse from other sources and act responsibly.

A PLAYER WILL:

Play to win, but always play fairly.
Respect the Laws of the Game and decisions of referees.
Accept victory and defeat with dignity.
Show sportsmanship and respect towards teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees.
Never bully or take unfair advantage of others.
Cooperate with coaches, managers, and teammates.
Refrain from possessing or consuming prohibited substances while representing CFC.
Not consume or purchase alcohol or tobacco while in CFC camps or on tours without approval from the Team Manager and Head Coach.
Comply with training, competition, curfew, and behaviour requirements while representing CFC.

A PARENT/GUARDIAN WILL:

Agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Remember that children participate for enjoyment, not for adult expectations.
Encourage children to participate without pressure.
Focus on effort and performance rather than results.
Teach children to follow the rules and resolve disagreements respectfully.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for mistakes or losses.
Lead by example in positive behaviour.
Support efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from sport.
Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do the same.
Show appreciation for coaches, referees, and volunteers.

CODE OF CONDUCT