STIRLING ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES
Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their
attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore
expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as
well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to
conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “winat-all-costs” attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The
health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the
achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
1.1
Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat
each equally within the context of the sport.
1.2
Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other
considerations, including the development of performance.
1.3
Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
1.4
Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on
mutual trust and respect.
1.5
Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
1.6
Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own
behaviour and performance.
1.7
Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the
age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
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1.8
Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent)
exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their
coach.
1.9
Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports
scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
1.10
Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never
condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws
of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or
techniques.
1.11
Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
1.12
Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
1.13
Coaches must promote and encourage, particularly to young players, the importance of
a healthy lifestyle and diet.
1.14
Coaches must provide guidance and support to players on the dangers of drug abuse.
1.15
Coaches must adhere to the terms of the Club’s Policy on Anti-Discrimination.
1.16
Social Media Obligations
1.16.1 It is expected that coaches will uphold the ethos of the Club in all social media
interactions.
1.16.2 Coaches will not act in such a way that the image of the Club is brought into disrepute
nor in a way that harms its immediate and wider football community.
1.16.3 The Club expects coaches to use social media in a respectful and responsible manner.
Social media should not be used to insult, present offensive or inappropriate content or
to misrepresent the club or any member of the Club or the football community.
1.16.4 When using Social Media, coaches are expected to ensure that they:
o Respect the rights and confidentiality of others;
o Do not impersonate or falsely represent another person;
o Do not bully, intimidate, abuse, harass or threaten others;
o Do not make defamatory comments;
o Do not use offensive or threatening language;
o Do not post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic or incites
violence against others;
o Do not post content that harms the reputation and good standing of the Club or
those within its community;
1.16.5 A breach of this policy will be considered by the Board, and will be dealt with on a case
by case basis.
Reviewed March 17
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