CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below.
All officials should:







Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating children
Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner
during games
Emphasis the spirit of the game
Appreciate the needs of the participant before the needs of the sport
Understand the physical, social and psychological development of
participants
Be a positive role model. You set an example and as such comments you
receive should be positive and supportive
Look for self-improvement by taking one of the NGB referee courses
All officials must:









Recognise that the safety of participants is paramount
Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of
performance
Explain decisions – all participants are still learning
Always penalise foul play
Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow
Show empathy for the age and ability of participants
Be consistent and objective
Ensure that verbal abuse from participants, coaches or spectators is not
tolerated and is dealt by club / event officials immediately
Be aware of, and abide by the relevant NGB / employing organisation
safeguarding guidance policies and procedures
APPENDIX A - CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND CARERS
(The Good Parents Code)
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is
summarised below.





All parents are encouraged to:
Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that you can
ensure that your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their
availability
Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing
sessions in which your child participates
Be aware that the sports/physical activity providers have a duty of care and
therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the
children particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport
children sports/physical activity providers’ to away games
Be involved with activities and share your expertise
Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials






All parents should:
Remember that children play sport/physical activity for their own enjoyment
not that of their parents’
Encourage children to play – do not force them
Focus on the children’s’ efforts rather than winning of losing
Be realistic about the children’s ability; do not push them towards a level that
they are not capable of achieving
Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game
REMEMBER THAT PERSISTENT, NEGATIVE
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PARTICIPANTS’
PERFORMANCE AND ATTITUDE




MESSAGES WILL
AND REFEREE’S
Always support the sport/physical activity providers in their efforts to eradicate
loud, course and abusive behaviour from the game
Remember children learn by example
Always show appreciation of good play by ALL children both from your own
club and the opposition
Respect decisions made by the competition officials and encourage the
children to do likewise.