Coaches
are key to the establishment of ethics in football.
Their concept of ethics are 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 "win-at-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.
Set
out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code
of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed
by the National Coaching Foundation and the National
Association of Sports Coaches) which forms the
benchmark for all involved in coaching:
Coaches must
respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and
every person and treat each equally within the context
of the sport.
Coaches must
place the well-being and safety of each player above
all other considerations, including the development
of performance.
Coaches must
adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing
bodies.
Coaches must
develop an appropriate working relationship with
each player based on mutual trust and respect.
Coaches must
not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit
or reward.
Coaches must
encourage and guide players to accept responsibility
for their own behaviour and performance.
Coaches must
ensure that the activities they direct or advocate
are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience
and ability of players.
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.
Coaches must
co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other
coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors,
physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
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.
Coaches must
consistently display high standards of behaviour
and appearance.
Coaches must
not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
