We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Parents have a significant influence on chil­dren’s enjoyment and success in football. Children play football because they first and foremost love the game – it’s FUN. Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop and learn. We want them to win but not at all costs. Play your part by supporting your child, supporting the FAI’s Player Development Plan and observe the Code of Conduct at all times.

As a parent/guardian I will:

·         Remember that children play for FUN.

·         Applaud effort and good play.

·         Always respect the match officials’ decisions.

·         Try not to show superficial support to the referee because the call went ‘your’ way. Avoid comments such as ‘good call ref’ or ‘thanks ref’.

·         Lead by example and never harass or shout at the referee or officials.

·         Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and officials.

·         Remain outside the field of play or within the Designated Spectators’ Areas.

·         Avoid walking up and down all game along the side-lines. Leave the coaching to the managers and coaches whose job it is.

·         Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do.

·         Encourage your child, and others, or be quiet. Praise effort and performance not results.

·         Make positive comments from the side-line. Be encouraging.  You can often see a young player make that extra effort when they hear encouraging words from the side-line about their hustle.

·         Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning.

·         Avoid making any negative comments about players on the other team. This should be simple: we are talking about youngsters, not adults who are being paid to play professionally.

·         Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.

·         Support the coach’s decisions and discuss any concerns directly with the coach.

·         Do not complain about your son or daughter’s coaches to other parents.

·         Do not discuss the play of specific young players in front of other parents.

·         Try to keep interaction with parents on the other team as healthy and positive as possible. They are not the enemy.

·         I must develop an appropriate supportive relationship with both the coach and my child based on mutual trust and respect.

·         Help put goals and equipment away at the end of the game.

·         Watch and be familiar with the Coach/Parents Education Video on www.fai.ie. (currently here https://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/coachparent-education-video-launched)

I understand that if I do not follow the Code of Conduct, action may be taken by the club, league or National Association in line with the disciplinary process.

Parent:                                                                                                 Signature:          

_________________________________________________________________________________

Coach: ___________________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________