Introduction
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from everyone involved with the Club. It applies to all players, coaches, team officials, committee members, volunteers, parents/guardians, spectators and members.
The Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable environment where players of all ages can develop, compete and enjoy football.
All members are expected to uphold the Club's values:
Respect • Integrity • Teamwork • Inclusion • Commitment • Fair Play

1. General Expectations
Everyone associated with the Club shall:
• Treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Promote football in a positive manner.
• Respect match officials and their decisions.
• Support a safe and welcoming environment.
• Follow Club policies, FA regulations and league rules.
• Act in a manner that reflects positively on the Club.
• Avoid behaviour that may bring the Club into disrepute.
The Club operates a zero-tolerance approach towards:
• Bullying
• Harassment
• Intimidation
• Discrimination
• Racism
• Sexism
• Homophobia
• Transphobia
• Religious discrimination
• Disability discrimination
• Violence or threatening behaviour

2. Adult Players (Men's and Ladies Teams)
All adult players are expected to:
• Play fairly and within the Laws of the Game.
• Attend training and matches punctually.
• Notify management promptly of any unavailability.
• Respect teammates, opponents, coaches, volunteers and officials.
• Accept decisions made by referees.
• Support team unity and club values.
• Wear appropriate kit and equipment.
• Maintain good discipline both on and off the pitch.
• Take responsibility for their conduct when representing the Club.
• Keep facilities clean and tidy.
Players must not:
• Use abusive, threatening or discriminatory language.
• Engage in violent or aggressive conduct.
• Damage Club or third-party property.
• Post inappropriate content on social media relating to the Club.

3. Under-18 Players
The Club recognises that youth football is about enjoyment, development and learning.
Under-18 players are expected to:
• Respect coaches, teammates, opponents and officials.
• Try their best at training and matches.
• Listen to coaching instructions.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Support teammates regardless of ability.
• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Report any concerns regarding welfare, bullying or safeguarding to a coach or Club Welfare Officer.
Under-18 players must not:
• Bully or exclude other players.
• Use inappropriate or discriminatory language.
• Engage in abusive behaviour online or in person.
• Bring alcohol, vaping products, cigarettes or illegal substances to Club activities.

4. Coaches and Team Officials
Coaches and officials must:
• Put player welfare ahead of results.
• Act as positive role models.
• Create a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment.
• Treat all players equally and fairly.
• Promote respect and sportsmanship.
• Maintain appropriate FA qualifications and safeguarding requirements.
• Follow Club safeguarding procedures.
• Communicate openly and professionally with players and parents.
Coaches and officials must not:
• Use humiliating, abusive or discriminatory behaviour.
• Favour individuals unfairly.
• Engage in inappropriate relationships with players.
• Publicly criticise referees, players or volunteers.

5. Parents and Guardians (Under-18 Teams)
Parents and guardians play a vital role in supporting youth football.
Parents/guardians are expected to:
• Encourage enjoyment and participation.
• Support all players positively.
• Respect coaches, volunteers and match officials.
• Allow coaches to coach and referees to referee.
• Raise concerns through appropriate Club channels.
• Ensure players arrive on time and are appropriately equipped.
Parents/guardians must not:
• Coach from the touchline.
• Confront officials, coaches or players.
• Use abusive, threatening or discriminatory language.
• Enter the field of play unless invited by a match official or coach.

6. Committee Members and Volunteers
Committee members and volunteers are expected to:
• Act in the best interests of the Club.
• Maintain professionalism and integrity.
• Support Club objectives and policies.
• Respect confidentiality where required.
• Ensure transparency and fairness in decision-making.
• Promote an inclusive Club culture.

7. Spectators
All spectators must:
• Encourage positive behaviour.
• Respect players, coaches and officials.
• Applaud good play from both teams.
• Support the development of players and enjoyment of the game.
Spectators must not:
• Use offensive or discriminatory language.
• Abuse referees or opposition teams.
• Behave in a way that negatively impacts the enjoyment or safety of others.
• Enter the field of play unless invited by a match official or coach.

8. Use of the Pitchero App
To improve communication, organisation and administration, the Club requires all players, coaches, committee members and team officials to actively use the Pitchero App.
Members are expected to:
• Register and maintain an active account.
• Keep contact details up to date.
• Respond to match and training availability requests promptly.
• Use the App as the primary method of Club communication.
• Check regularly for Club news, fixtures, events and announcements.
For Under-18 players, parents/guardians should assist where necessary to ensure availability and communication are managed appropriately.
Consistent use of the Pitchero App helps volunteers manage teams effectively and reduces administrative burden across the Club.

9. Support for the Archie Gooch Pavilion
The Archie Gooch Pavilion is at the heart of our Club and local community.
All members are encouraged to support the Pavilion by becoming members where eligible and by participating in Pavilion events and activities.
Membership helps:
• Maintain and improve Club facilities.
• Support youth and adult football.
• Strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Club.
• Enhance the social and community aspects of Club life.
While Pavilion membership is not compulsory, all members are strongly encouraged to support this important community asset wherever possible.

10. Social Media and Online Conduct
All members must:
• Act respectfully online.
• Represent the Club positively.
• Respect the privacy of players, volunteers and families.
• Follow safeguarding guidance regarding photographs and videos.
Members must not:
• Post offensive, discriminatory or abusive content.
• Engage in online bullying or harassment.
• Share confidential Club information.
• Bring the Club into disrepute through online activity.

11. Safeguarding
The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.
All members must:
• Follow the Club's safeguarding policies.
• Report concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.
• Cooperate fully with safeguarding procedures and investigations.
All safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously and handled in accordance with FA and statutory guidance.

12. Breaches of the Code
Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in:
1. Informal discussion or verbal warning.
2. Formal written warning.
3. Suspension from training, matches or Club activities.
4. Removal from Club roles or responsibilities.
5. Termination of membership.
6. Referral to the League, County FA or relevant authorities where appropriate.
The Club Committee reserves the right to investigate any alleged breach and determine appropriate action.

Together we create a safe, respectful and successful football club for players of all ages.

Ilminster Town Football Club