Long Eaton United Youth - Parents/Players Hand Book

Parents / Players Guide

Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, parent, have a responsibility, above and beyond to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high.

Why does your child play football?

There are many reasons why your child wants to play football, easy I hear you say, its fun. You may be surprised by some of the reason the children may give. Below are just some of the answers;

Its fun
It gets me away from my brother/sister
I play football because it’s exciting
I want to part of a team
I love to play football because I love to win
I want to be like David Beckham

As you can see its not just fun there are many reason and it is important to understand what motivates a young child to play.

Why do kids drop out of football?

As there are many number reason why your child will want to play football there are also a number of reason why they will drop out or loose interest in football. Below are just a few examples;

The coach bullied me, he made me feel stupid
It stopped being fun and there are other things to do
My dad kept forcing me to play, he shouted at me when we lost

The number one reason why children stop playing football is pressure from parents for their child to do well. Every kid needs support and encouragement, if a game goes badly or your child does not play well, the last thing you want to do is to shout at them. Pick the points in the game were they played an exceptional pass, a great tackle or shot on goal. Make this the talking point and let them know you are proud of them for tying. Of course you can point out were they went wrong and offer advice and guidance.

The participation benefits for kids

As well as pressure from parents there is also pressures from the team and coach, there are also the benefits of football which can help in later life. These include;

Discipline and Co-operation
Communication skills
Dealing with failure
Confidence, social skills and of course dealing with success

As with all team sports we will make every effort to encourage and support your child in the perusal of the game of football and in return we ask the same of you. When the season progresses and we play more games there will be times when players may not be in the starting line up and or asked to play in different positions. As you can appreciate we will try and find were best a player is suited on the playing field, once we have identified their skills and weaknesses we can then work on individual skills with each child.

From time to time we may ask the players to complete a basic form to describe in their own words what they feel are their strengths and weaknesses in the game of football. This is a great way to encourage kids to participate in their own training; we would also encourage parents to spend time with their children to encourage their development in the sport.

Code of Conduct for Players

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game, but not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.

This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels.

Obligations towards the game
A player should:

1. Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.

2. Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if his team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.

3. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.

4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time-wasting.

5. Always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion on the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

6. Not use inappropriate language.

Obligations towards one’s own team
A player should:

1. Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help his own team win.

2. Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to, bring into question his commitment to the team winning.

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should:

1. Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game, and the competition rules.

2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.

3. Resist any temptation to take banned substances or use banned techniques.

Respect towards Opponents
A player should:

1. Treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game.

2. Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.

Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should:

1. Accept the decision of the Match Official without protest.

2. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.

3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.

Respect towards Team Officials
A player should:

1. Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

2. Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the opposition.

Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should:

1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.

Players

1. Players will have a good attitude at training and matches

2. Players will turn up for training and matches on time

3. Take instructions from only the coaches/Managers during a match

4. Players will show good sportsmanship and respect at all times

5. Players will shake hands with the opposition after every game

6. No jewellery will be worn by players during training and matches ( no earrings to be worn and ear studs must be covered by a plaster)

7. Players will always wear the correct kit

8. Club kits are only worn for club matches

9. Football boots must be clean and in good condition

10. Players must wear shin pads during all training and matches

11. No eating or chewing during training or matches

12. No swearing or fighting on or of the field

13. No abuse or racial remarks will be made towards other players, officials or supporters

14. Respect the wishes of your managers and coaches

15. Inform the manager or coach when you have an injury

Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – its fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within the team it is important to reinforce the message to that positive encouragement will contribute to:

Children enjoying football.
A sense of personal achievement.
Self-esteem.
Improving the child’s skills and techniques.

A parent’s / spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

Other players.
Officials.
Managers.
Spectators.

A positive approach from parent’s / spectator’s to the above will reflect back to the young players and further enhance their enjoyment of the game.

We ask that all parent’s / spectator’s within our team that they are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just your own.

We would like all parents / spectators to:

Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
Avoid coaching the child during the game.
Not to shout and scream.
Respect the referee’s decision.
Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football

Parents and Supporters

1. Ensure that your child arrives on time for training and matches

2. Ensure that your child is picked up on time after training and matches

3. Display good sportsmanship at all times

4. Stand well back when watching matches and keep the line clear

5. **Do not shout instructions to your child

6. **Encourage your child to take instructions from the managers/coaches during matches

7. Do not put pressure on your child especially in matches

8. Always encourage you child, never be negative

9. Only discuss your concerns about training and matches in private with the manager

10. Inform the manager if there as been a change in your child’s medical condition

11. No abuse or racial remarks to made towards either player or officials

12. Do not swear at any players, officials or supports

13. Ensure suitable footwear is worn by your child
Astroturf boots or trainers for Astroturf training and studded football boots for when playing on grass, Astroturf boots are not suitable when playing on damp grass and may cause injury to your child, failure to provide the proper footwear may result in your child having to miss training or a match.

14. Provide suitable clothing for your child (waterproofs etc.)

15. Respect the mangers decisions at all times

16. Pay your training, match subs and annual fees on time

** These points are very important to the game and with parents shouting instructions only confuse the situation.
Again we ask that all parents reframe from shouting instructions, but give encouragement to all players on the pitch.

If you have any concerns please discuss them with the managers/coaches, they will be more than happy to help.