Spectators and Parents/Carers

1. Purpose of This Code

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to creating a positive, safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Spectators and parents/carers play a vital role in:

• Supporting young players
• Promoting good behaviour
• Creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected from all spectators and parents/carers attending club activities.

2. Expected Behaviour

All spectators and parents/carers will:

• Have fun – remember that football is about enjoyment for everyone
• Celebrate effort, teamwork and good play from both teams
• Always respect the Referee, coaches and club officials
• Encourage players to show the same level of respect
• Remain behind the touchline and within designated spectator areas where provided
• Offer encouragement when players make mistakes
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for all children

3. Behaviour That Will Not Be Tolerated

The Club has zero tolerance for:

• Offensive, insulting or abusive language
• Harassment or intimidation of players, officials or other spectators
• Discriminatory behaviour of any kind
• Undermining the authority of referees or coaches
• Negative or pressurising behaviour towards young players

Such behaviour undermines the values of football and may result in disciplinary action.

4. Safeguarding and Responsibility

Parents and carers:

• Retain responsibility for their children at all times during club activities
• Must support the Club’s Safeguarding and Anti‑Bullying policies
• Should ensure their behaviour contributes to a safe, inclusive environment

Spectators must respect:

• Club safeguarding procedures
• Boundaries between spectators and players
• The role of coaches, officials and volunteers

5. Respect for Match Officials and the Game

• Referees are essential to the game and must be respected at all times
• Decisions must be accepted without dissent
• Abuse or intimidation of match officials will not be tolerated

This Code supports The FA Respect Programme and aims to protect the integrity of the game.

6. Breaches of This Code

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by the Club, League or County FA.

Individuals may be:

• Issued with a verbal warning or asked to leave the venue
• Required to attend a meeting with the Club Committee, League or County FA Welfare Officer
• Required to undertake an FA education course
• Suspended from attending matches or club activities
• Removed from Club membership, including that of dependants in serious cases
• Subject to sanctions or fines issued by the County FA

7. Our Commitment

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to:

• Protecting players and volunteers
• Promoting positive behaviour
• Ensuring football remains enjoyable for everyone

Support the players. Respect the game. Set the example.