Code of Conduct – Whole Club Version

Coleraine Football Club Limited

Code of Conduct

Section One: Introduction
Section Two: Code of Conduct for Club Officials
Section Three: Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches (Senior Teams)
Section Four: Code of Conduct for Players in the Senior Teams
Section Five: Code of Conduct for Managers/Coaches/Volunteers involved with Children/Young Players
Section Six: Code of Conduct for Children/Young Players
Section Seven: Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians
Section Eight: Code of Conduct for Spectators
Section Nine: Dealing with Complaints/Breaches of the Code

Section One: Introduction
Coleraine Football Club Ltd (Coleraine Football Club) and Coleraine Football Club Academy including the associated Harry Gregg Foundation fully endorses the Irish Football Association’s Community Relations Policy Statement which respects and values diversity. In addition the officials, staff, management, players and supporters of Coleraine Football Club and Coleraine Football Club Academy fully endorse UEFA’s 10 Point Plan to tackle racism and sectarianism.
We, at Coleraine Football Club, Coleraine Football Club Academy and Harry Gregg Foundation, will endeavour to provide an environment which values and enables the full involvement of all people, in all aspects and at every level of the Club, regardless of perceived cultural identity, political affiliation or religious beliefs.
We support the IFA’s philosophy of “Football For All” and we fully endorse the policies and guidelines contained within the IFA’s “Safeguarding Children in Football”.
Coleraine Football Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club at every level including the Coleraine Football Club Academy and Harry Gregg Foundation. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. The Club’s commitment and intent is to uphold these beliefs by confronting and eliminating discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
Coleraine Football Club commits to:
ensure that everyone within the club (officials, coaches and volunteers), whatever their role, has read, agreed and signed up to their relevant Code – and understands the actions which could be taken if Codes are broken
collect and retain the signed agreement forms, where applicable
deal fairly and consistently with anyone who breaks the relevant Code
Coleraine Football Club will do all it reasonably and practically can to show its level of commitment to stamp out discreditable conduct and will deal with cases of reported misconduct and unacceptable behaviour from players, coaches, club officials or spectators that bring the club into disrepute. When required, disciplinary action may involve a verbal or written warning or, in serious cases, termination of employment or engagement with Coleraine Football Club, Coleraine Football Club Academy or Harry Gregg Foundation.
The club will not tolerate any offensive behaviour or chanting. The action and sanctions by the club can range from education, mentoring, official warnings and advice, suspension, or even exclusion from the club and its grounds.
Where criminal offences have been committed the police will be asked to intervene and arrest and prosecute where appropriate. Coleraine Football Club’s introduction of this Code Of Conduct should result in the provision of football in an environment where everyone feels safe and included.
This Code of Conduct applies to:
Club officials (including Coleraine Football Club Academy and Harry Gregg Foundation)
Management and coaches of senior teams (first team, Reserves and Colts)
Players of senior teams (first team, Reserves and Colts)
Management and coaches of Soccer School and Academy teams
Players of the Soccer School and Academy teams
Parents/carers of players of the Soccer School and Academy teams
Supporters of Coleraine Football Club.

Section Two: Code of Conduct for Club Officials
This Code applies to all club Officials (although some items may not apply to all Officials according to their specific roles within the club) including officials of Coleraine Football Club, Academy and Harry Gregg Foundation.
Obligations to the game:
set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters
promote and develop the various club teams having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game
share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests
avoid all forms of gamesmanship
show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game
always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game
do not use or tolerate inappropriate language.

Obligations to the club/team:
make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical levels of the club/team, and to obtain the best results for the team, using all permitted means
give priority to the interests of the club/team over individual interests
resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques
promote ethical principles
show due respect for the interests of the players, coaches and officials, their own club/team and others
must not disseminate information that is confidential in any way
shall not through his/her acts or omissions bring the Club into disrepute or assist or encourage others to do so.

Obligations to the supporters:
Show due respect for the interests of supporters.

Respect to match officials:
accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest
avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official
show due respect towards Match Officials.

Use of Social Media:
comply with the requirements laid down in the Coleraine Football Club Social Media policy.

Declaration:
I, ………………………………………………, understand any misdemeanours or breach of this code will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally and in writing to the Coleraine Football Club.
A serious or persistent breach of the code may result in dismissal (according to appropriate processes) from Coleraine Football Club. Dismissals may be appealed by the official (except in the case of directors) with final decisions taken by a Disciplinary Panel set up by the Chairman of Coleraine Football Club.
Signed: _______________________________________________
Print Name: _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________

Section Three: Code of Conduct for Managers & Coaches
Managers and coaches at every level of football within Coleraine Football Club have a duty of care towards their staff and players. In respect of children and young players there are additional vulnerabilities and dangers and for that reason there are separate sections in this Code of Conduct dealing with policies and guidelines surrounding children and young players.
Managers and coaches are the key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Managers and coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Managers and coaches have to be aware that many of their decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications. It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for managers and coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for managers and coaches to disassociate themselves from a ‘win-at-all costs’ attitude. They should therefore comply with the following:
respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport
refrain from engaging in, or tolerating, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance
adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies
develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect
do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players
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 manager or coach
co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player
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
consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance; only official club teamwear/emblems should be worn when representing the club
comply with the requirements laid down in the Coleraine Football Club Social Media policy
shall not through his/her acts or omissions bring the Club into disrepute or assist or encourage others to do so.
the coach shall coach solely for the club or as authorised by the club

Declaration:
I, ………………………………………………, understand any misdemeanours or breach of this code will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally and in writing to the Coleraine Football Club.
A serious or persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from Coleraine Football Club. Dismissals can be appealed by the manager/coach with final decisions taken by a Disciplinary Panel set up by the Chairman of Coleraine Football Club.
Signed: _______________________________________________
Print Name: _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________

Section Four: Code of Conduct for Senior Players
All players at Coleraine Football Club have a responsibility in acting as ambassadors for the Club. In the eyes of many young persons and parents and guardians they are role models. They will comply with the following requirements as part of their contract with Coleraine Football Club:
the club and the player agree that he is employed under this contract as a professional player
the player undertakes to play to the best of his ability in all football matches in which he is selected to play by the club
the player must attend all training sessions at all times and at such locations, as reasonably directed by the Club. A professional player shall also make himself available for such reasonable community relations and other promotional activities as may be required by his club
the player shall play football solely for the club or as authorised by the club as required under the Rules of the Irish Football Association (IFA), UEFA and FIFA
except to the extent prevented by injury or illness to maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times and not to indulge in any activity sport or practice which might endanger such fitness or inhibit his mental or physical ability to play or train
that he will give upon request all necessary authorities for the release to the Club of his medical records and will continue to make the same available as requested by the Club from time to time during the period of his registration
to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the club
to observe the Rules of the Irish Football Association and Coleraine Football Club
to attend promptly to any medical appointments (including dental) as the Club may reasonably request and to undergo at no expense to himself such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisers of the Club or the Club’s insurers
on the termination of this registration shall return to the Club in a reasonable and proper condition any property, which has been provided or made available by the Club to the player in connection with his employment
the player shall not, without written consent from his club, participate in any other football, sporting or athletic activity
any incapacity or illness must immediately be reported by the player to a Club nominated representative. The club shall maintain and keep records of any incapacity or illness. Following an accident or incapacity sustained in the course of his employment with the club the club shall promptly arrange appropriate treatment and shall ensure that such treatment is undertaken and completed without expense to the Player.
comply with the requirements laid down in Coleraine Football Club Social Media policy.

The Player agrees that he shall not:
undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will knowingly cause exclusion of the player’s cover pursuant to any policy of insurance which may be maintained for the benefit of the club on the life of the player or covering his physical well-being (including injury and incapacity and treatment thereof)
knowingly or recklessly do, write or say anything, or omit to do anything, which is likely to bring the club or the game of football into disrepute, cause the player or the club to be in breach of the Rules or cause damage to the club or its officers or employees or any match official. Whenever circumstances permit, the player shall give to the club reasonable notice of his intention to make any contributions to the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him on behalf of the club if it so desires
except to the extent specifically herein provided or otherwise specifically agreed with the player, nothing in this Code of Conduct shall prevent the player from undertaking promotional activities or from exploiting the player’s image so long as such activities are not in conflict with the club’s commercial interests
except to the extent of any commitments already entered into by the player as at the date hereof or when on International duty in relation to the Player’s National Association, UEFA or FIFA, he shall not (without the written consent of the club) at any time during the term of this code of Conduct do anything to promote, endorse or provide promotional, marketing or advertising services which conflict or compete with:
(a) any of the Club’s club branded or football related products (including the playing strip) or any products, brand or services of the Club’s main sponsors/commercial partners
(b) the principal sponsor/s of the League as may be secured by the IFA from time to time
the player shall permit the club to photograph him as a member of the squad of players and staff of the club and as an individual team member, provided that such photographs are for use only as the official photographs of the club
the player shall also permit the League to photograph him with the sole purpose of promoting the League
the Player and Club agree to comply with the conditions of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and to facilitate any doping control tests which may from time to time be conducted
players are strictly forbidden from gambling on any football matches within Northern Ireland. All matches will be monitored by the UEFA Betting Fraud Detection System. The player hereby agrees that he will not, either on his own behalf or with or through any third party, take part in betting, gambling, lotteries and similar events or transactions connected with football matches within Northern Ireland
the player shall not through his acts or omissions bring the Club into disrepute or assist or encourage others to do so.

Declaration:
I, ………………………………………………, understand any misdemeanours or breach of this code will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally and in writing to the Coleraine Football Club.
A serious or persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from Coleraine Football Club. Dismissals can be appealed by the player with final decisions taken by a Disciplinary Panel set up by the Chairman of Coleraine Football Club.
Signed: _______________________________________________
Print Name: _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________

Section Nine: Dealing with Complaints/Breaches of the Code
Where anyone wishes to make a complaint against any official, staff member, coach, player or supporter of Coleraine Football Club he will refer the complaint to the Chairman of Coleraine Football Club or any other director who will immediately bring it to the attention of the Chairman.
Criminal allegations will be referred to the police if the complainant agrees however in serious matter the Chairman may still refer the matter to the police even if the complainant objects. Where the complaint is of a criminal nature no disciplinary hearing will take place until the conclusion of criminal proceedings. The Chairman of Coleraine Football Club may suspend the accused person from the club and grounds pending the outcome of the criminal and/or disciplinary hearing if he believes it is in the interest of the public and Coleraine Football Club to do so.
Where the complaint is suitable for further internal investigation by the Chairman/deputy and findings from the investigation necessitate a Disciplinary Committee will be convened.
This committee will contain as a minimum three individuals including a member of the board of directors and an independent member of Coleraine Football Club. Independent non-Coleraine Football Club officials may also be seconded to sit on the Disciplinary Committee. The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee cannot be the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The members of the Disciplinary Committee shall determine their own procedures. The Committee will set a date for the hearing of the evidence and give the accused at least 21 days notice in writing of the date, time, the venue of the hearing and an indication of the allegations made against them.
The accused party will be allowed to attend in person or make a written submission. He may also call witnesses in his defence however, if he is attending in person or bringing witnesses he must notify the chairman of the committee in writing at least seven days before the hearing. The onus of proof of posting will be on the accused party.
The committee can hear evidence from witnesses or take their written evidence into account when deliberating on the issue. Any question as to whether any evidence is admissible, or whether any questions should or should not be put to a witness, shall be determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
At any time the Chairman and through him, members of the Committee may ask questions of any of the parties. The Committee may draw such inferences, as it considers appropriate from the failure of the person accused to give evidence or answer a question put to him. CCTV evidence, social media/online content and other evidence may be used by the Committee if available.
The Committee shall consider the evidence and submissions presented to it and determine whether the accused person is on the balance of probabilities guilty or not guilty of the alleged misconduct.
After reaching a decision on the guilt or innocence of the accused person the Committee, if it makes a finding of guilt, shall allow the accused, if present, to address it in terms of any matters of mitigation before imposing sanctions. The accused person if guilty will then be informed of the sanctions (ranging from verbal citation up to and including dismissal) being imposed and this will be confirmed in writing to the accused person within 14 days. Should the accused person not be present then he will be notified in writing within 14 days of the hearing. The person found guilty will be informed in the letter outlining the findings and sanctions that he may appeal in writing to the Chairman of Coleraine Football Club within 14 days of the letter being posted to him. Again, it will be for the person found guilty to show proof of posting should their letter not be received by the Chairman.
The decision at appeal of the Chairman/deputy/ Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding on all parties concerned and there will be no further appeals from it unless there are specific regulations in IFA policy directing same.