Codes of Conduct aren’t new. Some Codes are successful; some are forgotten and simply not acted upon. Respect brings them to life. How? By supporting and strengthening the Codes of Conduct with possible consequences.

There is little point in having a set of rules if no action is taken if and when they’re broken.

The Code explains that actions can be taken if the Code is broken. Respect works on placing responsibility on individuals for their actions: break your Code, and bear the consequences.

As a league organiser if we see / hear / or learn of an errant coach or spectator we recommend the particular individual will be

• Issued with a verbal warning
• Issued with a written warning
• Required to meet with the club, or league
• Required to meet with the club committee (should it exist)
• Suspended by the club from attending matches
• Suspended by the league from attending matches

Coaches Code of Conduct

All coaches in the ESPZEN Junior League bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. We encourage all coaches to Play your part and observe The Respect Code of Conduct at all times.

On and off the field, I will:
• Use my position to set a positive example for the people I am responsible for
• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
• Respect the match official’s decision
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on other participants, facility users or neighbours
• Be gracious in victory and defeat

Spectators and Parents Code of Conduct

We rely on the team manager / coaches of all teams participating in the ESPZEN Junior League to inform all their parents of the following code of conduct whilst supporting their team on match day.

We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game.

Play your part and observe the Respect Code of Conduct for spectators at all times

• Remember that children play for FUN.
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success.
• Respect the Referee’s decisions even when you don’t agree with them
• Appreciate good play from whatever team it comes from
• Remain behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
• Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
• Support positively. When players make a mistake offer them encouragement not criticism
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour

Influence of the Club's Management

Ensure your club officials understand Respect. Players and spectators will often take their lead from the management of a team. If a manager or coach is bawling at match officials it is likely that players will do so too. Managers and coaches have a responsibility to behave themselves in a way which reflects the Respect Codes of Conduct.

Parent Zone and Coach Zone

In the spirit of the RESPECT Campaign ESPZEN requests all academies and their coaches to assist ESPZEN to help control their parent supporters and to ensure parents remain on the outside of the pitch.