This is a game, Children are playing, the coaches are volunteers and the referees are only human

Everyone involved in football should promote the highest-possible standards of behaviour, so we can pass our great game on in good shape to future generations. The Jersey FA takes a zero-tolerance approach anyone who brings the game into disrepute. 

In fact, there’s a code of conduct for parents, guardians and/or carers which you will be asked to sign up to if you have a child playing for a youth team. No doubt we’ve all heard – and perhaps seen – over-zealous parents behaving badly at children’s matches. Sometimes unwittingly, they can create a climate of intimidation that stops children wanting to play.

Ensuring parents, guardians and/or carers behave appropriately at youth team matches is codified into ‘Respect’, an ongoing FA drive to improve everyone’s standards of behaviour. 

You may also witness inappropriate or threatening behaviour from a fellow adult towards a child or young person. It can be difficult to confront this, so football has set up various confidential ways you can report your concerns. Watch the video below and click here to find out more about how to report your concerns.

As a parent, guardian or carer you should also be aware of how your child(ren) are being contacted by their club – and the general guidance that surrounds young people’s use of social networking sites.

Social Media Guidance - Taking Safeguarding Online

Click the link in the "related documents" section below to read The FA’s guidance notes for parents and carers on the responsible use of all digital media – which also contains links to external sites such as CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).

Ultimately, we want to make the game as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone – and that’s where we can all play a part.