Every player, parent, coach, volunteer, official and spectator contributes to the culture of our Club. The way we behave, communicate and support one another shapes the experience of everyone involved.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from everyone representing Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC and should be read alongside the Club's governance documents.

Whether on the pitch, on the touchline, online or within our community, we are all ambassadors for GCFC.

2. OUR COMMITMENT

GCFC is committed to creating an environment that is:

• Safe
• Respectful
• Inclusive
• Enjoyable
• Fair
• Community focused

We believe football should develop people as well as players, and every interaction should reflect the values of our Club.

3. OUR BEHAVIOUR PRINCIPLES

At GCFC we believe:

• Respect is earned by showing respect to others.
• Every individual deserves dignity and fairness.
• Winning should never come before player welfare or enjoyment.
• Everyone should feel welcome and included.
• Positive behaviour creates positive environments.
• Every member represents the Club.

4. WHO THIS CODE APPLIES TO

This Code applies to everyone involved with Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC, including:

• Young Players
• Adult Players
• Parents and Carers
• Coaches and Managers
• Committee Members
• Volunteers
• Match Officials
• Spectators
• Visitors

Everyone shares responsibility for maintaining the standards expected by the Club.

5. EXPECTED STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Everyone representing Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC is expected to uphold the following standards of behaviour::

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Support a safe and inclusive environment.
• Promote fair play.
• Encourage positive behaviour.
• Respect differences.
• Follow Club policies.
• Act in the best interests of the Club and its members.

6. YOUNG PLAYERS

When representing GCFC, I will:

• Always play to the best of my ability.
• Play fairly and follow the Laws of the Game.
• Respect referees, coaches, opponents and team-mates.
• Respect teammates regardless of ability or experience.
• Encourage and support others.
• Win with humility and lose with dignity.
• Listen to my coach.
• Accept decisions respectfully.
• Speak to a trusted adult or the Club Welfare Officer if I am worried or unhappy.

7. ADULT PLAYERS

As an adult player I will:

• Lead by example.
• Demonstrate respect at all times.
• Support younger players where appropriate.
• Promote fair play.
• Respect officials and opponents.
• Avoid abusive, offensive or discriminatory behaviour.
• Accept responsibility for my actions.
• Uphold the reputation of the Club.

8. PARENTS & CARERS

Parents and carers play a vital role in creating a positive football environment.

I will:

• Support every child, not just my own.
• Encourage effort, enjoyment and development.
• Respect coaches and volunteers.
• Respect match officials.
• Applaud good play from both teams.
• Allow coaches to coach.
• Allow children to enjoy the game without unnecessary pressure.
• Raise concerns respectfully through appropriate channels.
• Promote positive behaviour on and off the pitch.

9. COACHES & MANAGERS

Managers and coaches are leaders within the Club and should always set the highest standards.

I will:

• Put player welfare first.
• Create a safe, enjoyable and inclusive environment.
• Coach in line with the Club's values and philosophy rather than personal ambition
• Treat every player fairly and with respect.
• Encourage development over results.
• Lead by example.
• Support fellow coaches.
• Respect match officials.
• Follow all safeguarding requirements.
• Promote positive behaviour at every opportunity.

I will never:

• Bully, intimidate or humiliate a player.
• Discriminate against any individual.
• Encourage behaviour that conflicts with Club values.
• Place winning above player welfare.
• Bring the Club into disrepute.

10. COMMITTEE MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS

As a volunteer or committee member I will:

• Lead by example.
• Act honestly and with integrity.
• Make decisions in the best interests of the Club.
• Respect confidentiality where appropriate.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Support fellow volunteers.
• Uphold the Club's governance and policies.
• Always act professionally.
• Support and uphold collective Committee decisions once made.

11. SPECTATORS

Spectators help shape the atmosphere around every game.

I will:

• Encourage players positively.
• Respect referees and officials.
• Respect the opposition.
• Celebrate effort as well as success.
• Avoid negative or abusive behaviour.
• Never coach from the touchline.
• Support the Club's Respect programme.

12. DIGITAL CONDUCT

Everyone representing GCFC is expected to communicate responsibly online.

Members should:

• Follow the Digital Communication & Social Media Handbook.
• Communicate respectfully.
• Protect confidential information.
• Respect others online.
• Never post content that could damage the reputation of the Club.

13. REPORTING CONCERNS

If you witness behaviour that conflicts with this Code:

• Raise concerns with an appropriate Club official.
• Report safeguarding matters immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.
• Follow the Club's Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure where appropriate.

Concerns raised in good faith will always be taken seriously.

Retaliation against anyone raising a genuine concern will not be tolerated.

14. BREACHES OF THIS CODE

Failure to follow this Code may result in one or more of the following:

• Advice or guidance.
• Verbal or written warning.
• Suspension from matches or training.
• Removal from volunteer responsibilities.
• Suspension or termination of Club membership.
• Referral to the County FA.
• Referral to statutory authorities where appropriate.

15. RELATED DOCUMENTS

This Code should be read alongside:

• Club Constitution
• Governance Framework
• Roles & Responsibilities
• Manager & Coach Handbook
• Safeguarding Handbook
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Handbook
• Digital Communication & Social Media Handbook
• Information Governance Handbook
• Privacy Notice
• Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure
• Volunteer Recruitment, Induction & Management Procedure

16. OUR COMMITMENT

Respect is everyone's responsibility.

Every decision, every conversation and every action contributes to the culture of Gomersal & Cleckheaton FC.

By acting with integrity, treating others with respect and living the values of our Club, we create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to enjoy football.

Together, we will continue to build a Club where everyone can Play, Develop, Progress and Belong.

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GCFC Code of Conduct

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