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​​Barry Town United Walking Football Code of Conduct & RESPECT​

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The emphasis of Walking Football is competing for your team in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Winning is the aim but not the ‘be all and end all’ and playing the game fairly to the best of your ability is the priority.

 

Although it is competitive it should be played in a spirit of sportsmanship with good humour and respect for fellow players and match officials. The aim is to foster friendship and enjoyment for men and women of all skill levels.

 

Members must accept the Respect Code of Conduct (see bottom section of this page). In addition we will adopt the F.A. Kick-it-out ethos, which means we will not discriminate against anyone involved in the game and will welcome diversity. Any member involved in inappropriate behaviour on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, or any other personal issue, may be warned, fined or excluded by decision of the club's committee.

 

All players should recognise that some players may be slow, appear clumsy, or occasionally just bigger than them and recognise that any foul committed is unlikely to be either intentional or malicious. However, tempering one's play to accommodate one's opponent is prudent.

 

A referee with audible whistle is preferable whenever possible and the referee's interpretation of the prevailing rules of a particular match should not be disputed. Fair low-impact tackles are allowed but physical contact such as nudging, pushing, blocking or late tackles will be deemed a foul. Slide tackles are forbidden. Aggressive play such as flailing arms and use of elbows should be penalised.

 

If a player falls over play should be halted in the interest of safety, play resuming with possession awarded at the referee's discretion.

 

If a player suffers a foul, they should never retaliate (it may deservedly result in their dismissal). If subjected to constant or continuous foul play they can try speaking calmly to the offending player, draw the matter to the referee's attention, or try moving to another area of the field, or swapping positions if they feel themselves getting angry. As a last resort they should remove themselves from the field of play in a quiet and calm manner if they fear the risk of serious injury.

 

Abusive behaviour or dissent will result in dismissal.

 

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. We all have a part to play, play your part and observe the following Code of Conduct at all times.

 

On and off the field, you will:

 

ALWAYS:

 

• Adhere to the Laws and spirit of The Game

• Display and promote high standards of behaviour

• Promote Fair Play and encourage others

• Respect the match official’s decisions

• Speak to team-mates, match officials, the opposition and coach/manager with respect

• Make reasonable allowances for and encourage people with different skill levels and physical abilities.

• Win or lose with dignity.

• Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee at the end of every game

• Place the well-being, safety, and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.

• Ensure that the session coach, team manager and/or referee is made aware of any medical condition, or on-going injury prior to play

• Be an ambassador for Barry Town United Walking Football

• Challenge people who do not adhere to the above or if you do not feel comfortable in doing so, report the matter to a member(s) of Barry Town United Walking Football immediately

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• NEVER:

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• Engage in public criticism of the match officials

• Engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour

• Engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment

• Seek to take advantage of people with different skill levels and physical abilities

• Confront your opponents or match officials

 

MANAGERS and CAPTAINS ARE:

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Ultimately responsible for the behaviour of their players and should demonstrate all of the attitudes and behaviours under the heading “ALWAYS” above and should ensure that anyone demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours under the heading “NEVER” are dealt with immediately and brought to the attention of the Barry Town United Walking Football Committee.

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SANCTIONS

 

If you do not adhere to Barry Town United Walking Football Code of Conduct any or all of the following actions may be taken by Barry Town United Walking Football against you.

 

You may:

 

• Be given a yellow card at training as a warning and a verbal warning followed by a blue card which would result in two minutes in the sin bin

• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee, or team manager

• Receive a verbal warning from the manager or captain

• Receive a verbal warning from the club committee

• Receive a written warning from the club committee

• Be dropped or substituted

• Be suspended from training

• Not be selected for the team

• Be required to serve a suspension

• Be required to leave the club

 

In addition:

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• The leagues we play in could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club if the behaviour is brought to their attention

• Referees and Assistant Referees should be able to officiate free from the threat of violence or intimidation Any physical assault on a Match Official will result in a lengthy or permanent exclusion from Walking Football and possibly a criminal prosecution

 

 

Remember we all make mistakes. Mistakes happen, doing nothing when they have happened is not acceptable.

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Now read the following RESPECT document and our parent club (Barry Town Utd AFC) Code of Conduct

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