Parents 'Code of Conduct' (Example from Hamilton Youth Website)

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of young players. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all players learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline.

1. SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game and every coaching session. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

2. ALWAYS BE POSITIVE

Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good play by your child's team as well as good play by the opposing team.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth initiative activities.

3. REMEMBER: YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Remember that your child is the one playing football, not you.

It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. This is a part of the learning process, which we at Hamilton Academical Football Club are actively trying to encourage. Let the players express themselves on the field of play with no fear of rebuke from the sidelines.

4. REINFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If a child on the team or especially your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

5. DON'T BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REFEREE

Coaches spend a great deal of time in preparation work, which players and parents do not see. They work tirelessly in order to make your child's youth football experience a positive one. Referee’s decisions are not always right but they must be respected at all times. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines, let the coaches do their job.

*NB*
In the event that the team coaches see or hear active coaching by parents at the side of the pitch or other parents chastising or abusing any other player on the field of play, their child will be removed from the field of play. Serious repercussions will ultimately ensue as to whether your child will continue to enjoy his football education at Hamilton Academical Football Club.

DO NOT SPOIL YOUR CHILDS FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT

LET THEM PLAY!