Cove Walking Football Club (the Club) Code of Conduct

  1. Introduction

This Code of Conduct is presented to ensure anyone engaging with Cove WFC and its players, whether at Cove, or at league or competition venues, does so with a reassurance of entering a safe and secure environment, which is inclusive to all and free of abuse, discrimination and harm. It is a requirement for any member attending a Club session/event adhere to the regulations set out in this document. Any breach of this Code may be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary process which may be in addition to any discipline administered by any third-party body.

  1. Who this Code of Conduct applies to

This Code applies to all members of Cove WFC when representing the Club at normal sessions at Cove or an event away from Cove. For the avoidance of doubt, this Code of Conduct applies to members whether or not club activity is taking place on club property, including away games and tours.

  1. Rights of individuals at Cove WFC

Everyone who attends a match or practice, either as a player or supporter, has the right:

  • To experience safe enjoyment in the event, without fear of abuse or harm.
  • To always be treated with respect and dignity.
  • To be treated in line with the core values of inclusivity and respect.
  • Not to be discriminated against based on their age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership.
  • To challenge poor conduct and discrimination, both when witnessed and experienced.
  • To make a complaint and/or raise a concern, and for it to be taken seriously and acted upon under this Code of Conduct and the Club’s disciplinary process.
  1. Behaviour we encourage at the Club

Members of Cove WFC and any event attendees are expected and encouraged to always:

  • Be welcoming to everyone and treat others with respect and dignity, including all officials, spectators, coaches and players, whether from the Club or the opposition.
  • Treat each other fairly and never discriminate or show preferential treatment – positive or negative – towards individuals, based upon their characteristics.
  • Be magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat.
  • Accept responsibility for their actions and conduct.
  • Never tolerate abusive, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards yourself or others.
  1. Unacceptable behaviour at the Club

Behaviour which jeopardises the safety and enjoyment of others is not acceptable. Members of the Club and any other participants must not:

  • Engage in any abusive, threatening or bullying behaviour towards any fellow member, opponent, referee or spectator/third party.
  • Use any form of physical force towards players, spectators or anyone else.
  • Engage in any form of behaviour that may bring the Club into disrepute.
  1. Reporting and disciplinary action

It is essential that all forms of unacceptable behaviour are reported so that appropriate action can be taken. Members should report any behaviour they see, witness, or experience, that upsets them, or makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Any breach of this Code may be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s own disciplinary process. If they witness any unacceptable behaviour, they can report it by:

  • Speaking to any attending Cove WFC committee member, or the individual who has organised the session/event, or any team manager. Most concerns or complaints should, if possible, be resolved at the time of the initial problem.
  • Email the Club Secretary on secretarycovewfc@gmail.com

The Club reserves the right to ask a member, spectator or any other third party to leave the Club’s grounds in the event of a breach of this Code of Conduct.