The objectives of CD Odiáxere are to promote our ethos of fun, fitness, friendship and football for all its participants.

To instil an atmosphere of respect for all involved and to ensure that participants are aware of and follow these Codes of Conduct.

Walking Football should be fun!

It is about playing with your team-mates in a safe, fun and relaxed atmosphere. You may play in competitions where 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. The aim is to be inclusive, to develop friendships, to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing and to be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, ability and skill levels.

Players should recognise that everyone is different - some may be slow, clumsy, older, bigger – being tolerant of and understanding and accepting of these differences in important.

A referee’s role is a difficult but vital one – many referees would rather be playing.

Players must welcome and respect the referee as their role is vital in ensuring fair and safe play.

Abusive behaviour or dissent will not be tolerated at CD Odiáxere.

The following Codes of Conduct are aimed at promoting high standards of behaviour within Walking Football.

GENERAL RESPECT CODE

On and off the field everyone will:

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

• Adhere to the rules and celebrate the spirit of the game.

• Always show respect to everyone involved in the game.

• Never engage in public criticism of the Match Officials and abide by their decisions.

• Win or lose with dignity and shake hands at the end of every game.

• Be aware of the potential impact of bad or inappropriate language to others.

• Never engage in abusive language, bullying or intimidating behaviour.

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

• Promote fair play and actively encourage others.

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

• Remember we all make mistakes.

Players must understand that if they do not follow the Code they may:

• Be asked to apologise to whoever they have upset.

• Receive a Red Card and be suspended from the field of play.

• Receive a formal warning.

• Be dropped, substituted, or suspended from training.

• Not be selected for the team.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

On match and training days players should:

• Play within the guidelines set by the prevailing rules and laws of the game either:

• set by the organisers at an away venue or

• set by competition organisers

• Always play within the spirit and laws of the game.

• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.

• Avoid all violent and dangerous play.

• Never assault or threaten to assault another player or Match Official.

• Never use inappropriate language or use innuendos towards other players.

• Always accept the match official's decisions without adverse comment or dissent.

• Only the Team Captain is authorised to converse with the Match Official during official matches/tournaments.

• Only Coaches/Team Managers can discuss any training issues with the Match Official.

• Treat everyone with respect at all times.

• Always abide by the instructions of the Lead Coach, Team Captain, Match Official or Management Committee Members provided they do not contradict the spirit of this Code.

• Make sure that clothing, bags, bottles, or belongings do not interfere with the field of play and any door, gate, fire or safety exit.

• Never take glass bottles or drinking glasses onto the pitch or playing surface.

• Remove and dispose of any litter, rubbish etc. in a responsible manner.

• Remove any jewellery or watches. (Wearing of Fitbit watches is OK if covered by a wrist sweat band). Tape may be used to cover rings.

• Wear the correct footwear for the type of pitch surface in accordance with the requirements specified by the pitch provider i.e. No Blades or Metal Studs are to be worn within the playing area.

• It is recommended that shin pads are worn at all times whilst playing.

• Prescription Glasses for sport are allowed but are worn at the owner’s risk.

Note: Players may be suspended from matches by the CD Odiáxere Committee if they persistently breach any of the above rules.

In addition, players should:

• Inform as far as possible in advance, their availability or non-availability, for a match when invited by the Team Captain to play.

• Arrive at match venues at the time specified (unless by prior arrangement with your team captain).

• Endeavour to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before training sessions for warm up and stretching exercises.

• Ensure that valuables are safeguarded securely. CD Odiáxere takes no responsibility for personal possessions of players, coaches, Match Officials or spectators.

TEAM CAPTAIN/MANAGER CODE OF CONDUCT

The captain of each team is bound by the Rules and Laws in force and are responsible for managing the affairs of the team.

As a Team Captain and/or Manager they should:

• Inform all players of their selection or non-selection for a match. As much notice as is practicable should be given.

• Inform players of the precise address where a match or event is taking place and the time it starts (and if possible the time it ends) and what time players should arrive at the venue.

• Ensure the well-being and safety of every player above all other considerations.

• Make themself aware of availability and location of all First Aiders and Medical facilities at any venue including home venue.

• Establish any specific medical details you may need about your players.

• Respect the rights, dignity, opinions of all players as well as the opposition and Match Officials.

• Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

• Always display high standards of behaviour, appearance, punctuality, and instruction.

• Be a positive role model for players and by their example, always encourage players to accept Match Officials’ decisions without comment and without showing any form of dissent.

• Always promote the positive aspects of walking football and never condone violations of the laws or spirit of the game, any form of violent or dangerous play or any form of gamesmanship or time wasting.

• Help players and Match Official’s to recognise good performance irrespective of the results.

• Respond promptly to all requests and instructions from an Officer of the Management Committee.

• Complete with honesty any assessment that is required of you towards evaluation of the Match Official.

They should never:

• Discriminate against anybody by reason of gender, sexual orientation, racial origin, nationality, religious beliefs, ability, disability, or economic status.

• Permit the harassment or bullying of a player or Match Official by any participant or show unacceptable favouritism to any individual player.

• Punish or belittle a player making mistakes.

We all have a part to play. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

Fun - Friendship - Fitness

CODES OF CONDUCT