Discipline & Behaviour
Creating a Positive Environment for Everyone
At Linthwaite Football Club, we are proud to provide a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment where players can develop both on and off the pitch. Football should be a positive experience for everyone involved, and we believe that respect, teamwork, and good behaviour are essential to achieving this.
All players, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters, and visitors are expected to uphold the values of the club at all times.
Our Expectations
We expect everyone connected with Linthwaite FC to:
- Treat others with respect and courtesy.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship, regardless of the result.
- Respect referees and match officials.
- Support players positively and constructively.
- Follow the FA's Respect programme and the club's policies.
- Represent the club in a manner that reflects positively on Linthwaite FC.
- Help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and included.
Behaviour That Will Not Be Tolerated
Linthwaite FC operates a zero-tolerance approach towards behaviour that undermines the welfare, enjoyment, or safety of others.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Abusive, aggressive, or threatening behaviour.
- Verbal or physical intimidation.
- Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.
- Offensive language or inappropriate conduct.
- Abuse directed towards match officials, coaches, volunteers, players, or spectators.
- Social media conduct that damages the reputation of individuals or the club.
- Repeated breaches of club rules or FA regulations.
Poor behaviour from any member of the club community, whether on the pitch, on the touchline, online, or at club events, will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
How We Deal With Concerns
When issues arise, the club is committed to dealing with them fairly, consistently, and in line with FA guidance and club policies.
Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, action may include:
- Informal discussion and education.
- Formal warning.
- Meeting with parents, guardians, coaches, or club officials.
- Temporary suspension from training, matches, or club activities.
- Referral to the Club Welfare Officer or Committee.
- Reporting the matter to the relevant league, County FA, or governing body.
- Permanent removal from the club where appropriate.
Every case will be considered on its own merits, with the welfare of players and the wider club community remaining our primary concern.
Supporting Positive Behaviour
While discipline is important, our focus is always on education, development, and improvement. We recognise that mistakes can happen, particularly with young people, and we aim to help individuals learn from situations and make positive changes where possible.
However, where behaviour repeatedly falls below the standards expected by the club, stronger action will be taken to protect the interests of our members and the reputation of Linthwaite FC.
A Message from the Club
Linthwaite FC has been at the heart of grassroots football for over 40 years, and the positive culture we have built is something we value immensely. We will always support our players, coaches, volunteers, and families, but we will also act decisively when standards of behaviour fall short of what is expected.
By being part of Linthwaite FC, everyone agrees to uphold these standards and play their part in creating a respectful, safe, and enjoyable environment for all.
Together, we can ensure football remains a positive experience for every member of our club community.
FA Respect Programme
As an FA Accredited Club, Linthwaite FC fully supports and follows The Football Association's Respect Programme, which aims to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in football. The FA's Respect initiative promotes positive behaviour, respect for referees, good sportsmanship, and the responsibility we all share in creating the right environment for young people to enjoy the game.
We expect all players, coaches, parents, volunteers, spectators, and club officials to adhere to the FA Respect Codes of Conduct and to play their part in maintaining the highest standards of behaviour both on and off the pitch. [thefa.com]
Useful FA Respect Resources
- FA Respect Hub: https://www.englandfootball.com/respect [englandfootball.com]
- FA Respect Programme Information: https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/respect [thefa.com]
- FA Respect Codes of Conduct: https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/respect/play-your-part [thefa.com]
- Reporting Discrimination and Abuse: https://www.englandfootball.com/participate/behaviour/inclusive-football [englandfootball.com]
Our Commitment
Linthwaite FC is committed to providing a positive football experience where players can learn, develop, and enjoy the game in a supportive environment.
We will:
- Support match officials and actively promote "Respect the Ref".
- Challenge poor behaviour whenever it occurs.
- Investigate complaints fairly and consistently.
- Apply disciplinary procedures where standards are not met.
- Work closely with the Club Welfare Officer, league officials, and the West Riding County FA where appropriate.
- Ensure that safeguarding and player welfare remain at the heart of every decision.
Zero Tolerance Statement
Linthwaite Football Club operates a zero-tolerance approach towards abuse, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, threatening behaviour, harassment, violence, and persistent misconduct. Any individual whose actions negatively affect the welfare, enjoyment, or safety of others may be subject to disciplinary action, suspension, or removal from the club.
The club will always seek to educate and support individuals in understanding the standards expected of them. However, where behaviour falls significantly short of those standards, or where concerns are repeated, decisive action will be taken to protect our players, volunteers, officials, and wider club community.
No individual is bigger than the club, and maintaining a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment will always be our priority.
