THE FA GRASSROOTS CODE – FIVE STANDARDS WE ALL SHARE
The FA’s Grassroots Code provides five clear standards that help make football a positive experience for everyone. At Grayshott FC, we fully support these principles and expect our players, parents, coaches and supporters to embrace them.
THE BADGE MEANS SOMETHING.
Respect the Game. Respect Each Other. Represent Grayshott FC.
At Grayshott Football Club, football is about much more than goals, results and league tables. It’s about teamwork, friendship, respect, commitment and being proud to pull on the red and white shirt.
Every player who wears the Grayshott FC badge represents themselves, their teammates, their coaches and our whole club. With that badge comes responsibility.
That’s why we’re reinforcing our Player Code of Conduct and supporting The FA’s Grassroots Code. Most importantly, we want every family to understand this: our Code of Conduct isn’t just a document. It’s a commitment that parents and players make together.
MORE THAN JUST A TICK BOX
When parents register their child with Grayshott FC, they must agree to two separate commitments:
Parents & Guardians Code of Respect
“I confirm I have read the Parents and Guardians Code of Respect and will adhere to the FA guidelines.”
Players Code of Conduct
“I confirm I have read the Players Code of Conduct with my child and we will adhere to the rules.”
That second statement matters. It means parents are confirming that they have sat down with their child, read the Players Code of Conduct together and agreed to follow it. It is not simply a box to tick to complete registration.
TAKE TEN MINUTES. SIT DOWN TOGETHER. HAVE THE CONVERSATION.
Please take the time to go through the Code of Conduct properly with your child. Not just skim it. Not just tick the box. Read it, talk about it and make sure they understand it.
Ask what respect looks like on the pitch. Discuss how to react when a referee makes a decision they disagree with, how to support a teammate after a mistake, and how to behave in victory and defeat. Remind them that wearing the Grayshott FC shirt means representing the club.
If you have already had that conversation, thank you. If you haven’t, please make time to do so.
THE FA GRASSROOTS CODE: FIVE STANDARDS WE SHARE
1. ENJOY THE GAME
Football should be fun. We want players to enjoy training and matches, develop their skills and build friendships. Winning is great, but effort, improvement and enjoyment matter too.
2. GIVE RESPECT
Respect teammates, opponents, coaches and match officials. You may disagree with a decision, but arguing, abuse and disrespect are never acceptable.
3. BE INCLUSIVE
Everyone deserves to feel welcome and valued. Bullying, discrimination and deliberately excluding others have no place at Grayshott FC. Encourage your teammates and help everyone feel part of the team.
4. WORK TOGETHER
Listen to coaches, support teammates, work hard and put the team first. Players, parents and coaches all contribute to a positive team environment.
5. PLAY SAFE
Play fairly, follow the rules and look after yourself and others. Dangerous play and aggressive behaviour have no place in our club.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WEAR THE GRAYSHOTT FC BADGE?
Every time you put on the shirt, you represent your teammates, the volunteers who make football possible and the families supporting from the touchline. We don’t expect perfection. Mistakes happen and emotions can run high. We do expect players to take responsibility, learn and treat others with respect.
Talent might help you win a match. Character is what makes you a great teammate.
PARENTS: YOUR ROLE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT
We appreciate everything parents do: the journeys, the muddy kit, the encouragement and the time spent supporting the team. One of the most valuable things you can do is reinforce the same standards at home that we ask for on the pitch.
Children notice how adults behave. When parents encourage rather than criticise, respect referees and support the whole team, they set the example.
A reminder of your registration commitment
PARENTS: YOU AGREED TO READ THIS WITH YOUR CHILD.
During registration, you confirmed that you had read the Players Code of Conduct with your child and that you would both follow its rules. Please make sure you have honoured that commitment. If you haven’t yet had the conversation, please do so. Revisit it during the season when useful.
OUR COACHES CAN’T DO IT ALONE
Coaches and volunteers work hard to create a safe, positive environment, but good behaviour is everyone’s responsibility. Players must follow the code. Parents must discuss and reinforce it. Coaches must lead by example. Supporters must encourage positively and respect everyone involved.
ONE CLUB. ONE STANDARD. EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.
We want to develop good footballers — and, more importantly, confident, respectful young people. The Code of Conduct matters not just because it appears on a registration form, but because the standards we set today help shape the teammates and people our children become.
THE BADGE MEANS SOMETHING.
Wear it with pride. Play with passion. Treat everyone with respect. How we play matters just as much as the result.
A FINAL REQUEST TO ALL PARENTS
Before your child’s next training session or match, please take a few minutes to revisit the Players Code of Conduct together. Ask one simple question: “What does it mean to represent Grayshott FC?”
Thank you for helping make Grayshott FC a club where everyone feels welcome, respected and proud to belong.
Grayshott Football Club — Respect the Game. Respect Each Other. Represent Grayshott FC