Solihull Little League has been in operation for over 25 years and conforms to the rules and principles of Little League Football. Our key objectives remain to this day:
“A strong community involvement is a key feature of Solihull Little League. The emphasis is on: mass participation rather than elitism; enthusiasm and endeavour rather than ability. Players are encouraged to develop team spirit, self-discipline and sportsmanship and this also applies to the parents”.
We firmly believe that “winning at all cost” attitudes are wrong for children of this age group.
To reinforce these principles, we have codes of conduct in place for everyone involved with Solihull Little League: Players, Managers and Parents/Guardians. Please take a little time to read these codes:
Code of conduct:
- For Players.
- For Managers.
- For Parents.
1. For Players
- Display good behaviour at all times.
- Not use inappropriate language.
- Play within the laws of the game.
- Be punctual.
- Attend training.
- Behave honestly & sportingly.
- Respect Official’s decisions, without protest.
- Do not argue with Officials.
- Accept the Manager’s decisions.
- Encourage your team-mates.
- Accept other limitations.
- No swearing or spitting.
- No chewing of gum or sweets.
- Jewellery should not be worn whilst playing or training, this includes earrings, necklaces and rings.
- Treat opponents with due respect at all times.
- Do not belittle opponents.
- No retaliation fighting.
- Shin guards should be worn at all times whilst playing or training.
- Inform your Manager of any medical conditions or injuries.
Football Kit
- A Football shirt will be supplied it is the player’s responsibility to ensure the kit is kept clean and in good condition.
- Players may be charged for any kit damaged or lost.
- Players must attend all matches with the full clean kit and wear shin pads and correct/approved football boots. If cycling shorts are to be worn they must be the same colour as team shorts.
2. For Managers
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a “win-at-all-costs” attitude.
Increased responsibility is requested by coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare, and moral education of young people are the first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, coach, or parent.
Set out below is The F.A. Coaches Association Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the National Coaching Foundation and the National Association of Sports Coaches), which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching:
- Coaches must respect the rights, dignity, and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
- Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
- Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
- Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
- Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience, and ability of players.
- Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
- Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations.
- Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
- Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
3. For Parents/Spectators
Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – it’s fun. The number one reason for children to stop playing football is parent pressure. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football, it is important to provide positive encouragement, this will help ensure that your child continues to enjoy their football and give them:
- A sense of personal achievement
- Self-esteem
- Improving the child’s skills and techniques
Parents/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
- Other players
- Officials
- Managers
- Spectators
Therefore we would encourage all Parents/Spectators and Supporters to:
- Support, encourage & praise players.
- Always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own. Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
- Discuss team matters in private.
- Avoid coaching the child during the game.
- Avoid making any adverse comments towards the match officials, opposing players or opposing fans.
- Respect the referee or assistant referee’s decision.
- No foul, abusive or threatening language.
- No violent behaviour.
- No alcohol or drugs while in attendance.
- Do not put undue pressure on players.
- Attend as many matches as possible to support the Team.
- Please help with setting up and putting away of the Goals.
Little League Football encourages all its players, officials and supporters to have respect for youth soccer. By following these Codes of Conduct, you will be a credit to the League and yourself. Be proud of your League and do nothing in your conduct on or off the field to dishonour its name.
Any behaviour found to be in breach of these codes will be brought before the League’s Disciplinary Committee and may result in suspension, or in the event of a serious breach, expulsion from the League and potentially reported to the FA.