It is expected that all persons associated with Montrose Football Club will uphold the highest standards of behaviour. Therefore, all persons associated with the club are expected to abide by the club’s Code Of Conduct. Significant breaches of the relevant code may result in suspension (or expulsion) from the club.

Outlined is the code of conduct for:

  • PLAYERS
  • COACHES
  • PARENTS OF JUNIOR / SENIOR PLAYERS
  • BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
  • ADMINISTRATORS/OFFICIALS (COMMITTEE)

All persons associated with the Montrose Football Club should aim to ensure that their conduct at all times is of the highest standard and in accordance with the EFNL Code Of Conduct as published.  Consequently it is expected that all persons associated with the club will:

  • Not behave in a manner likely to discredit the club.
  • Adhere to the club’s Smoke Free policy
  • Adhere to the club’s Drug & Alcohol policy
  • Not use foul language at any time.
  • Not verbally or physically abuse any player or official, especially umpires.

Like players, umpires may make mistakes. All players and supporters have a responsibility to the Club and the competition to ensure that umpires are treated with respect. The club expects that all players, officials and supporters will remain cordial to umpires at all times and not bring disrepute on the club by engaging in behaviour which contravenes laws pertaining to umpires.

In essence, treat all persons associated with the club with respect and not ridicule or demean any player and make yourself available to assist when and where required.

NB This Code Of Conduct applies equally to visitors to the Montrose Football Club

Players

The opportunity to play football in your local community should be seen as a privilege rather than a right. Part of learning how to play the game is learning how to conduct yourself, both on and off the field. Players must be aware that MFC demands the highest standards of behaviour.

Just as players expect certain things to be provided by the Club, it is reasonable to expect that the club would also have expectations of all of its players. These include:

  • ensuring adequate preparation for games by attending training
  • arriving at least 30 minutes before the game
  • treating all officials with respect
  • and fulfilling club commitments

It is expected that all players representing Montrose Football Club will:

  • Adhere to the Smoke Free and Drug & Alcohol Policies.
  • Report to their team manager at the ground at such time as is requested by coaching staff but at least ½ hour before the start of their game.
  • Have clean and correct football attire to start the game.
  • Co-operate with the coaches, team managers, team mates and umpires at all times.
  • Never argue with an official nor verbally or physically abuse any official -being coach, committee person or umpire.
  • Follow directions from medical staff (eg. trainers)
  • Show sportsmanship of the highest calibre at all times.
  • Wear a mouthguard at all times during the game.

Further, players are bound by the code of conduct which appears on the EFNL’s Standard Player Contract. As part of the registration process, players will agree to:

  • I will never argue with an official
  • I will control my temper.
  • I will work equally hard for myself and my team.
  • I will be a good sport
  • I will treat all participants in my sport as I wish to be treated
  • I will cooperate with my coach, team-mates and club officials
  • I will respect the rights and dignity of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Possible consequences of breaches of the code (graded)

    1. Warning: (Coach) – Coach to handle the initial on-field misdemeanours.
    2. Warning: (Committee Member)
  2. Caution: (By Committee – after appearing before an appropriately constituted panel – to be comprised of at least two of: Team Manager Co-ordinator and/or committee  Representative, Team Manager, Coach, Team Captain)
  3. Suspension: (By committee – as per constitution).
  4. De-registration: (By committee – as per constitution).

Note: Notices of warnings given are to be provided to the secretary and documented in the minutes of the next committee meeting

Parents of Players

Parents of players at Montrose Football Club have the right to expect that the club will provide a safe, harmonious and enjoyable environment for their child to play football. The club in return expects that parents will ensure that their behaviour does not bring the club in disrepute.

Therefore, it is expected that parents of players from the Montrose Football Club will:

  • Adhere to the Smoke Free and Drug & Alcohol Policies.
  • Ensure that the child arrives at the ground at least 1/2 hour before the start of the game and has correct, clean football attire.
  • Offer assistance to the team manager/Junior / Senior co-ordinator on a least 4 occasions during the season and/or participate in any published roster.
  • Provide assistance where required when requested (directed) to do so by an official of the club.
  • Refrain from airing any grievances in public, instead raising the issue with the appropriate officials, or at the next appropriate committee meeting, without prejudice.
  • Ensure that the fees due are paid as promptly as possible
  • Further, Junior / Senior parents will be required as part of the registration Process to sign the following declaration:
  • I/We will never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition
  • I/We will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities
  • I/We will respect officials’ decisions and teach children not to do otherwise
  • I/We will remember that my/our child is participating for their enjoyment not mine/ours.
  • I/We will show respect and appreciation for the volunteer coaches, officials and administrators.
  • If I/We have an issue with any aspect of the Montrose Football Club we will follow the correct line of procedures through the Committees or Board and assist their work by complying with any decisions or directions made by them.
  • I/We will respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and official regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion

Possible consequences of breaches of the code (graded)

  1. Warning: (Team Manager Co-ordinator / Committee Representative).
  2. Caution: (By Committee – after appearing before an appropriately constituted panel – to be comprised of at least two of: Team Manager Co-ordinator and two other relevant officials, approved by the Junior / Senior Committee)
  3. Suspension (as per constitution)

Note: Notices of warnings given are to be provided to the secretary and documented in the minutes of the next committee meeting.

Coaches

Coaches should understand the responsibilities their position entails. A coach is mentor, role model, teacher and counsellor to players. Parents and players therefore should expect that the behaviour and demeanour of coaches is not only exemplary but beyond reproach.

Therefore it is expected that all coaches of Montrose Football Club Teams will:

  • Adhere to the Smoke Free and Drug & Alcohol Policies.
  • Be at the ground at least 1 hour before the start of their game.
  • Not criticise any umpiring decision at any time.
  • Ensure any injured player receives the best available medical attention.
  • Prepare and present the best possible team of players available to them at all times.
  • Ensure that the best possible training equipment is provided to the players.
  • Keep abreast of the latest coaching principles and techniques

Junior / Senior coaches will also:

  • Provide equal opportunities to all players under their direction, as per club guidelines. Take into consideration principles of growth and development of children when planning training sessions.

Possible consequences of breaches of the code (graded)

  1. Warning: (Team Manager Co-ordinator / Committee Representative).
  2. Caution: (By Committee – after appearing before an appropriately constituted panel – to be comprised of at least two of: Team Manager Co-ordinator and two other relevant officials, approved by the Junior / Senior Committee)
  3. Suspension (as per constitution)

Board of Management

The Board of Management, as the overseer of the club’s administration, finance and marketing, has the ultimate responsibility to promote the game in the wider Montrose Community and to ensure these opportunities to play the game are continued to be provided for this community.

The Board therefore must:

  • Ensure that, within budget constraints, the best possible equipment and facilities are provided to all players for their use.
  • Provide for activities that will promote a “one club” atmosphere, enhancing
  • Mutual respect and trust.
  • Consider the needs and desires of all members of the club when making any decision
  • Ensure that the club is run in a financially sound manner and effectively manage the finances of the football club such that no section of the club is disadvantaged by the other.
  • Strive to enhance the image of the Montrose Football Club in the wider community
  • Enforce the club’s Codes Of Conduct

Sub-committees responsible to the board of management

  • Senior Football
  • Junior / Senior Football
  • Finance including Bar & Canteen
  • Sponsorship
  • Events
  • Media & Communications
  • Grounds / Facilities
  • Merchandise
  • Coaches Forum (where active)

All members of Sub-committees supporting the Board of Management are expected to carry out their duties in a manner which consistently promotes the effective and harmonious management of the whole club.

Possible consequences of breaches of the code (graded)

  1. Warning: (By Board Chairperson or representative).
  2. Caution: (By Panel of at least three Board members)
  3. Suspension: (decision of whole Board Of Management)

Administrators / Officials (Committee)

By taking a role in the Junior / Senior Committee, each member accepts the collective responsibilities this entails. Each member must ensure that his/her behaviour and demeanour sets an example for others to follow.

Therefore it is expected that the Committee members of the Montrose Football Club will:

  • Adhere to the Smoke Free and Drug & Alcohol Policies.
  • Ensure all coaches have all necessary resources to ensure all players’ needs are met at all times.
  • Be available to assist any parent when necessary.
  • Receive and give constructive criticism without prejudice.
  • Meet a match day dress standard according to the guidelines set.
  • Effectively oversee the operation of the club, including all financial and administrative arrangements.
  • Support all decisions of the committee and the members of that committee.

Possible consequences of breaches of the code (graded)

  1. Warning: (By Co-ordinator/ Committee Representative).
  2. Caution: (By Committee – after appearing before a recommended constituted panel – to be comprised of at least two of : Relevant Coordinator, Secretary or delegated Board representatives)
  3. Suspension: (decision of Board of Management)

Policy Review

This Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, practical and that it reflects community expectations and legal requirements. The Policy will be reviewed in the first instance by October 2020 and thereafter annually.