PLEASE READ AND HAVE IN PLACE BEFORE MATCH DAY:
Team Requirements for each match:
- It is essential to have the correct number of officials present on your bench, with at least one individual being a qualified first aider. The referee reserves the right to prevent the match from proceeding if the necessary safeguarding protocols are not adhered to. We aim to avoid any interruptions in match play for the young participants due to administrative oversights by their group leaders. Signed copies of team lines must be provided before the match to ensure all players and officials are registered and eligible to take part in the match.
- All clubs must have a Referee Liaison available for any match officials appointed who are under the age of 18. The same safeguarding laws apply to officials under 18 as well as the young athletes. This link is good to understand child safety in sport.
- Team officials and substitutes must be on the opposite side to the parents.
- There is a zero tolerance on any jewellery on the field of play. Referees have the right to refuse a players participation if they deem it a safety concern to other players.
- All parents, caregivers and other spectators must stay 2m back from the pitch. Where possible, this should be done via a marked off area.
- No parent or caregiver should attempt to enter the field of play.
- All parents and caregiver must ensure that they are following their own clubโs Code of Conduct. (SFA Information for Parents and Carers)
- Spectators should encourage participants at all times.
- Let the children play the game, making sure we encourage before and after the game – during the game let the grassroots volunteers deal with the game. (Information for Children and Young People Rights).
A new sanction in place this season involves the behaviour of the coaches and parents. It is the coaches responsibility to ensure the parents behave in an appropriate manner towards the official, both sets of players, coaches and other parents. The focus should, and always will be, about the development and safety of the young athletes. Any issues that arise, the coach of the team will be sanctioned for failing to control the parents.
IFAB Facebook Page (Case Studies)
It is important that coaches and spectators keep up to date with the Laws of the Game to support players and officials throughout the development process.