Code of Conduct

Dave Rimmer Coaching is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe and positive environment for every player, and for the coaches, club staff and volunteers around them. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected from everyone involved in our sessions.

• Respect: treat everyone with respect, courtesy and consideration, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability or background.
• Behaviour: act in a manner that promotes the positive image of Dave Rimmer Coaching and avoids behaviour that could bring the coaching into disrepute.
• Commitment: be punctual, prepared and committed to all sessions, matches and events.
• Sportsmanship: show good sportsmanship by being fair, respectful and gracious in victory and defeat.

• Physical safety: follow all safety guidelines and use equipment properly to avoid injury to yourself and others.
• Well-being: prioritise your well-being and that of others by reporting any health or safety concerns to the coach immediately.
• Abuse and harassment: no form of abuse, harassment, bullying or discrimination is tolerated. Report any incidents to the coach or safeguarding lead straight away.
• Drugs and alcohol: no alcohol, drugs or performance-enhancing substances before or during any session or event.

• Respect for coaches: listen to and follow the instructions of the coach. Respect their decisions and guidance.
• Effort and attitude: always give your best effort in sessions and matches, maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging others to do the same.
• Teamwork: support your fellow players, fostering a team spirit and helping to create a positive and inclusive environment.

• Boundaries: coaches maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid situations where they are alone with a child out of sight of others.
• Physical contact: any physical contact is appropriate, necessary for the coaching point, and consensual.
• Reporting: any concern about the welfare of a child is reported immediately, in line with our Safeguarding Policy.

• Appropriate use: social media and communication platforms are used responsibly, with no content that could harm the reputation of Dave Rimmer Coaching or the privacy of any player.
• Respectful communication: communicate respectfully and professionally with players, parents or carers, club contacts and coaches, both in person and online.
• No direct private messaging between the coach and a child — communication with families goes through parents or carers.

• Respect for facilities: treat pitches, halls, 3G surfaces and equipment with care and respect. Report any damage or issues promptly.
• Cleanliness: keep playing areas clean and tidy. Dispose of waste properly and leave spaces as you found them.

• Ambassadorship: represent Dave Rimmer Coaching positively at all times, whether at a session, a festival, a match or in the community.
• Dress code: wear appropriate clothing and footwear for football, with shin pads for matches and contact sessions, as advised by the coach.

• Encourage everyone, including the other team. No coaching from the sideline.
• Arrive and collect on time, and let us know if you will be late.
• Raise any concern with the coach after the session or by phone — not during play, and never with a child.
• No filming or photography without permission.

Working with players aged 16 and 17

• The coach is never alone with an under-18 player out of sight of others. Private sessions take place in open, visible areas of the venue, and parents or carers are welcome to watch.
• Messages to under-18 players are sent to the parent or carer as well, or through group channels — never one-to-one private messaging or social media.
• No lifts in the coach's car, no gifts and no contact outside coaching, unless agreed in advance with the parent or carer.
• Physical contact is kept to what coaching needs, explained first and only with the player's agreement.
• Players aged 16 and 17 are expected to follow this code like everyone else, and their parent or carer is told about any serious concern.

• Addressing issues: address any conflicts or grievances promptly and respectfully through the appropriate channels, such as speaking with the coach.
• Mediation: participate in mediation or conflict resolution processes if required, aiming for a fair and amicable resolution.

• Compliance: failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including warnings or being asked to leave a session, with parents or carers of under-18 players informed where appropriate.
• Fair process: any disciplinary action will be conducted fairly, with the opportunity for the individual to explain their actions.

By taking part in Dave Rimmer Coaching sessions, players, coaches and club contacts acknowledge that they have read, understood and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. By adhering to it, we can make sure every session stays safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Thank you for your commitment to upholding these standards.