Respect
Positive behaviour makes football better for everyone. OYFL expects players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators to create an environment where young people can enjoy the game, develop and feel supported.
Respect the game. Respect the people in it. Respect the standard.
The Grassroots Code
The Grassroots Code sets out the behaviour expected across grassroots football. These five standards should shape the experience of every OYFL match.
Enjoy the Game
Create an environment where football is positive, enjoyable and focused on the experience of those taking part.
Give Respect
Respect teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers and everyone involved in the game.
Be Inclusive
Football is for everyone. Discrimination, exclusion and abusive behaviour have no place in the game.
Work Together
Players, coaches, parents, clubs and officials all share responsibility for creating the right football environment.
Play Safe
Protect the physical and emotional wellbeing of everyone taking part.
Your Role in Respect
Everyone involved in grassroots football has a part to play. The expectation is simple: support the game, treat people properly and help create the right environment for young players.
Coaches & Team Officials
Set the tone. Encourage players positively, model good behaviour and support match officials.
Parents & Spectators
Support the players rather than coach from the touchline. Respect officials, opponents and other spectators.
Young Players
Play fairly, respect decisions and treat teammates, opponents and officials properly.
Adult Players
Take responsibility for behaviour on and off the pitch and help set the standard for others.
Match Officials
Apply the Laws fairly, communicate appropriately and help create a safe and respectful match environment.
Create the Right Environment
Players Play
Let young players make decisions, express themselves and enjoy their football.
Coaches Coach Positively
Encourage and guide. Do not create unnecessary pressure or undermine match officials.
Spectators Support
Positive encouragement from the touchline. Avoid criticism or instruction that conflicts with coaches or puts pressure on young players.
Officials Are Respected
Decisions may not always be agreed with, but abuse, intimidation or harassment of match officials is unacceptable.
Respect Barriers
OYFL matches must use a Respect Barrier or designated spectator area.
Separating spectators appropriately from the playing area helps create a clearer, safer and more positive matchday environment for players, coaches and officials.
When Something Isn’t Right
Different concerns need different routes. Use the route that best matches what has happened.
Poor Matchday Behaviour
Raise concerns through your club and the appropriate matchday or league route.
Misconduct or Abuse
Serious misconduct, abusive behaviour or discrimination should be reported through the appropriate football reporting process.
Report discrimination →Safeguarding Concern
If the concern relates to the welfare or safety of a child or young person, use the safeguarding route.
Safeguarding →Captains & Player Responsibility
Captains have an important role in helping their team maintain the expected standard of behaviour and in supporting effective communication with the referee.
Players also share responsibility for the environment around a match. Respectful behaviour towards opponents and officials should be the norm, not something that depends on the score or a decision.