Parents and Carers play a pivotal part in the football lives of their children, encouraging and supporting their participation, enjoyment, and success in the game.
They also have their part to play in the collective responsibility we all share in setting a good example for our young players and helping to create a safe and supportive environment where players thrive.
When your child or young person is playing football, there are a number of things to consider:
- Questions you have for clubs
- Your Conduct
- How to Report a Concern
Questions for Clubs
- Do you know who the CWPO is?
- Do you know how to contact the CWPO?
- How do you report a concern?
- What is the club’s child protection policy?
- Who are the club’s First Aiders?
- Are all the Officials up to date with all aspects of the Safe Selection Process?
- Does the club know about your child’s allergies?
- Does the club know emergency contact details?
- Does the club know of any additional support required?
- Have you completed a consent form for use of images and video recording?
- What is the club social media policy for their officials and players?
- Does the club have an exit strategy for when players leave?
- Are you able to provide feedback to the club?
- How do I get my questions answered?
- What are the club’s Codes of Conduct?
- Is your child happy with the club?
Parent and Carer Conduct
We all have a responsibility to make sure that our children and young people are playing in a safe and supportive environment, and parents and carers have an important part to play.
At Scottish Women’s Football, we have Codes of Conduct for everyone involved in the beautiful game, to ensure everyone knows the responsibilities and behaviours expected of them.
We ask that parents and carers remember that their attitude and behaviour can influence how their child behaves and can affect their child’s enjoyment in the game.
You can view all the Codes of Conduct below.
Parents and Carers should always:
- Respect the decision of match officials, even if you don’t agree with them
- Be supportive of all players
- Respect the choices and decisions of club coaches
- Be positive about your child’s performance
- Encourage your child to play by the rules
- Only shout encouragement from the side-lines
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship
- Let the coaches coach
- Provide any necessary medical information about your child to the club
- Report any concerns to the club CWPO or SWF
- Always be respectful of those involved in the girls’ and women’s game, including online
- Ask questions in a calm, respectful way
Parents and Carers should NOT:
- Criticise own child, or other players
- Use inappropriate, abusive, or offensive language at training or matches
- Talk about players, officials, or coaches in an inappropriate, offensive way
- Intimidate, abuse, or assault referees, club officials, or other parents/carers
- Shout instructions from the side-lines
- Criticise decisions of the referee
- Punish or belittle child for making mistakes
- Force my child into playing football
Reporting a Concern
It is important that you report any concerns you have, whether about a club, official or something else.
If you have a concern, you can contact the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer at your child’s club. Alternatively, you can contact our Wellbeing and Protection Team at SWF.
Click below for more information on Reporting a Concern.
