Code of Conduct

The Leaders of Monyhull Church and the management team of Monyhull Church FC feel it is appropriate for everyone to know the levels of behaviour that are expected from all players and supporters as soon as they join the club.

Should the management feel you are repeatedly behaving in a way that is contrary to what has been outlined below, we would, in the first instance, ask you to check your behaviour. If this does not clear the situation, then we would ask you to leave the team.

Team selection / Training
Competing in the league means every player needs to be committed. There, of course, will be times when you are unavailable to play, which is why we need a good pool of players to choose from.

Players will primarily be picked on their skill level, form, attitude and commitment to training.

Training takes place on a Thursday night at the West Midlands Travel Ground in Billesley from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. It is expected that all registered players will make every effort to attend as team selection happens primarily through training.

The manager will provisionally decide the team line-up on a Thursday night. It is expected that squad members should have indicated to the manager by this point, whether they are available or not to play the next game. Failure to do so will cause the manager to start disciplinary action, starting from mild tutting and ending with a shake of the head and the folding of arms, be warned!

There may be times when we actually have more players available for a game than we do team places. Should this happen, it is expected that everybody, as part of the team, behaves like adults and except the decision. A good attitude is a big part of being a member of Monyhull Church FC, encouraging and supporting the team, training harder and remaining committed to the team.

Christian activities
Monyhull Church FC hold to the same beliefs as Monyhull Church. In registering with the team, you are agreeing to respect the beliefs and practices of the church and team. We don’t expect you to take part in anything or believe what the church does, but we ask you to be respectful of
the Christian ethos the team promotes. Should you repeatedly behave in a way that is contrary to that, we would, in the first instance, ask you to check your behaviour. If this does not clear the situation, then we would ask you to leave the team.

Socialising
We would like to promote team spirit and community (and a chance to vent when we lose!). We are hopeful that after home games people will join us for a drink in the team local (yet to be decided!). Partners and children will be very welcome. We will also arrange social activities throughout the season that will include partners and families. We hope you will want to get involved as we feel this is a good time to relax and get to know each other.

DO’S AND DONT’S
1. Foul language is forbidden at all times. This includes before, during and after games, at training sessions and at all events organised by the club. Players who swear during matches may be substituted if they have not already been sent off.

2. Sporting behaviour is encouraged at all times. The way we play is more important than the result.

3. Bullying is forbidden. Malicious, spiteful talk or indeed action to a teammate is a very serious offence and will not be tolerated. Anything deemed more than ‘banter’ by team management or the victim will be investigated and dealt with accordingly.

4. Children: Setting the right example to young spectators at games in terms of language and behaviour is very important. All players are role models and will be being watched by young eyes at most matches.

5. We want to be a team of encouragers - so encourage each other!

6. ‘Christian things’. We would ask you to respect any Christian thing we do
as a team. For instance, we will usually pray before a game. You don’t need to join in or do anything, but you do need to respect the beliefs and practices of the church football team.

We realise that during the course of the game frustration and tempers can rise, but we ask that you do your best to handle yourself in a good manner - if you are wearing the Monyhull shirt you are representing Monyhull Church.

Monyhull Church FC do not plan to be push-overs in the league. We have set the team up to be competitive and we want to win, we take our football very seriously! We want everyone to give 100% every game, we expect everyone to fight firm but fight fair. Our actions and attitude on and off the pitch are more important than the result. We want to win, but not at all costs.

Because we know that not everyone we play against will have the same mentality, we ask that you worry only about your own conduct and let the referee deal with the conduct of the opposition.

Child Protection
It is understood, that all those registering with Monyhull Church FC are of adult age, as classed by the FA and West Midlands Christian Football League (16+), since this is an adult football team. As such, photos and videos may be used, for use on the website and on printed material. A full policy can be found on our website.

Grievances
Should you have any problems within the team which cannot be resolved personally you should, in the first instance, talk to the manager. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the manager’s actions you should then begin grievance procedures. To begin the procedure, your grievance must be made in writing to the chairman who will then take it beyond the manager and to the leaders of the church.