Annex 1. Behaviour Code
(Developed with kind permission from a text by Cirencester Phoenix Walking Football Club.)
At Stroud Park Walking Football Club, we are proud to be a club where players of all abilities and backgrounds come together to share their love of football. Whether you’re a seasoned talent or someone finding your feet again after years away from the game, you are valued here. This Club thrives because of the mix: the goal scorers, the goalkeepers, the sharp passers, the tactical minds, the midfield maestros, the strong defenders, and those still working on scoring their first goal, first assist, or first goal-saving block.
The basis of our behaviour code is to support and encourage all players regardless of background and skill:
1. Don’t Criticise, Encourage and Celebrate
We do not accept or tolerate players who criticise others—on or off the pitch. There’s no room at SPWFC for negativity aimed at teammates. A misplaced pass or missed goal is part of the game. What matters is how we respond—with encouragement, not complaint.
If you happen to be a gifted player—rarely missing, always in control—thank you for your skill. However, remember: true greatness is not just shown in how you play, but also in how you help others enjoy their football. Support your teammates. Celebrate their good moments. Be patient during their bad ones.
2. Key Principles
• Encourage rather than criticise
• Play with passion and praise
• Recognise that fitness, age, and confidence vary across the Club
• Notice a good pass or positional play, etc., and call it out
• Offer advice only when it’s asked for
• Laugh with, not at, each other
• Applaud effort, not just success
• Make a new member feel welcome from their first session
• Notice & comment on other’s improvements – a few kind words mean a lot
• Be patient – everyone plays at their own pace
• Offer a quiet word of encouragement if someone’s struggling
• Keep banter good-humoured, playful and light-hearted
• Help someone up – literally and figuratively
• Be the player others enjoy playing alongside
• Win and lose with grace
• Support those who volunteer to referee; they add to the atmosphere of club and cup games and keep the game flowing
• Support those who organise the sessions; they do their best to select fair and balanced teams, set up and tidy away after each session
• End each match with a handshake – everyone played their part
• Remember: without each other, there is no club.
3. Banter
We welcome friendly banter but never abuse. A joke shared is part of the fun—when it’s in the right spirit. The line is clear: when “banter” turns into biting criticism or personal jabs, it’s not banter anymore. Banter without consent becomes bullying. If people don’t like it, don’t do it.
4. Threat and Aggression
There is no place for threatening language or behaviour at SPWFC, including threatening harm or violence.
5. Kick it Out
As a community we are aligned with the principles of the ‘Kick it Out’ campaign, opposing discrimination in all its forms including racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia. Any behaviours, including speech, which promote such discrimination or hate are prohibited in our club. (https://www.kickitout.org)
6. Argument, Rules & Referees.
When it comes to interpretation of the rules, we have a “no argument” policy. This means no arguing with ref, or if the match is self-refereed, just accept whatever is called out, without argument. This promotes a positive atmosphere for play.
7. Safety
Three key walking football rules designed to keep us safe are:
- No running
- Minimum contact
- No tackle from behind or the side
These are important. If you feel unsafe because of a person continues to break these rules, then ether have a friendly word afterwards or discuss it with the Welfare Officer. Be aware that, even with the best intention, some people need help in getting this right, and that all these rules are open to interpretation.
8. Community
SPWFC is a club where everyone is welcome, from the great players to the not-so-great. What binds us isn’t just football:
• It’s friendship.
• It’s looking out for each other.
• It’s contributing to the running and ambience of the Club
9. Implementation
All members and new members to be given a copy of the code. Playing at the club requires acceptance of this code.
Induction of new members includes explanation of code by Membership Officer or delegate.
If you feel uncomfortable about another member’s behaviour, and do not wish to discuss it directly with that member, then you may raise the matter with the named Welfare Officer.
If any member breaks the code, they may be:
a. given some feedback and advice
b. given a formal warning
c. suspended from play for a number of weeks
d. expelled from the club and all future play
The sequence of sanctions depends on the problem to be solved.