LIVERPOOL FC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT

Being offered a place at Liverpool FC International Academy is a privilege. We are committed to providing your child with a positive experience, but that comes with certain responsibilities.

We are passionate about the ‘Liverpool Way’, which sets us apart from other clubs in a real and tangible way. The ‘Liverpool Way’ is built on our four core values:

• Ambition – Dream big. Challenge yourself to improve and develop.
• Commitment – Work hard. Give 100% effort to everything you do.
• Dignity – Have pride. Behave respectfully on and off the pitch.
• Unity – Work together. Help others achieve common goals.

The following is our minimum code of conduct which must be observed by all players at Liverpool FC International Academy Australia:

1. Player Behaviour

a. Players must not engage in conduct, activities, or behaviour that does not align with the standards of acceptable behaviour or the values of Liverpool Football Club. For clarity, the Academy will not tolerate:

• i. Physical or verbal abuse, including swearing or the use of racist or discriminatory language towards anyone at any time.
• ii. Threatening behaviour towards other players.
• iii. Bullying or isolating players by intentionally excluding them.
• iv. The use of social media to harass, threaten, vilify, bully, or discriminate against others.

b. Players must be willing to listen and respond positively to information and directions given by our coaches and staff. Repeated misbehaviour negatively impacts the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all participants and coaches and will not be tolerated.

2. Dealing with Misbehaviour

If a player breaches the behaviour standards, the following procedure will generally apply:

• i. Verbal warning: A verbal warning will be given to the player to cease the behaviour in question. The player will be informed of the next steps if the behaviour continues.
• ii. Exclusion from exercise: If the behaviour continues, the player will be excluded from the current drill for 5 minutes. They will again be informed of the next steps if the behaviour persists.
• iii. Further exclusion: If the player’s behaviour does not improve, they will be excluded from an entire drill. A parent will be contacted to explain the situation, and both the player and parent will be informed of the next steps if the behaviour continues.
• iv. Serious misconduct: If the behaviour continues despite prior warnings, or if the misconduct is considered serious (e.g., fighting, bullying), the player will be sent home with a parent or guardian and may be suspended from the Academy or not invited back for future programs. No refund of fees will apply.

Note: In cases of serious misconduct where the behaviour presents a risk to the safety or enjoyment of players or staff, the Academy reserves the right to skip prior steps and proceed directly to suspension or expulsion.

3. General Player Requirements

a. Players must arrive no later than 10 minutes before the start of training and be appropriately dressed by the scheduled start time.

b. Players must train in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

c. Players are responsible for assisting with the collection of equipment used during sessions, including bibs, balls, and markers.

d. Mobile devices are not allowed on the pitch during training.

e. Players must maintain a neat and tidy appearance, adhering to the following dress code:

• i. Football boots (cleaned and polished) with no metal studs.
• ii. Suitable futsal or trainers for indoor sessions, where specified.
• iii. LFC Academy-approved training kit (shirt, shorts, socks).
• iv. Shin pads.

4. Attitude

In addition to the above, all players are expected to demonstrate the following:

• i. A positive attitude and body language.
• ii. A desire to give maximum effort and commitment.
• iii. A willingness to engage in all activities delivered by our coaches and staff.
• iv. The ability to actively listen to instructions.
• v. A commitment to train as part of a team, both as an individual and a team member.
• vi. Respect for officials, staff, and other players.
• vii. The bravery to try new things, accepting that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

5. Parent Responsibilities

Parents are asked to promote and support the Code of Conduct to help maintain a safe and inclusive environment. In particular:

• i. Allow our coaches to focus on coaching—parents should provide encouragement and leave technical or tactical communication to the coaches.
• ii. Never engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour during training sessions.
• iii. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not permitted at junior sports events.
• iv. Promote the responsible use of social media, never using it to harass, bully, or discriminate against others. Criticisms or derogatory remarks about the Academy, coaches, or staff should be addressed through our Raising Complaints or Concerns Policy.

b. Parents must notify the Academy if their child is unable to attend a session. Notification should be made using Squadnet, directed to the site lead at the relevant venue.

c. Parents should inform the coaching staff upon arrival of any injuries or medical conditions that may affect their child's ability to complete training.