LIVERPOOL FC INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT

Being offered a place at Liverpool FC International Academy is a privilege. We will work hard to give you a good experience but that comes with certain responsibilities.

We believe passionately in the ‘Liverpool Way’ of doing things which sets us apart from other clubs in a real and tangible way. The Liverpool Way’ is based on our four core values:

o Ambition - Dream big. Challenge yourself to improve and develop.

o Commitment - Work hard. Give 100% effort to everything that you do.

o Dignity - Have pride. Behave in a respectful manner on and off the pitch.

o Unity - Work together. Help others to achieve common goals.

The following are the minimum code of conduct requirements which must be observed by all players at Liverpool FC International Academy NSW:

1. Player Behaviour

a. Players shall not engage in any conduct, activity or behaviour that is in not in line with our reasonable standards of acceptable behaviour and the values of Liverpool Football Club. For the avoidance of doubt, Liverpool FC International Academy NSW 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 other players in any way

iii. Isolating or bullying by intentionally excluding other players

iv. The use of social media to harass, threaten, vilify, bully or discriminate

against another person.

b. Players must be willing to listen and respond positively to information and directions given by Liverpool FC NSW coaches and staff. Repeated misbehaviour impacts on the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of participants and coaches alike, and is not acceptable as part of our programs.

2. Dealing with Misbehaviour

Where a player is found to have beached the standards of player behaviour outlined above

the following procedure will generally apply:

i. Verbal warning: as a first step, a verbal warning will be given to the player to cease the behaviour in question. We will inform player of the next step if the behaviour continues to occur.

ii. If the behaviour continues: the player will be excluded from the current exercise or drill for 5 minutes. The player will again be informed of the next step if behaviour continues/occurs again.

iii. If the players behaviour does not improve: the player will be excluded from an entire drill + parent is brought in/phoned to explain why the player is being excluded. At this stage both the player and parent will be

informed of the next step if behaviour continues or occurs again.

iv. If after all this the player is continuing to act in a way that is outside our Code of Conduct: (or if the misconduct is considered by our staff to be sufficiently serious - see below), the player will be sent home with a parent/guardian from training and may be suspended from the Academy and/or not invited back for future programs. In these instances, no refund of fees will apply.

Note: In cases of serious misconduct where our staff consider the players behaviour presents a risk to safety or enjoyment of players or staff (e.g. fighting, bullying etc) we reserve the right to move directly to step 4 above and suspend the player from continuing further in our programs

3. General Player Requirements 

a. All players shall arrive no later than ten (10) minutes prior to the start of all training sessions and to be appropriately dressed by the scheduled start time. 

b. All Players shall take due care and attention to train in a safe and responsible manner. 

c. Players are required to assist at each session in the collection of all equipment used, such as bibs, balls and markers. 

d. Players are not allowed to use mobile devices are not allowed on the pitch during training. 

e. Players shall maintain an appropriate dress code wearing designated LFC Academy player kit and be always neat and tidy in personal habits which includes: 

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 Shirt/Shorts/Socks iv. Shin Pads 

4. Attitude

a. In addition to the above minimum player standards, all players also have a duty to bring to each clinic day certain attitude non negotiables: 

i. A positive attitude and body language 

ii. A desire to give maximum effort and commitment 

iii. A willingness to engage in all practices, workshops and other activities delivered by Liverpool FC NSW coaches and staff 

iv. The ability to actively listen to instructions from the coach v. A commitment to train as part of a ‘team’ as a team member as well as an individual vi. Respect for officials, staff and other players 

vii. The bravery to try new things, accepting that making mistakes is the best way to learn. 

5. Parent Responsibilities 

a. Parents are asked and promote an understanding of this code of conduct to their child and support us in providing a safe and inclusive training environment by: 

i. Allowing our coaches to do the coaching - parents should only provide encouragement, leave all technical/tactical communications to the coaches.

ii. Never engaging in or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour while attending our training sessions iii. Remembering that smoking and the consumption of alcohol is unacceptable at junior sport;

iv. Promoting the responsible use of social media by never using social media to harass, vilify, bully or discriminate against another person. Parents should also not publish criticisms or derogatory remarks about the Academy, our coaches or staff. The correct forum if you have concerns is as outlined in our Raising Complaints or Concerns Policy.

b. Parents shall notify Liverpool FC NSW if their child cannot attend training. The method for that notification is using Squadnet to notify the Site lead at your venue. 

c. Parents shall notify Liverpool FC NSW coaches or staff on arrival each day of any injuries or medical conditions affecting their ability to complete training