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Code of Conduct for Football
FIFA's Code of Conduct encapsulates all the sporting, moral and
ethical principles for which FIFA has always stood and for which it
will continue to fight in the future, regardless of the influences
and pressures that may be brought to bear. The ten golden rules not
only serve as a credo for FIFA as the world football body, but they
also reinforce the sense of fraternity and cooperation among the
members of the worldwide football family.
Play to Win
Winning is the object of playing any game. Never set out to lose.
If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents,
deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself. Never
give up against stronger opponents but never relent against weaker
ones. It is an insult to any opponent to play at less than full
strength. Play to win, until the final whistle.
Play Fair
Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or
dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure. Playing fair
requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying. Fair
Play always has its reward, even when the game is lost. Playing
fair earns you respect, while cheats are detested. Remember: It's
only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.
Observe the Laws of the Game
All games need rules to guide them. Without rules, there would be
chaos. The rules of football are simple and easy to learn. Make an
effort to learn them, so you understand the game better. This makes
you a better player. It is just as important to understand the
spirit of the rules. They are designed to make the game fun to play
and fun to watch. By sticking to the rules, you will enjoy the game
more.
Respect Opponents, Teammates, Referees, Officials and
Spectators
Fair Play means respect. Without opponents there can be no game.
They have the same rights as you have, including the right to be
respected. Your teammates are your colleagues. You form a team in
which all members are equal. Referees are there to maintain
discipline and Fair Play. Always accept their decisions without
arguing, and help them to help you enjoy the game more. Officials
are also part of the game and must be respected accordingly.
Spectators give the game atmosphere. They want to see the game
played fairly, but must also behave fairly themselves.
Accept Defeat with Dignity
Nobody wins all the time. You win some, you lose some. Learn to
lose graciously. Don't seek excuses for defeat. Genuine reasons
will always be self-evident. Congratulate the winners with good
grace. Don't blame the referee or anyone else. Determine to do
better next time. Good losers earn more respect than bad
winners.
Promote the Interests of Football
Football is the world's greatest game. But it always needs your
help to keep it as Number One. Think of football's interests before
your own. Think how your actions may affect the image of the game.
Talk about the positive things in the game. Encourage other people
to watch it or play it fairly. Help others to have as much fun from
football as you do. Be an ambassador for the game.
Reject Corruption, Drugs, Racism, Violence and other
Dangers to our Sport Football's huge popularity sometimes
makes it vulnerable to negative outside interests. Watch out for
attempts to tempt you into cheating or using drugs. Drugs have no
place in football or any other sport or in our society. Say No to
Drugs. Help Kick Racism out of Football. Treat all players and
everyone else equally, regardless of their skin colour or origin.
Show that football does not want violence, even from your own fans.
Football is Sport, and Sport is Peace.
Help Others to Resist Corrupting Pressures
You may hear that teammates or other people you know are being
tempted to cheat in some way. They need your help. Don't hesitate
to stand by them. Give them the strength to resist. Remind them of
their commitment to their teammates and to the game itself. Form a
block of solidarity, like a solid defence on the field of
play.
Denounce Those who Attempt to Discredit Football
Don't be ashamed to show up anybody who you are sure is trying to
make others cheat. It's better to expose them and have them removed
before they can do any damage. It often takes more courage to
denounce what is wrong, than to go along with a dishonest plan.
Your honesty will be admired but your complicity will not. Don't
just say No. Denounce the culprits who are trying to spoil our
sport before they can persuade somebody else to say Yes.
Honour Those who Defend Football's Good
Reputation
The good name of football has survived because the vast majority of
people who love the game are honest and fair. Sometimes somebody
does something exceptional that deserves our special recognition.
They should be honoured and their fine example made public. This
encourages others to act in the same way. Help promote football's
image by publicising its good deeds.
Coventry City Ladies support FIFA's code of
conduct.
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