Your coach

THE ROLE OF YOUR COACH

Coaches are responsible for planning, organising and delivering sessions. Your coach will play a very important role in your development and if you talk to any of our Welsh International football players such as our captains, Gareth Bale or Sophie Ingle, they will tell you just how important the role of the coach has been throughout their playing careers. Whether you have a dream to become the next Gareth Bale or Sophie Ingle, or if you simply want to enjoy playing football with your teammates, your coach will play a key role.

What have some of our welsh players said about some of their coaches or managers throughout their career?

Gareth Bale
"My manager was very approachable. If there is a problem or something we feel is not right, his door is open".

Sophie Ingle

"My manager was full of energy and used to give up so much time to come and train the team and make sure everyone had all these opportunities".

Ffion Morgan
"Without my coach I wouldn't be where I am now"

Your club & coaches responsibility to safeguarding

Safeguarding is eveyones responsibility. It’s important to both the FAW and your club that your coach always displays good behaviour, is a positive role model and protects you from harm. To ensure this is the case, the FAW have put in place a Coach Code of Conduct and this expects the following:

Your coach must undertake a DBS check every three years and complete training. This means that your coach your will complete an application to see if they can be provided with clearance to coach players below the age of 16. Your coach is also required to complete the FAW leaders award which will teach them how to create a positive football environment.
Your coach must ensure the safety of all players and put player wellbeing before development. This means that your coach must put your safety first as all times. For example, if you are injured, your coach must not put pressure on you to play before you feel ready.
Your coach must respect match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, and spectators. This means that your coach must set a good example to players, for example, after the game your coach will shake hands with the referee and opposition.
Your coach must encourage and guide players. This means that you you should feel encouraged and supported by your coach. For example, if you make a good pass, your coach should say well done. If you lose the ball, your coach should not continuously shout but provide you with clear guidance on what you could have done better in that situation.
Your coach must treat all players equally by supporting and motivating all players. This means that you should feel like you are treated the same as your teammates and you should not feel like you coach pays more attention to other players.
Your coach must give all players the chance to play. In small sided football, it is compulsory for all players to have equal playing time. As you move to junior football, whilst competition for playing time may increase, its important that you provided with the same opportunity as your teammates.
Your coach must not discriminate. Its important that your coach treats all players the same, regardless of their gender, race, age, disability etc.
Your coach must not allow dangerous play, bullying or inappropriate behaviour- Its important that your coach sets clear expectations on what behaviour they expect from players. For example, if bullying does occur, your coach must take action to stop it.
Your coach must accept that striving to win is more important than winning itself. Its important that your coach provides you with a competitive culture as this will be beneficial to your development, however your coach must accept players trying their best and praise this, regardless of the result.
Your coach must be positive and approachable. It’s important that you are provided with a positive environment to help you develop both as a player and a parent and therefore we expect your coach to be encouraging and positive. Its also important that you feel you can approach your coach with any questions you may have.
Your coach must not let any allegations of abuse or poor practice go unchallenged. If there are concerns of abuse or poor practice, your coach must report this to your club safeguarding officer as soon as possible to enable them to take the necessary action.
Your coach must respect and listen to players. Your opinion and wellbeing matters and therefore its important that your coach takes into consideration how you are feeling. For example, if you approach your coach and you ask them for guidance on how you can improve, its important your coach takes the time to provide you with feedback.
Your coach must organise activities appropriate to the ability of players. It’s important that your coach puts on sessions that will challenge and develop you, however must not provide sessions that are not too difficult for you to complete.
Must follow the FAW Safeguarding Policy. The FAW have provided your coach with a Safeguarding policy, and this provides expectations on how they should behave to keep you safe.

This is not an exhausted list, just some examples of what is expected.

NEGATIVE COACH BEHAVIOUR

If your coach displays any of the following behaviours, this is unacceptable:

Bullying players
Favouritism
Focusing on one player, rather than all players
Abuse or neglect
Implementing a win at all costs culture
Displaying inappropriate or aggressive behaviour
Isolating players
Discriminating against players
Constantly criticising players

IF YOUR COACH DISPLAYS ANY OF THE ABOVE BEHAVIOURS, PLEASE REPORT THIS TO YOUR CLUB SAFEGUARDING OFFICER OR SPEAK TO AN ADULT YOU TRUST, SUCH AS YOUR PARENTS.

top tips to BUILD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR COACH

It is important that you follow your code of conduct and set a good example for the players around you. Below are some tips on how you can look to build a good player-coach relationship:

Respect and listen to your coach
Accept responsibility for your own performance and behaviour
Set a good example for your teammates
Take care of all club equipment
Be friendly and welcoming to new players
Be approachable and positive
Try your best
Encourgae others
Ask questions if you do not understand something