Phoenix Sports Academy exists to give children and young people a fun, safe and inclusive place to fall in love with sport. That only works if everyone connected with the Academy — players, parents, guardians, coaches and spectators — treats each other with respect. This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect from each of you, and what you can expect from us.
This Code applies across every sport we run — football, rugby, cricket, athletics and beyond — and to every session, camp, trial or event, wherever it takes place.
1. Our Approach: Respect
We've built our Code around "Respect" — the idea that the way we play matters as much as the result. Respect means:
- Recognising that the integrity of the game or event is more important than the result
- Understanding what is and isn't acceptable behaviour, on and off the pitch
- Taking responsibility for the consequences of your own actions
- Supporting coaches, officials and helpers to do their jobs
- Working together to create a safe, fun and inclusive environment
This isn't a slogan on a poster — it's a collective responsibility that everyone connected with Phoenix Sports Academy shares.
2. Player Code of Conduct
When taking part in Phoenix Sports Academy sessions, I will:
- Play fairly, and not cheat, complain or waste time
- Respect my teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and helpers
- Follow the rules of the sport and listen to my coach's instructions
- Be gracious in victory and in defeat, and show respect to the other team at the end of a game or session
- Understand that my coach makes decisions in the interest of the whole team, not just one player
- Talk to someone I trust, or the Academy Welfare Officer, if I'm ever unhappy about anything at the Academy
If I don't follow this Code, my club, the relevant National Governing Body (such as The FA, RFU or ECB) or Phoenix Sports Academy may take action, which could include:
- Being asked to apologise to teammates, coaches or visiting participants
- Receiving a formal warning from a coach
- Being excluded from game scenarios or activities for a session
- Being suspended from training or, in serious or repeated cases, asked to leave the Academy
Where appropriate, we will let a parent or guardian know about any breach of this Code, and serious concerns may also be reported to the relevant National Governing Body.
3. Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct
We all share responsibility for creating a positive environment where children can learn and enjoy sport. If adults behave well on the sideline, children follow that example. As a parent, guardian or spectator, please:
- Remember that children take part for fun, enjoyment and development — not just results
- Celebrate effort and good play from both sides, not just your own child's team
- Respect the coach's and any official's decisions, and encourage your child to do the same
- Stay in the designated spectator area and off the pitch or playing surface
- Let the coach coach — please don't instruct players from the sideline, as conflicting instructions confuse children
- Offer encouragement when a player makes a mistake, rather than criticism
- Never use offensive, insulting, aggressive or abusive language or behaviour towards anyone, at any time
4. Coach & Staff Code of Conduct
Everyone coaching, assisting or volunteering at Phoenix Sports Academy will:
- Put the welfare, safety and enjoyment of every child ahead of results or performance
- Treat every player fairly, as an individual, regardless of ability, background or need
- Hold a valid, in-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and safeguarding training certificate appropriate to their role
- Plan and deliver sessions that are age-appropriate, inclusive and safe
- Never use physical punishment, humiliation, or language that could belittle or intimidate a child
- Be a visible, approachable point of contact for players and parents, and know how to raise a safeguarding concern
- Follow our Safeguarding Policy and this Code of Conduct at all times, both in person and online
5. Communication & Social Media
We may use messaging and team-management apps (such as WhatsApp, Spond or similar platforms), as well as social media, to keep in touch with players and parents. The specific tools we use may change from time to time as the Academy grows, but the standards below apply to whichever platform we're using.
As a parent, guardian or spectator, you agree not to post aggressive, abusive or disrespectful messages about coaches, staff, other players or families on any communication platform, public or private.
If you have a concern about training or a game, we ask that you give yourself a 24-hour cooling-off period before raising it with a coach. This helps avoid reactive messages and misread tone, and gives everyone a chance to discuss the issue calmly and constructively.
6. Bullying
Bullying of any kind — whether in person, online, or through exclusion — is not acceptable at Phoenix Sports Academy. If bullying does happen, players and parents should feel confident that reporting it will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. Concerns should be raised with our Welfare Officer, as set out in our Safeguarding Policy.
7. Reporting a Concern
If you're a player, parent, coach or spectator with a concern about behaviour, welfare or safety, please speak to our Welfare Officer or any member of Academy staff you trust. Full details of how we handle concerns, and who to contact, are set out in our Safeguarding Policy.
8. Changes to This Code
We may update this Code of Conduct from time to time as the Academy grows. Where we make significant changes, we'll let players and parents know directly rather than relying only on the updated version being posted on our website.