Player Poaching

Player Poaching Policy

The issue of Player Poaching, which is the practice of team managers approaching young players from other teams and their parents directly and trying to persuade them to switch teams, is becoming increasingly widespread.

Players being poached to join supposedly better teams with the promise of more facilities and better chances of winning trophies.

Lancing United Colts Football Club wish to make it clear that we are firmly against this practice and do not allow any of our managers to recruit players in this way. Furthermore, if we discover any club or team doing this, we will report the club and the individual to the appropriate league and football association.

At any junior age group, and especially the small-sided teams, the emphasis for all of our members should be on having fun, playing football with their mates and most importantly, enjoying the game. Winning and losing are all part of the game and learning to deal with these with magnanimity is an important life lesson and every bit as important as learning the skills to be an excellent sportsperson.

The FA Respect Campaign covers many areas of the game and is aimed primarily at the players and spectator behavior during a game. However, we believe consideration for others, especially other local clubs, where members of different clubs go to the same schools, is a big part of the campaign and consideration for other managers trying to manage their teams and make it enjoyable for all members is crucial to the future development of the game.

If you are subject to, or aware of any players who have been subject to poaching from other sides then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our committee to discuss the situation.

As a club ALL the staff bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Each member of staff will play their part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct at all times.

ON AND OFF THE FIELD, THEY WILL:

• Use their position to set a positive example for the young people they are responsible for.

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators

• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game

• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour

• Respect the match official’s decision

• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

• Be gracious in victory and defeat.

WHEN WORKING WITH PLAYERS, THEY WILL:

• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning

• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying

• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance

• Ensure all activities they organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity

• Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests.

They understand that if they do not follow this Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by the club, County FA or The FA:

THEY MAY BE:

• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer

• Suspended by the club from attending matches

• Suspended or fined by the County FA

• Required to leave or be sacked by the club.