Dear parents/carers,

We have received a further warning today regarding touchline behaviour of parents, players and coaches at Kent Youth games in recent months, this has been a noticeable concern at younger age group games.

The Kent Youth Chair has stated that they take a zero tolerance approach to poor behaviour on the touchline and it is the responsibility of the Team coaches and managers to ensure the actions of spectators from their club cannot be seen to be in any way at odds with the ethos and core values of the game.

Example of what will not be tolerated are:-

1. Criticism of the match official either verbally or by action (eg. throwing hands up in a gesture of frustration)

2. Criticism of any player (either own or opposition)

3. Engaging with any player either on the pitch or off unless for coaching reasons

4. Encroachment onto the pitch by parents, coaches or other spectators

5. Shouting at players (terms like “Hit him harder”, “get him”, “take him out” are all unacceptable.)

6. Any sort of verbal abuse towards anyone else either on the pitch or off (especially racial, or religious slurs or comments about physical appearance)

7. Any physical confrontation of any kind with anyone else

This is not an exhaustive list.

Please be aware that visiting clubs and match officials must be treated with respect at all times and that incidents of bad behaviour can result in the 1st XV being subject to point deductions.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that our club players, officials and parents continue to behave appropriately every week.

Simon Summerset

Chairman

3rd February 2025.