We would ask that all teams adhere to the code of conduct set out below.

The Tournament is organised on the premise that all those involved in the event as organisers, players, managers, coaches, referees, spectators and parents will carry out their roles with the principle aim of aiding the personal development of the young players participating within the tournament.

The Tournament Organisers agree to abide by the rules and procedures outlined by the various football associations with the benefit of the game in mind. Indeed we believe that the sport of associated football is a game to be cherished and enjoyed.

The Tournament Organisers believe that:

 

·    The Tournament and football in Merseyside will benefit from the bringing together of International, National,    Regional and Local teams from all over the world.

 

·    The Merseyside football fraternity will do its utmost to be exemplary hosts to our visiting teams.

Team Officials and Players

• All have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a way that will contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. The match officials make a positive contribution to the development of the game and all decisions made by match officials should be accepted in good faith.
  
• Mutual respect between players, managers, coaches, match officials, spectators and parents is a major requirement if the tournament is to continue its positive developments.

  Supporters

  • All supporters have a responsibility to set a good example to young people and this is best shown by encouragement, application and example.
    
  • Football is a sport and sportsmanship is based on high standards of moral and ethical beliefs of respect for each other fair play, good conduct, responsibility and regards for different social and cultural backgrounds.

 

Team conduct

 

In order to raise the quality of the experience of every team competing in the Tournament, we have outlined three key directives, which will be implemented by the match officials.

1.     Encouraging Fair play

2.     Punishing/Discouraging Pitch encroachment

3.     Punishing/Discouraging Foul & abusive language

 

1.       Encouraging Fair Play

The Tournament Office recognises the importance of fair play in competitive matches played in the tournament. Thus, all matches will commence with the exchange of handshakes between opposition players.

Tournament Fair Play Directive

(1)         Teams will line up either side of the match officials at the side of the pitch designated by the match referee.

(2)        Teams will follow the match officials to the centre of the pitch, where they will again line up either side of the match officials.

(3)    Teams will acknowledge the crowd before parading past each other offering an exchange of handshakes as                recognition of respect for their opposition.

(4)     Teams captains will remain in the centre circle where it is expected that an exchange of match mementos will be made between team captains and the referee will carry out the coin toss for ends.

2.                Punishing/Discouraging Pitch Encroachment

All pitches will have a technical area marked on the touchline at the half way mark. Only two designated persons per team will be allowed in this area. All other players, officials and spectators must be behind the roped pitch boundary. If any persons other than the players enter the playing area the game will be stopped by the match official and not restarted until that person has moved behind the pitch boundary. Persistent encroachment will result in disciplinary action being taken by the County FA .

3.                Punishing/Discouraging Foul & Abusive Language

 

Foul and abusive language in any form will not be tolerated. Players using foul and abusive language directly towards match officials will be sent off the field of play.

The use of foul and abusive language by team officials or its spectators will result in disciplinary action being taken by the County FA , persistent offenders will be asked to leave the site.

Finally, the Tournament Organisers believe that if these principles are adopted by all involved in the tournament, the Liverpool-Knowsley International Youth Soccer Tournament will continue in its development to become a unique event to be enjoyed by all those involved in the celebration of the game of association football.