English Schools' Football Association (ESFA) - Competition Rules

21 Sep 2011

Competition Rules 2024-2025

Regard it as an honour and privilege to represent a school team
Treat a match as a game that is fun but play by the rules
Take pride in your performance and that of your school
Encourage others in your team to do their best
Enjoy participating – it should be fun
Accept all decisions by match officials
Let the Captain speak to the referee on behalf of the team if decisions made by the match officials need to be clarified
Recognise outstanding performances by opponents
Demonstrate concern for an injured player, regardless of their team
Accept victory modestly
Learn to take defeat in the right manner and not to look for excuses as to why you may not have been successful on a particular occasion
Shake hands with your opponents at the end of each game, regardless of the outcome
Thank the referee and his/her assistants for their efforts

Put the well-being and safety of players above all other considerations
Display sportsmanship in all situations – sportsmanship should be contagious
Display high standards of behaviour and appearance
Be a good role model for all those in your care
Enjoy yourself and in so doing promote enjoyment for others
Be responsible for your actions
Encourage your supporters to display a sportsmanlike attitude
Guide and encourage players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Respect and uphold the Laws of the Game and discourage actions and behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game
Use acceptable and appropriate language at all times and in all situations

Attendance at a game is a privilege
Respect decisions made by the match officials
Be a good role model by positively supporting teams in every way possible and be generous with praise
Become aware of the competition rules and keep winning in its proper place
Respect other spectators, coaches and participants
Be a fan not a fanatic
Recognise and respect the performances of players in both teams, not just the team that you are supporting
Accept victory modestly and defeat graciously, remembering that the team you are supporting will be judged by your reactions
Do not ‘boo’ anyone
Stand or sit in the place that you have been allocated for the match
Do not interfere with instructions given by the teacher/coach in charge of the team
Remember that nearly all those who control school soccer matches are volunteers, giving of their time freely and without any financial reward in most cases – respect them for this