JUST IMAGINE IF THE EBU WAS ASKED TO DRAW UP A " BEST BEHAVIOUR AT FOOTBALL " CODE....... ( Article by Carp )

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" Football is an extremely enjoyable game. Courteous behaviour is an exceptionally important part of that enjoyment even when crippled by a vicious opponent, booked or sent off by the referee, or given off-side when the goal scoring run was timed to perfection.

This guide serves as a brief reminder of how to behave on the football pitch. We are sure that all players naturally follow this code of conduct, but there are times when concentration and pressure can take their toll, and it is for these situations that we issue this as a reminder.

1. Greet all the opposition players in a friendly manner prior to start of each half .

2. Be a good host, helping opponents back onto their feet if they come off worse following their lunging two-footed tackles from behind.

3. Make up your mind which side of the goal you intend to shoot at and indicate to the opposition goal-keeper what decision you have come to.

4. Make football enjoyable for yourself, opponents and officials. Try to see the funny side of having a good goal disallowed, an unjust penalty awarded against you, or seeing team mates sent off for innocuous fouls.

5. Congratulate your opponents whenever they score a goal, earn a penalty, free-kick, corner or throw-in.

6. Take care to keep yourself clean at all times, ensuring that your shirt stays neatly tucked into your shorts, and socks regularly pulled up.

7. Ensure that you don't shout on the pitch, or get the crowd too excited, so that noise levels can be kept low.

8. Enjoy getting along with your opponents irrespective of their desire to trample all over you.

Remember that it is rude to criticise opponents even when they foul and cheat their way to victory. Moreover it is very ungentlemanly to be less than polite on the pitch, to indulge in any kind of goal-scoring celebrations, or to challenge the decisions of biased referees and linesmen.

As in all games that our governed by rules and regulations, bad behaviour will be penalized.....

If a player on the pitch behaves in an unacceptable manner, the Football Association Disciplinary Director needs to be notified immediately. Screaming out in pain from unfair challenges, making disparaging remarks about victimisation, and/or bullying by your opponents, not to mention any other conduct which might interfere with the other side's enjoyment of the game will violate the Law 74A. Law 91 A gives the referee the authority to make any award he likes to the opposition, and to impose the severest penalties on those who show dissent. These can include immediate yellow or red cards ( some of which may be marked with a large black spot ). These will then be followed up by lengthy bans, where one's future participation in any aspect of football may be put at risk. "

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English Bridge Union in partnership with the Football Association 2011.