Football Association of Ireland Rules effective from 7th March 2008
APPENDIX 4
Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct for Referees of the Football Association of Ireland
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Referees should guide all registered referees1, assessors2, association officials3 and members4 of the Football Association of Ireland with regard to ethical behaviour and professional conduct. The Code should be read in conjunction with the FAI Rules.
Preamble
Integrity in sport is a core value underpinning the notion of �Fair Play.� Integrity is also a fundamental and core value underpinning the task of refereeing. Failure to uphold this value can result in the principles of objectivity, honesty and independence breaking down. Consequently everyone associated with the sport has a duty and responsibility to ensure that the core values associated with fair play are upheld.
It is not alone the practice and art of refereeing a football game that these values apply but also to all administrative, training and development functions.
The code equally applies and should be adhered to by all personnel immediately associated with these functions and also to all participants in the sport both actively and administratively.

1 Referee refers to a registered match official regardless of duties assigned in a particular game.
2 Assessor refers to all personnel involved in instruction, training and development of referees.
3 Association Official refers to all administrative personnel including appointments officers, disciplinary committee members, league officials and employees of the FAI.
4 Members of the FAI refers to registered players, technical staff, managers, directors and administrators of teams and clubs.
5 For ease of writing the term �referee� is used throughout the code but all of the values principles and standards of behaviour referred to apply equally to the personnel mentioned in footnotes 1, 2, 3 &4.
Football Association of Ireland Rules effective from 7th March 2008
Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct for Referees
This Code consists of four overall ethical principles, which subsume a number of specific ethical standards.
1.0 Integrity
Principle: Referees are obliged to be honest, impartial, objective and professional in carrying out their duties as outlined in the Laws of the Game and in terms of representing the Football Association and the League to which they are assigned.
Specifically, referees shall: -
1.1 Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and carry out their duties to the best of their ability
1.2 Seek support/ guidance advice from peers, colleagues, mentors and / or assessors with regard to issues that may hamper their performance as a referee.
1.3 Avoid situations or engage in activities or behaviour, which might oblige them or lead to them contravening the provisions of this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
1.4 Ensure that they and others accurately represent and reflect the body of knowledge and training of their profession.
1.5 Not accept or attempt to secure fees or benefits over and above those agreed with the Football Association of Ireland and their representatives.
1.6 Honour all refereeing commitments except in the case of serious illness or unexpected circumstances whereby their ability to perform their duties would be impaired and in such circumstances to notify, in a timely manner, the appropriate personnel or where appropriate to make alternative arrangements.
1.7 Not exploit any relationship to further their own or others personal or professional interests including the soliciting of appointments.
1.8 Be aware of the nature of dual relationships and where possible avoid such positions that could lead to the
undermining of the Integrity of Refereeing or the good name of the Football Association of Ireland.
1.9 Act to stop or limit the activities of a colleague, assessor or official that is clearly harmful or unethical and bring such actions to the attention of the association.

2.0 Competence
Referees shall strive to ensure and maintain high standards in the application of their duties. They shall adhere to the professional standards and attain the relevant competencies required appropriate to the level of football at which they are qualified to officiate. They must maintain and update their professional knowledge and skills in accordance with the licensing system. They shall recognise the limits of their competence in the context of the licensing system and take care not to exceed these limits by officiating at games outside the parameters of their particular license.
Specifically referees shall: -
2.1 Comply with the rules of the licensing system and develop the skills and knowledge required appropriate to the level they wish to officiate at.
2.2 Engage in continuing professional development in terms of all aspects of refereeing, e.g. physical fitness; knowledge, application and interpretation of the Laws of the Game.
2.3 Accept the obligation to know, understand and to operate the provisions of this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
2.4 Recognise the limits of their competence and take care not to exceed these limits by officiating at games outside the parameters of their particular license.
2.5 Participate in and contribute to the continuing development of refereeing.
2.6 Refrain from officiating when their ability to carry out their duties in a professional and competent manner is
impaired by physical, medical or other reason.
2.7 Seek relevant, competent and professional assistance to ameliorate and remedy any difficulty that prevents or inhibits their ability to carry out their duties in a professional and competent manner.
3.0 Respect
Referees shall honour, respect and uphold the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all participants, officials and spectators of the sport. They shall be mindful and respect difference based on age, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, religious belief or other difference.
Specifically, referees shall: -
3.1 Treat all players, coaches and officials as persons of intrinsic worth and respect any difference based on age, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, religious belief or other difference.
3.2 In the course of their duties safeguard the respect of players and coaches based on age, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, religious belief or other difference and deal with any infringements of these rights in the context of the Laws of the game or the rules of the Football Association of Ireland.
3.3 When involved with children adhere to Child Care Legislation, �codes of conduct� and the policy and procedures of the Football Association of Ireland.
3.4 Take the necessary preventative actions so as not to allow themselves to be compromised by events or situations where individuals respect or dignity could be undermined in the context of age, gender, disability etc.
Football Association of Ireland Rules effective from 7th March 2008
4.0 Responsibility
The �Laws of the Game� and the Football Association of Ireland bestows authority and power on Referees. Thus this privileged position must be taken seriously and managed with dignity, respect, responsibility and professionalism.
Referees carry responsibility to themselves, their profession, the Football Association and the League in which they operate.
Specifically, referees shall: -
4.1 Be aware of their professional responsibilities to the players and teams in the game at which they are officiating and to the League to which they are assigned and to the Football Association of Ireland.
4.2 Shall be responsible for their actions, and assure themselves, as far as possible, that they carry out their duties to the best of their ability.
4.3 Shall carry out their duties in a responsible, professional and respectful manner.
4.4 Behave in professional activities in such a way as not to undermine public confidence in their profession.
4.5 Protect the reputation of the profession and the Football Association of Ireland by ensuring that all professional activities carried out conforms to the provisions of this Code of