Welcome to the Kwara Kiddies League,where passion for football meets discipline and sportsmanship. As representatives of our nation’s promising young talent,each stakeholder in this league plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity and spirit of the game.
Our Code of Conduct sets forth the standards of behaviour expected from all players, coaches, officials, and spectators involved in this prestigious grassroots competition.
This Code of Conduct fosters an environment that values fairness,respect,and responsibility. By adhering to these principles on and off the field, we honour the sport and set a positive example for the next generation of athletes and fans.Every individual involved in the Kwara Kiddies League shares the responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards, promoting camaraderie and excellence in every aspect of the game.
APPENDIX A
(CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEAM MANAGERS AND COACHES)
- A Manager or Coach shall comply with the Laws of the Game,these Rules, the rules of any competition in which his Club participates and his Club Rules (collectively “the Rules”) and he shall not encourage or invite any person (including Players and other employees of his Club) to act in breach of the same but shall take all possible steps to ensure that they comply with the Rules
- A Manager or Coach shall use his best endeavours to ensure that there is in force at his Club a fair and effective disciplinary policy applicable to Players and other employees under his control and that it is applied consistently.
- A Manager or Coach shall not use any abusive language nor engage in.or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviours;a Manager or Coach’s behaviour should demonstrate to Players and other employees under his control that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. A Manager or Coach shall use all possible steps to ensure that others in his control adopt the same standards of behaviour.
- A Manager or Coach shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that Players and other employees under his control accept and observe the authority and decisions of Match Officials and promote the highest standards on the field of play.
- Not make public, any unfair criticism of any Match Official or any other Manager or any Player, Official or employee of his or another Club and cooperate fully with other Officials involved in the game including but not limited to other match officials, sports administrators, doctors and physiotherapists.
6.A Manager or Coach shall always observe the principles of honesty.transparency, accountability and personal impartiality (financial or otherwise) in his dealings involving Player Transactions.
- A Manager or Coach shall forthwvith disclose to his Club the nature and extent of any direct or indirect interest or any conflict or potential conflict of interest he may have in any transaction or arrangement involving his Club (including, without limitation, any Player Transaction), he shall not be involved in the same without the written consent of his Club,and, if such consent is granted, he shall account to his Club for any benefit which he either directly or indirectly derives therefrom.
8..If a Manager or Coach is in any doubt as to whether there exists any interest or conflict (actual or potential) to be disclosed as required by 7.above, he may consult with the Secretary of the League for guidance and advice.
9..Upon becoming aware of any breach of the Rules, including by way of example only, any financial or other benefit or inducement offered in connection with a Player Transaction in breach of the Rules, a Manager or Coach shall immediately report such breach in writing to the League.
10.A Manager or Coach shall conduct himself ethically and professionally,observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing, and take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Association Football and prevent it from being in disrepute.
11.A Manager or Coach shall respect each person’s rights and dignity, treat each person equally within the context of the sport and place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations.
- A Manager or Coach shall encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their behaviour and performance and ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age,maturity,experience and ability of players.
13.A Manager or Coach shall promote the positive aspects of the game which is fair play and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game,or any behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations of the League or encourage the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
14.The Manager or Coach shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations for the time being in force of any organisation or body the rules and regulations of which the Club is bound to observe including those of the League and in particular, he shall at all times act under the League’s Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches.
- The Manager or Coach shall comply with all reasonable instructions and requests:
(a) given to Club Managers and Coaches by the League,or
(b) given to the Manager or Coach by the Club; which arises in the first case out of any commercial contract entered into by the League for the benefit of its members or in the second case out of any such contract entered into by the Club for its benefit and the Manager or Coach shall not himself enter into any such contract which conflicts or competes or is reasonably likely to conflict or compete with those entered into by the League or by the Club as aforesaid.
16..Any dispute or difference arising between the parties hereto as to the construction of this Agreement or the rights, duties or obligations of either party hereunder or any matter arising out of or concerning the same or the Manager’s or Coach’s employment hereunder shall be referred to the Disciplinary Committee following the League Rules for the time being in force.Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this clause and without prejudice thereto, the parties shall use and until the conclusion of the arbitration shall continue to use their best endeavours to attempt to settle their dispute by mediation.
APPENDIX B:
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUBS.
- In all discussions, negotiations and transactions relating to the employment of Managers or Coaches, each Club shall behave towards each other Club with the utmost good faith.
- A Club shall not (either directly or through any third party) enter into negotiations relating to the employment of another Club’s Manager or Coach without the prior permission of that Club.
- A Club shall not take any steps (including the making of statements to the media) to induce another Club’s Manager or Coach to act in breach of the terms of his contract with his Club.
- A Club shall strictly observe the terms of its contract with its Manager or Coach and, in particular, if on the determination of the contract, any sum is payable by the Club to the Manager or Coach;the Club shall ensure that prompt settlement is made.
APPENDIX C:
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUB OFFICIALS
- The Club Officials in the League shall have the following obligations towards the game:
1.1 To set a positive example for others, particularly the players and supporters.
1.2 To promote and develop the club teams having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the game.
1.3 To share knowledge and experience when invited to do so by the League.
1.4 To avoid all forms or attempts to damage the system.
1.5 To show due respect to Match Officials, Managers or Coaches,Players,Supporters and others involved in the game.
1.6 No use of inappropriate language during or after match conferences or at media briefings.
- The Club Officials in the League shall have the following obligations towards the teams:
2.1 To make every effort to develop the sporting, technical and tactical ability of the clubs.
2.2 To give priority to the interests of the team over self or individual interests.
2.3 To resist and forbid the usage of all illegal or unsporting influences,including banned substances and techniques.
2.4 To promote ethical principles.
2.5 To show due respect to the interests of the players, coaches and officials, supporters and others in the following ways and manner:
2.5.1 To accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest;
2.5.2 To avoid the use of words demonstration or encouragement of actions which may mislead a Match Official;
2.5.3 To show due respect towards Match Officials.
APPENDIX D:
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS
The Match Officials in the League shall have the following obligations towards the Game.
- The referee has a duty to the game in its widest sense. The referee therefore shall:
1.1 Make every effort to prepare fully for a match, both physically and mentally. On the physical level, a referee must be fit and able to keep up with the speed of the game, and he must be alert to make proper decisions from credible locations on the field of play.
1.2 Be fair and firm and must resist any possible influence from protests on the part of players, team officials or spectators.
1.3 Must show respect towards players and club officials.
1.4 Be honest and completely impartial at all times, irrespective of the clubs, players or team officials involved in the match.
1.5 Decline to be appointed to a match if not completely physically or mentally fit to referee that match (because of illness, injury,or for other personal or official reasons).
1.6 Promptly inform the League if unable to referee a team or teams for any reason.
1.7 Refrain from requesting hospitality of any kind,or accept any hospitality offered without the written consent of the League.
1.8 Always have regard to te best interests of the game, when publicly expressing an opinion on the game or any particular aspect of it,including the characters, opinions or conduct of others involved in the game.
1.9 Not to tolerate inappropriate language from players and/or club officials and neither should he use, the same.
- The Match Officials in the League shall have the following obligations towards the Players
2.1 The powers of a referee must be used with wise judgment and care.Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.
2.2 A referee should have regard to protecting the players from unnecessary tackles.
2.3 A referee should show due respect when speaking with the players,even in the event of infringements.
2.4 In reports, a referee should set out the facts and not attempt to justify any decisions.
- The Match Officials in the League shall have the following obligations towards fellow Officials the referee’s authority must be protected, not only for the sake of the game, but also because of the interest of fellow officials,players and the need to protect the reputation of the League.
3.1 A referee should refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of fellow referees, assistant referees or other match officials.
3.2 A referee should assist with the development of less experienced referees and assistant referees.
3.3 An assistant referee should give his total support to the referee, but without undue interference or insistence.
APPENDIX E:
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS.
Control of Players and Officials
- Clubs are required to control their Players and Officials and ensure their proper conduct at all times.
- No Player other than the captain is permitted to approach the Referee or match officials in protest against any decision.
Assault of Match Official
- Any player or official found guilty of assaulting match officials before.during and after a match shall automatically be expelled from the league.
- A minimum fine of N50,000.00 ( Fifty Thousand Naira only) shall be paid as a fine by the offending club.
- Assaulted match officials may go to court to seek redress arising from the assault.
APPENDIX F:
UNETHICAL PRACTICES
- All players,match officials, managers and every stakeholder involved in theLeague are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity,fairness. and sportsmanship. The League condemns any form of unethical behaviour that undermines the spirit of fair competition and mutual respect. Therefore, the following actions are strictly prohibited:
1.1 Match-Fixing and Bribery: No participant shall engage in or facilitate any form of match-fixing, bribery, or any other activity that aims to unfairly influence the outcome of a match.
1.2 Doping and Substance Abuse: The use of performance-enhancing substances or any form of doping is strictly prohibited. Official players must adhere to anti-doping regulations set forth by national and international sporting bodies.
1.3 Cheating and Fraud: Participants must compete honestly and fairly at all times.Cheating, such as using ineligible players or falsifying documents.is considered a serious offence.
1.4 Any individual who becomes aware of a potential violation of this clause must report the same to any designated authorities of the League promptly.
1.5 By participating in the Kwara Kiddies League, all stakeholders agree to abide by this unethical practice clause and uphold the values of fairness.integrity, and respect for the sport and its participants.
APPENDIX G: POWER OF INQUIRY
:1.The Kwara Kiddies League Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to inquire into any suspected or alleged breach of these Rulei and for that purpose may require any Manager or Coach,Match Official, Officials or Player to appear before it and produce documents.
- Any Manager or Cooch,Match Official, Officiat or Player who fails to appear before or to produce documents to the Committee when required to do so under Arficle 1 above shail be in breach of these Rules
APPENDIX H: DISCIPLINARY POWERS
- The Kwara Kiddies League Disciplinary Committee shall have the power fo deal with any breach of these Ruies by either:
1.1.Issuing a reprimand;or
1.2. Imposing a fixed penalty or other sanction where such provision is made in these Rules; or
1.3.Exercising its summary jurisdiction;or
1.4. Referring the matter to a Committee appointed by it;or
1.5. Referring the matter to the Kwara Football Association for determination. - The sanctions which the Kwara Kiddies League Disciplinary Committee may impose for breach of these Rules include:
2.1.Caution
2.2.Censure
2.3.Reprimand
2.4,Fine
2.5.Cancellation of match
2.6. Forfeiture or deductions of points
2.7.Suspension of fans or supporters of a particular Club
2.8.Suspension or ban on a player or official
2.9 Expulsion from the League or any other League-organized activities. - Where there is a repeated or aggravated breach of these Rules,the nature of such repeated or aggravated breach shall be taken into consideration,to impose more severe sanction(s).
3.1. Upon being satisfied that a fixed penalty is payable under the provisions of these Rules, the League shall give notice to the Club or person by whom it is payable.
3.2 Within 14 days of the date of a notice the Club or person to whom it is addressed may either:
3.2.1.Pay the fixed penalty:or
3.2.2.Appeal against the imposition of the same. 3.3 Failure to pay a fixed penalty as provided in Rule 3.2.1 or forthwith upon an appeal against the same being dismissed shall in either case constitute a breach of these Rules. - Failure to comply with the requirement shall constitute a breach of these Rules.
- All persons who are requested to assist under these Rules shall provide full,complete and prompt assistance to the League Disciplinary Committee in the exercise of its power of Inqury.
- The League and all Clubs undertake and resolve that no party subject to these rules shall have recourse to litigation, the Court of Law to settle any matter,grievance,dispute or disagreement arising from or connected with the application or operation of these Rules.
7.Any party subject to these Rules who acts in breach or violation of the rules above shall be subject to such disciplinary action, including expulsion from the League, as shall be deemed fit by the Kwara Kiddies League.
APPENDIX I:
ARBITRATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- Any official player or club who intends to declare a trade dispute wvith the League over an unfulfilled contract agreement or any other disagreement whatsoever shall in the first instance give a 30 days’ notice to the League management stating grounds of dispute.
- A copy of the notice shall be sent to the Kwara Football Association for its intervention within 30days.
- If at the expiration of the 30 days the dispute has not been resolved, the official or player or club may refer the matter to the Arbitration Committee of Kwara FA for adjudication.
- Decisions of the Arbitration Committee shall be final and binding on all parties concerned.
- Failure by any club to comply with any decision of the Arbitration Committee may cause the Club to be expelled from the League.
- Where a Club fails to comply with any decision or arbitral award within a stipulated period, the League shall have the power to deduct from or withhold monies accruing to such Club,to settle the debt.
ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT
- These Rules and Regulations may be reviewed from time to time by the Kwara Kiddies League subject to the powers and approval of the League Board
6.These Rules and Regulations for the 2025 Season were adopted by the League General Assembly in May 2025