THE FOLLOWING "CODES OF CONDUCT" SHOULD BE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND FOLLOWED BY ALL COACHES, PARENTS, SPECTATORS, AND PLAYERS. (THE DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOCCER SOURCES).
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT (From the MYSA):
Ø The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (MYSA) and the leaders of the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches and referees during games at all levels, from recreational to premier to ODP.
Ø We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.
Ø To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.
Ø Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
Ø Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
Ø During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
Ø During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.
Ø Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.
Ø During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
Ø During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
Ø If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
Ø After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.
We stress two points:
Ø Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.
Ø Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.
Ø Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.
PLAYERS' CODE OF CONDUCT (From the American Youth Soccer Organization):
Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the Laws of the Game.
Never argue with or complain about referees' calls are decisions.
Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it's your team or your opponent's.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.
Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees.
PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT (From the American Youth Soccer Organization):
"It's for the kids"
THE AYSO TEAM
AYSO is an organization dedicated to child development in a soccer environment that is safe, fair and fun. The kids are the focus of the AYSO program, and the success of the program depends on the efforts of everyone involved. Three groups of people, working together, form the AYSO team, which creates the environment in which our children develop.
The coaches are the foundation of the AYSO team. They spend hours with the players every week, at practices and at the games, teaching them how to win, how to lose, how to work for an objective, and how to be a team, all through the vehicle of the game of soccer. In this way they become role models for the players and influence the players' values and behavior.
The referees watch over the game, helping younger players with the rules, and making sure that the game is safe and fair for all. The referees set the tone of the competition, protect the players throughout the match, and provide the necessary authority on game day.
The spectators support the players' activities in a positive and encouraging way. They create the environment in which the players, coaches and referees work. They also help to interpret the lessons of the game for the players after the match.
When these three groups work together, they create the necessary environment for our children to develop through soccer. The triangle created by these three groups represents that environment. It protects that players only as long as the three sides are firmly linked. If it comes apart at any corner, the triangle collapses, and it is the players inside who get hurt. Whatever role you play, keep the AYSO team in mind. Remember, it's for the kids.
SOCCER CONDUCT
Parents, spectators, coaches, and referees have responsibilities and obligations to keep our all-volunteer soccer program a fun sport for all. With this in mind, please observe the following:
1. Cheer positively for the things you like and encourage your team. Have fun!
2. Never put down the other team or any of the players on either team.
3. Please leave the sideline coaching to the coach. Spectators frequently yell instructions to the players - these instructions often contradict those of the coach and only confuse the players.
4. Our referees, like all AYSO officials, are volunteers, not professionals. While their decisions might not always be agreeable to all participants and spectators, they are final. No useful purpose is served by shouting disagreement or derogatory remarks. Referees can caution players (showing a yellow card) or send them off (showing a red card) for misconduct. Referees can also caution and send off coaches, and even terminate the game. Deliberate fouls, or abusive words or disrespect by the players, coaches or spectators, can lead to these actions.
5. Every year we have many new referees and coaches Each is volunteering to do a difficult job, and mistakes inevitably occur. Heckling the referees or coaches is totally unwarranted. Serious problems involving coaches or referees should be brought to the attention of the AYSA Board after the game.
6. For the safety of all, coaches and spectators must stand at least one yard from the sideline. No one is allowed behind the goal or within 18 yards of the goal line on either side of the field. Coaches and referees are asked to enforce this condition.
7. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or pets are allowed at games or practices.
8. Water and some form of citrus, preferably sliced oranges, are the only recommended half-time refreshments (avoid snacks containing peanuts or peanut oils as some players are highly allergic) .
9. All players present and in proper uniform must play at least half of the game.
10. Use the the fields and other facilities properly and keep the fields clean and free from litter. If you see anyone misusing the facilities (climbing fences, kicking balls into fences, throwing litter on the field, etc.) please bring the matter to the attention of a coach, referee or AYSA official.
PROPER DRESS FOR SCHEDULED GAMES
1. Each player MUST wear: a) the issued shirt (tucked in), shorts and socks (pulled up)(sweat pants may be allowed); b) shin guards covered by socks; c) regulation soccer shoes, gym shoes or sneakers (with or without rubber cleats). Soccer shoes are strongly recommended for all practices and games. Metal cleats and "toe cleats" are not allowed. "Baseball shoes" with "toe cleats" may be used only if the "toe cleat" has been removed and there are no sharp edges.
2. Players may not wear anything that is dangerous to any player. This includes, but is not limited to, splints, casts, metal bracelets, rings, earrings, wristwatches and hair barrettes.
3. Long hair must be tied back (rubber band or other soft retainer) Prescription eyeglasses should be secured. Sunglasses are not permitted. Only goalkeepers may wear "soft" knee or elbow pads. Goalkeepers may also wear "warm-up" pants.
4. The uniform should be worn only for regularly scheduled games.
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