Code of Conduct

CODES OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT 

The Codes of Conduct establish a clear set of guidelines for coaches, players, parents, guardians  and spectators. The primary goal is to ensure that soccer is a fun, positive and enjoyable  experience for all involved. 

The Codes are based on the concept of fair play, defined by four basic principles: 

• Respect for the rules; 

• Respect for the referees and their decisions; 

• Respect for all participants, including teammates, coaches and opponents; and

• Maintaining self-control at all times. 

It is a condition of club membership that all members follow the Codes of Conduct at all times.  Failure to comply with a will result in action being taken. 

PLAYERS: 

Players must: 

• Play by the rules of the game; 

• Respect the referees and officials and to accept their decision without criticism;

• Be fair to your opponent and to treat them well; 

• Encourage your teammates and help them to succeed; 

• Treat your coach/manager with respect and listen to what he/she says;

• Speak respectfully, openly and honestly in private to your coach should a dispute arise;

• Accept zero tolerance for profanity, temper tantrums, violent behaviour, drugs or alcohol  on the field of play or sidelines; 

• Shake hands with the other team and referee either at the beginning or end of the game;  and 

• Be generous and gracious in victory or loss. 

PARENTS, GUARDIANS and SPECTATORS: 

Parents, guardians and spectators must set an example for the players. Good sportsmanship is not  just for players and coaches; so those on the sidelines must: 

• Always respect the match officials' decisions and never criticize the officials - nothing  positive will result (Note: referees can have an offensive parent or person on the sideline  removed from the field, and if they refuse, the game may be forfeited to the opponent); 

• Accept zero tolerance for offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour or  physical threats; 

• Remain outside the field of play and within the designated spectator area (where  provided); 

• Avoid conflicts with other team’s parents; 

• Let the coach do their job, and avoid yelling out instructions from the sidelines that can  be confusing and frustrating to the players;

• When cheering, try to cheer all the players, and offer encouragement when they try  something or succeed at something - remember that children play for FUN;

• Communicate with your coach if you have ideas or problems; 

• Encourage the players to respect the opposition and the match officials; and

• Never criticize a player for making a mistake - mistakes are part of learning. 

COACHES and OTHER TEAM OFFICIALS: 

All team officials must: 

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition  players, coaches, managers, and spectators; 

• Adhere to the Laws of the Game; 

• Always respect the match officials' decisions; 

• Accept zero tolerance for offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour or  physical threats on the field of play or sidelines; 

• Never enter the field of play without the referee's permission; 

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials; and 

• When working with players: 

◦ Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything,  including winning; 

◦ Explain exactly what is expected of players and what they can expect from the  team officials; 

◦ Ensure the parents/guardians of all players understand expectations from the team  officials; 

◦ Refrain from, and refuse to tolerate any form of bullying; 

◦ Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem; 

◦ Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and  performance; 

◦ Ensure all activities are appropriate for the players' ability level, experience, age  and maturity; 

◦ Teach players to act fairly and respect the rules, referees and our opponents; 

◦ Be selective in the amount of instructions given to players during the game; 

◦ Be responsible for ensuring that substitute players, bench personnel and the team's  spectators do not interfere with the match; 

◦ Make sure that equipment/facilities are safe;