CODE FOR COACHES

  1. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the development of children.
  2. Be a role model to your players by setting an example of dignity and patience, and by showing good sportsmanship at all times. If you criticize the referees or players, it won’t be long before your players will.
  3. Never ridicule or yell at players or referees and do not allow your spectators to do so. Never criticize an opposing coach. There is zero tolerance of the use of profanity or foul language.
  4. The definition of success as a coach should be to develop your players’ skills, ensure they develop a love for the game, and adopting an approach that focuses on the children enjoying themselves and having fun.
  5. Instead of yelling criticism, recognize specific instances of good play and praise an individual player.
  6. Be reasonable in your demands of your players. Remember, your players should be having fun and not focused on winning.
  7. Teach your players to play within the rules of the game.
  8. Teach your players to respect the other players, their coach and the referee.
  9. Take steps to avoid running-up the score on the other team. See “Mercy Rule” in League Rules.
  10. As a sign of sportsmanship, teams line up after the game to congratulate each other.
  11. You are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players and spectators. 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.
  12. Remember the referees, like your players, need time to develop in our instructional league. You can help them improve by encouraging them, accepting their inevitable mistakes and by offering constructive comments at the proper time.
  13. Remember the goal of the league is to provide basic instruction in the fundamentals of soccer to the kids and ensure their enjoyment of the game, while stressing the importance of good sportsmanship.
  14. Coaching young children should have little to do with winning but more to do with having fun and helping them develop as players and people.

CODE FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS Back to Top

  1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
  2. Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
  3. Encourage your child to always play by the rules and to be a team player.
  4. Teach your child that honest effort is an important victory.
  5. Help your child work toward skill improvements and good sportsmanship.
  6. Parents and spectators can take the fun out of soccer for the kids by continually yelling or screaming from the sidelines. Any cheering from the sidelines should be without criticism or instruction. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake. Be generous with your praise. This will reduce anxiety and increase their self-confidence.
  7. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and the opponents.
  8. Instead of yelling criticism, recognize specific instances of good play and praise an individual player.
  9. Never ridicule or yell at the referees. Only the coaches are allowed to talk to the referees during or after the game.
  10. No coaching from the sidelines. Let the coach provide instructions to your child during the game.
  11. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
  12. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

CODE FOR PLAYERS Back to Top

  1. Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents.
  2. Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
  3. Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your team’s or your opponent’s.
  4. Treat your teammates and opponents as you, yourself, would like to be treated.
  5. Always play fairly within the rules.
  6. Always show respect for your coach, your teammates and the referee.
  7. Support and encourage your teammates at all times and understand that not every player has the same level of ability.
  8. The most important thing is not winning but to always try your best.
  9. The goals of the league are to have fun, improve your skills and learn the importance of good sportsmanship.