CODE FOR COACHES

  1. Make a personal commitment to stay informed of sound coaching principles and the development of children.
  2. Be a role model to your players by setting an example of dignity, patience, and good sportsmanship at all times.
  3. Refrain from ridiculing or yelling at players or referees and do not allow your spectators to do so.
  4. Never criticize an opposing coach. Profanity and foul language are strictly prohibited.
  5. The definition of success as a coach should be to develop your players’ skills, foster a love for the game, and prioritize the children‘s enjoyment and fun.
  6. Instead of criticizing, recognize instances of good play and praise individual players.
  7. Be reasonable in your demands of your players, remembering that they should be having fun and not solely focused on winning.
  8. Teach your players to play within the rules of the game.
  9. Teach your players to respect other players, their coach and the referee.
  10. Take steps to avoid running-up the score against the opposing team, as outlined in the “Mercy Rule” section of the League Rules.
  11. As a sign of sportsmanship, teams line up after the game to congratulate each other.
  12. You are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players and spectators.
  13. If one of your players is overly aggressive, take them out of the game long enough for them to calm down.
  14. You can help the referees improve their skills by encouraging them, accepting their inevitable mistakes and providing constructive comments at the proper time.
  15. Remember the goal of the league is to provide basic instruction in the fundamentals of soccer while ensuring the kids enjoyment of the game and emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship.
  16. Coaching young children should prioritize fun and personal development over winning.

CODE FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS Back to Top

  1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
  2. Remember that children participate in organized sports for their enjoyment, not your satisfaction.
  3. Encourage your child to always play by the rules and be a team player.
  4. Teach your child that an honest effort is an important victory.
  5. Assist your child in developing skill improvements.
  6. Teach your child the value of good sportsmanship.
  7. Refrain from disrupting the enjoyment of soccer for children by excessive yelling or screaming from the sidelines. Positive cheering is encouraged.
  8. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake; instead, be generous with your praise. This approach will alleviate anxiety and increase their self-confidence.
  9. Children learn by example. Applaud good plays by both your team and the opposing team.
  10. Never ridicule or yell at the referees; only the coaches are allowed to talk to the referees during or after the game.
  11. Refrain from coaching from the sidelines. Allow the coach to provide instructions to your child during the game.
  12. Support all efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
  13. Recognize the value of volunteer coaches. They give their time and talents to provide recreational activities for your child.

CODE FOR PLAYERS Back to Top

  1. Play for the fun of the sport, not just to please your parents.
  2. Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
  3. Treat your teammates, your coaches, referees and opponents with the same respect and kindness you would want to receive.
  4. Always play fairly within the rules.
  5. Support and encourage your teammates, understanding that not all players have the same level of ability.
  6. The most important thing is not winning but to always try your best.
  7. Learn the value of good sportsmanship.