YFSA

Code of Conduct

Parents, players, coaches and fans represent the YFSA Soccer Club when our teams play. The actions of one of us affect the image of all of us. This Code of Conduct encourages us to work together to play with good sportsmanship and to treat players, coaches, referees and parents with respect. It also identifies the possible consequences we will encounter when we can’t behave in an appropriate manner.

The Parent’s Role

The existence of YFSA Soccer Club would not at all be possible if it wasn't for the support shown by parents. After all it is the parents who pay all of the related fees and drive players to practice and games each week. It is in the best interests of the Club, to respect this fact and realize the importance of parental involvement with YFSA. However, parents must realize there are boundaries to their involvement, boundaries that are only set up to help each child's development. It has become necessary to consistently remind parents of these boundaries. To help this situation the following guidelines have been set up.

Please exercise the following:

· Drop players off on time for games and practices. If you are going to be late, please inform the coach.  One hour early for all matches and away tournament events.  30-45 minutes for all local matches and friendlies.

· During games feel free to support and cheer the players and team. The atmosphere should always portray that of a youth soccer game. Therefore, getting emotionally involved in the game is unnecessary. Please refrain from coaching from the sidelines.

· During practices, try to give your child the freedom to train with their team.

· If you have a question for the coach concerning an incident with your son or daughter that directly relates to a game then wait 24 hours before calling or emailing the coach. Please allow coaches time to respond to your questions.

Unacceptable conduct:

· Being over zealous on the sideline during games.

· Berating or directing degrading remarks at players, opposition coaches or referees.

· Not following the 24-hour rule.

· Using foul language.

· Coaching from the sideline.

· Parents must stay away from the players’ bench area under all conditions.

All coaching and player allocation decisions (team assignments) are made solely by the professional coaching staff of the Club.

Parents must conduct themselves properly at all times when players from the Club are involved.  The Club and the coaches will not tolerate embarrassments and indiscretions at games, practices, or tournaments.

The Player’s Role

YFSA exists to help players enjoy soccer and to develop their passion for the sport.  All of our players have the opportunity to be associated with coaches that share their passion for soccer.  The have all had varying degrees of experience and education and they are willing to share their experiences with the players.  Remember that the coaches are here to help you.  With this in mind, be respectful and always give your best effort.  Here are some other traits you should exhibit:

· Practice is essential to your development.  You must be prepared to work hard at all times and be on time for practices and games.

· Take care of your equipment.  Make sure your ball is adequately pumped with air and remember to have the correct color jersey, shorts, and socks for games and practice.  Remember, you represent the Club.

· Players are to bring a ball, shinguards, water, a positive attitude and the appropriate training gear to all training sessions.

· Training is expected and playing time can be affected.  If you miss a scheduled session, it is your responsibility to notify the coach. 

· Maintain good sportsmanship throughout games and practice.  Remember to shake the hands of the referee(s) and opposition after the game.

· The coaches are there for your soccer education.  If you don’t understand something the coach does or says, don’t be afraid to ask the coach for clarification.

· Indoor practice time is a very important part of your development.  Use this time to your advantage, warm up before you get on the field.

· Watch soccer on television.  By making the time to watch these games, you’ll see how the game is played at the highest level.  Pick out a favorite player, watch his/her play, and try to evaluate them.

· Represent yourself, your family and the Club every time you play, practice or travel with YFSA.

· Education comes first.  No matter how much you love soccer, your schoolwork and education are most important.  We will support your parents efforts to ensure that you are performing your best in school.

· Take advantage of the opportunities that YFSA  has to offer.

· Fields cost a lot of money to build and maintain. Whenever you do something that damages the field, someone has to pay to fix it. That someone is your family – a large amount of the money you pay to play soccer goes into field maintenance.

· Goals, nets, benches, fences, and corner flags are expensive. Don’t abuse them. Don’t climb on the goals or nets. Don’t move the corner flags.

· Never yell at or criticize a member of the opposing team. Think how mad you become when someone from the opposing team yells at you.

· Never criticize your own teammates. Think about how you feel when other players criticize you. If you think you can help a teammate by suggesting they do something differently, do it later, privately.

· Never, ever, touch a referee except to shake hands.

· Always address referees as “sir” or “ma’am” when speaking to them, no matter how old they are.

· Listen to your coach. Do what the coach asks of you without complaining.

Consider yourself an extension of YFSA while attending all sponsored activities and events.  Please represent YFSA to the best of your ability.

YFSA Player Code of Conduct

Players involved on any team play a vital role in creating the image of a premier soccer organization such as YFSA.  Therefore, in order to create a positive image and set a good example, each player must adhere to the Player Code.  Please note the following:

• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
• The use or possession of tobacco is prohibited
• The use or possession of illegal drugs (subject to penalty under the law) is prohibited
• In the interest of safety and fair competition, the misuse of any substance is prohibited as well as the use of any substance that is intended to alter performance

If unacceptable behavior is brought to the Club Board of Directors (BOD) through the Parent Liaison or through the Director of Coaching (DOC) or the Coach’s Liaison that a parent/player has been involved in “unacceptable behavior” then that parent/player may be asked to meet with the BOD or the DOC.  If the BOD or DOC deems the parent/player has violated any provision of this Manual, the consequences to such actions may include:

· Suspension of parent/player for a period of time

· Dismissal from Club without financial reimbursement

· Each incident is dealt with individually and independent of other violations/incidents

The manual is intended to provide a clear understanding of the Club’s operating policies and procedures.

All parents must take the time to read through the manual and become familiar with the Club’s policies and procedures.  Any player or parent found to be in violation of the rules of the Club may be asked to leave YFSA Soccer Club.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the YFSA Soccer Club Parent and Player Code of Conduct and agree to the Club’s expectations, policies, and procedures.

Player name: ____________________________________

Player signature: __________________________       Date:  ____________

Parent name: ____________________________

Parent signature: __________________________    Date: _____________