Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent, you play a special role in the development of your player, and their teammates. Your encouragement and good example will do more to ensure good sportsmanship and self-discipline than any other influence.

 

We ask that you:

 

1) SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Please encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth soccer event.

 

2) BE CONSIDERATE OF ALL PLAYERS. Please always place the emotional and physical well-being of all children first regardless of which team they are playing for.

 

3) ENCOURAGE SAFETY. Insist that a safe and healthy environment is provided for all players.

 

4) REMEMBER THAT YOUR CHILD WANTS TO HAVE FUN. Your child is the one playing soccer, not you. Children must establish their own goals and should be allowed to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose unreasonable demands or expectations on your child. Let your child experience the fun of playing as well as the challenge of excelling.

 

5) DO NOT BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REF. We encourage all parents to cheer and support their teams by supporting a good play after it happens for example “nice pass,” “great shot,” or “that’s ok, keep your head in the game!” etc. However, a crucial element of soccer player development is the need for players to learn to think for themselves. Accordingly, please DO NOT coach your child or any other player during either a game or practice with comments like “Jane, cover the player behind you,” or “pass the ball!” as these are directives that interfere with coaching and the development of player independence. If you do not agree with a coaching decision or a referee’s decision, please refrain from vocalizing your dissatisfaction in an effort to promote and reinforce the positive and enjoyable soccer experience.

 

6) MAKE ATTENDANCE A PRIORITY. Do your best to help your child understand that commitment to a team requires regular attendance at practices and games. Please use your best efforts to ensure consistent attendance.

 

7) SUPPORT YOUR CLUB IN PROMOTING RESPECT AT HOME. In the event that a Coach, Official, or Club Representative calls to a parent's attention that their child is not treating coaches, fans, and officials with respect, we ask that you encourage your child to do so and explain that failure to correct such an attitude may result in discipline by the Coach.

 

8) DEMONSTRATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD OPPONENTS, FAMILIES, AND OFFICIALS. Please treat other players, parents, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, good manners, and common decency. Also, please ask your child to treat other players, parents, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, good manners, and common decency.

 

Respectful Action Plan for Conflict Resolution: If there are any questions about other players, or concerns with your child’s game time, positioning, practice methods, coaching, etc. please encourage your child to approach the coach for discussion before or after practice and games. If you, as a parent, have any questions or concerns about players, coaching, team schedule, team operations, etc., please talk with the coach in person or call the coach directly.

 

I agree to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for all children participating and will follow this Parent’s Code of Conduct.