Sportsmanship: ethical and moral creeds
THE COACH
- Treats own players, parents, and opponents with respect.
- Teaches and inspires soccer players to love the game and to compete fairly.
- Demonstrates by example the type of person he/she wants the players to be.
- Has control and commands discipline at all times.
- Respects the interpretation of rules and judgment of the officials.
- Realizes that as a coach he/she is a teacher and therefore understands the game and proper soccer behavior at all times.
THE PLAYER
- Treats opponents with respect.
- Plays hard plays within the rules of the game of soccer.
- Demonstrates self control.
- Demonstrates respect for officials and will accept their decisions without gesture or argument.
- Wins without boasting, loses without excuses and never quits.
- Remembers that it is a privilege to represent his/her soccer club and community.
THE OFFICIAL
- Knows the rules and understands the game.
- Places health and welfare of the players above all other considerations.
- Treats players and coaches courteously and demands the same from them.
- Works cooperatively with fellow referees and linesmen.
- Is fair and firm in all decisions on the field.
- Maintains confidence, poise and self-control from start to finish of the game.
- Will be firm in regards to rough play — calling it earlier and easier will prevent difficulties.
Coaches Code of Conduct
I will:
- Remember that we are all here for the “Good of the Game”, and that we participate in the “Spirit of Fair Play”.
- Continually communicate with parents to advance the sport.
- Treat all players, parents, opponents and referees with respect and courtesy at all times.
- Teach each player, by personal example to be humble in victory and courteous in defeat.
- Learn the Laws of the Game of soccer, respect and abide by them.
- Teach the Laws of the Game and sportsmanship to my players.
- Respect the game officials at all times, and require the same of my players.
- Remain calm and not make loud or offensive remarks.
- Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play.
- Ensure that I and all players control emotions and avoid actions, language, or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile or humiliating.
- Ensure that fans are taught sportsmanship and to control their behavior before, during and after games.
- Assist the game officials in maintaining control of spectators during the games.
- Attend coaching clinics and learn the most effective ways to conduct practices.
- Teach players the skills necessary to develop in the sport.
- During the games, leave the decisions to the players.
- Observe the game, analyze and teach to reduce mistakes or enhance skills.
- Promote the concept that soccer is a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are opponents, and not enemies.
- Provide an environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
- Review and practice first aid principals to administer the injuries of my players.
- Ensure my assistant coaches, players, and I are all properly registered participants.
- Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee.