VINELAND SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Code of Conduct for Parents and Coaches.

 

Children's sports are supposed to be fun - for the children.

Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don't realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults.

That is why the Vineland Soccer Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the healthy development of youth soccer, created the following Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents and Spectators to abide by at every game. Parents, fans and coaches who follow this simple code can help reinforce what sports are all about... FUN FOR EVERYONE.

 

Preamble

 

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character.

"As a requirement to register a child to participate in the Vineland Soccer

Associations Youth Soccer program I therefore agree:

 

1. I will not force a child to participate in any sports.

 

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for

youth, not adults.

 

3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the

safety of my child or the safety of others.

4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league(s).

 

5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for the children and encourage

sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive

support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

 

6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with

any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to

shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health

and wellbeing of the athletes.

 

8. I will teach the children to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without

resorting to hostility or violence.

 

9. I will demand that the children treat other players, coaches, officials and

spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

 

10. I will teach the children that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that a child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her

performance.

 

11. I will praise the children for competing fairly and trying hard, and make the child feel like a winner every time.

 

12. I will never ridicule or yell at children or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.

 

13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit the

children over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the

lower age groups.

 

14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

 

15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never

question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to

speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.

 

16. I will demand a sports environment for the children that is free from drugs,

tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

 

17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices,

unless I am one of the official coaches of the team

 

By registering your child to participate in the Vineland Soccer Association Youth Soccer program you agree that if you fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, the parent/guardian will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

 

• Verbal warning by official(s), head coach, and/or league

 

• Written warning

 

• Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file

 

• Game forfeit through the official(s) or coach

 

• Parental season suspension