Code of Conduct

PARENTS:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun.

3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability that may affect the safety of my child and/or of others.

4. I will learn the rules and policies of the game.

5. I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game or practice.

6. I will not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct with an official, coach, player or parent.

7. I will not encourage any behaviors that would endanger the health of the athletes.

8. I will teach my child to play by the rules.

9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect.

10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning.

11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard.

12. I will never yell at my child or another participant for making a mistake.

13. I will emphasize skill development and practices over winning.

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 the games.

16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am an official coach.

COACHES:

AYSO volunteer positions of Coach and Assistant Coach must promote sportsmanship and develop our players’ positive image, while developing the technical skill
and knowledge of the game of each player. The basis for the Coach and Assistant Coach as a role model are founded in the AYSO Philosophies, Vision and Mission.

Coaches and Assistant Coaches shall adhere to the AYSO National Coaching Program and AYSO Section, Area, and Region requirements, ethics, and standards of conduct,
including:
• Communicate clearly to players and parents about team goals, expectations, and obligations.
• Impress upon players, parents, and other family members that Good Sportsmanship applies to everyone - players, coaches, referees, spectators, and other AYSO volunteers.
• Discourage all negative comments and complaints about refereeing! (Referee issues should be directed to the Referee Administrator after the game.)
• Engage your team parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players.
• Make safety, skill development, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a fun environment the main goals.
• Consider the social and emotional status of the children you coach. You are not just coaching soccer but are helping develop the whole child.
• Treat players with kindness and patience. Commit to building players self-confidence and ability through positive instruction and good sportsmanship.
• Never lose control, yell at or belittle a player for making mistakes (we should normalize errors).
• Be reasonable (and realistic) in your demands on your players’ time, energy, enthusiasm, and performance on the field.
• Make sure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
• Continue your own learning and development.
• Fair and equal playing time, and the overall self-esteem of the players, is a higher priority than the outcome of the game.
• Be current and knowledgeable in the Laws of the Game and impress on your players that they must always abide by the Laws of the Game.
• Limit touch-line behavior to positive instruction and encouragement. While periodic reminders for the players can help, excessive coaching from the sidelines is strongly discouraged. Let them learn and express themselves by letting them play!
• Post-match, coaches and players shall demonstrate sportsmanship by positively acknowledging the opposing team players, fellow coaches, and officials.
• Never openly complain about or demean other coaches or players. (Direct complaints to the Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner.)
• Follow AYSO protocols and physician advice when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
• During team gatherings, practices, scrimmages, and games, coach and assistant coach must have possession of

REFEREE ABUSE

Background

1. AYSO referees are volunteers charged with the responsibility to see that games are conducted safely and fairly, and in a manner that fosters the enjoyment of the game by the players, coaches and spectators.

2. Individual abilities will vary, depending on their training, experience and personality. Regardless of their abilities, the referee is empowered by the Laws of the Game to control the match, enforce the Laws, and to take action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner (Laws of The Game, Law 5). Please remember that the referee decides the facts of the game, regardless of any witness, photographic or video evidence to the contrary. For instance, if the referee states the ball crossed the line, for purposes of the game the ball did in fact cross the line, even if you can show a clear video that it did not. These and other judgment calls are not subject to review and cannot be contested through protest.

3. Coaches are responsible for the behavior and conduct of their spectators. It is never acceptable to verbally abuse a referee or player. A coach/spectator may not, before, during or after a game, criticize or discuss with a referee his performance other than to thank or compliment the referee.

4. If considered necessary, complaints, criticisms or recommendations concerning a referee's performance by a coach shall be directed to your Regional Referee Administrator, Division Coordinator, or Regional Commissioner. Please remember that for most things this person is your first line of communication. Parents who feel this need shall discuss the situation with their coach and allow them to communicate their concerns.

5. While dissent, either by word or action with, and public criticism of a referee is never appropriate, abusive language or conduct directed toward a referee will not be tolerated. Abusive language can be, but not limited to, rude speech, critical language (including yelling) addressed to the referee, and expressing disapproval or blame.

6. The Regional Referee Administrator, upon receipt of any reported abuse of a referee shall investigate the incident and deliver any reports to the Disciplinary Committee who shall recommend appropriate discipline. The Regional Commissioner shall take the recommendation of the disciplinary review into consideration.

Misconduct and Disciplinary Action

1. The disciplinary action as recommended by the Disciplinary Committee may include but is not limited to warnings, mentoring, single or multi-game suspensions, or a complete ban of all AYSO activities for either a determined time frame or in extreme cases a lifetime ban.

2. A suspended person may not, during their suspension, attend any AYSO game or inter-region game. However, a suspended coach may attend team practices. Those affected by complete bans may not attend any AYSO function for the duration of the ban.

3. The subject of any disciplinary action may request an appeal through AYSO's due process procedures. It is the responsibility of the party affected to request the appeal.

4. These sanctions do not limit, prevent, or replace any voluntary or required report or referral of improper conduct, by any adult toward any child, to any law enforcement or child protection agency. In the State of California, assault on a sports official carries a mandatory jail sentence with the law designed to be considered as akin to assault on a police officer.

Special Consideration Concerning Youth Referees

Abuse of Youth Referees will NOT be Tolerated by AYSO

In the event that the misconduct by an adult is directed at a youth referee, AYSO will take a stronger stance and invoke stronger sanctions. It is not uncommon for at least an additional game suspension to be added on if the referee involved is a minor.