UYSL Code Of Conduct

Rev. 8/8/01

UYSL is very appreciative and grateful that you have volunteered to participate in our soccer program for the upcoming season. Without your time and effort the season would not be possible, and we thank you for your commitment to the game of soccer and the children in the program. Enjoyment is our main concern and goal as coaches and accordingly UYSL will be sponsoring FREE coaching clinics throughout the Fall and Winter and will also be on hand to help, participate or advise or any coaching tips, questions and procedures you may have for the upcoming season.

To help structure our program to follow consistent guidelines and rules, the Board of Directors of UYSL has initiated a Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents and Players which, when followed, will allow every participant whether playing, coaching or watching to enjoy the soccer experience. The basic philosophy of the Code of Conduct is one of ZERO TOLERANCE in terms of abuse of players, coaches, referees or other parents, and this policy will be strictly enforced by the Board of Directors.

Coaches

  1. Coaches shall respect and shall adhere to all guidelines and regulations established by the UYSL governing body
  2. Soccer is the players' game. The paramount concern of the coach is the holistic development, welfare and safety of the players they coach and to provide the players with a positive & enjoyable soccer experience.
  3. Coaches bear responsibility for teaching their players to strive for success while playing fairly, observing the laws of the game and insuring the highest levels of sportsmanship. Define appropriate sideline behavior - a coach is responsible for his sideline. Encourage parents to cheer for all players. There shall be a zero tolerance policy of abuse toward any referee or official.
  4. Coaches are requested to actively review or learn the game of soccer and the laws of the game.
  5. Coaches should make all efforts to be punctual for practices and scheduled games.
  6. Coaches should organize practices to educate the children to the game of soccer in a safe and friendly atmosphere with positive feedback to the players.
  7. In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace and dignity to exemplify good coaching ethics to their players. Be a positive role model and set a good level of sportsmanship.
  8. In the event of a practice or scheduled game being canceled or rescheduled prior to the scheduled date, the coach should make every effort to notify the players, opponents' coach and any related officials of the decision.
  9. Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment at all levels of soccer.
  10. Maintain the integrity of the sport. Do not illegally recruit players, or bend rules to take advantage for your team.
  11. Each child attending an in-town game shall be guaranteed a minimum of 50% playing time during the course of a game if they arrive punctually for the start of the game. Playing time at the Travel Team level shall be at the discretion of the Coach, and follow any guidelines and rules of the governing Travel League. However, each child from UYSL attending the game shall be guaranteed some playing time.

Parents & Spectators

  1. It is the responsibility of the coach to inform the parents and spectators of their team to follow the code of conduct and good soccer etiquette when attending a game or soccer practice.
  2. For travel soccer, all parents and spectators must stay on the opposite sideline from their child's team and coach. This will allow the players and coaches to concentrate on the game.
  3. The goal area must be kept clear of all parents and spectators. This will allow the children playing and goalkeeper to concentrate on the game.
  4. Parents and spectators are not permitted on the end lines of the field near the goal area.
  5. Parents and spectators must stay off the field during the game
  6. Abusive language and inappropriate behavior towards referees, spectator's, players or coaches of either team will not be tolerated.
  7. Encourage fair play; be positive, and respectful to all officials, coaches, fellow parents and players.
  8. Try to volunteer to coach, assist or referee a game. Youth sports would not exist without proactive parental involvement.
  9. Maintain the integrity of the sport - learn the rules, do not illegally recruit players, do not bend rules to your team's advantage. A team's behavior is long remembered after the final whistle is blown. Make soccer a positive experience.
  10. Parents must comply with the requests of coaches, referees, and board members regarding the league's code of conduct.

Players

  1. Learn the game - try to go to every practice session with the attitude that you will learn something.
  2. Encourage fair play.
  3. Be supportive of the activities of the team.
  4. Be respectful to the coaches, parents, referees and other officials.
  5. Strive for good nutrition
  6. Support the referee's and coaches decisions.
  7. Talk to your parents about what you learned during soccer.
  8. Maintain the integrity of the sport. Do not bend the rules, cheat or take "dives" during games.
  9. Always try your best.
  10. Most importantly, HAVE FUN.