Fallston Soccer Code of Conduct
The Fallston Soccer Program has established in its by-laws a code of conduct and responsibilities that applies to its players, coaches, parents, and spectators. It is part of who we are and can be heard in our Mission, Vision, and Values statement.
It is important that this code of conduct be adhered to in order to ensure that the experience of playing soccer is a positive one for the kids in our program. To that end, the board of directors is now requiring all players, coaches, parents, and spectators to read the attached code of conduct. All participants must read, understand, and agree to abide by the code of conduct. Failure to abide by the code, as determined by the board of directors, may lead to sanctions including reprimand, suspension, and in extreme cases expulsion from the program. The purpose of the Fallston Soccer Program is to encourage participation in youth recreational soccer and to teach soccer in a manner which balances discipline and achievement with our child's fullest enjoyment of the game. Unfortunately, coaches, parents, and fans, despite their best intentions, do not always realize that their actions, both verbal and non-verbal, can have a lasting and negative impact on our children's enjoyment of soccer. The ideals of good sportsmanship, fair play, dignity and in victory and graciousness in defeat are concepts that are part of the foundation upon which our children can grow to become the adults we want them to be. As adult role models we all share a great responsibility in molding our children. Our adherence to the code of conduct that follows will ensure that we are doing our part to make this a program of which we can be proud.
Code of Conduct: Players
1) Play by the rules.
2) Play fairly and exercise good sportsmanship.
3) Work equally hard for myself and my team. My team's performance will benefit and so will I.
4) Cooperate with coaches, teammates, opponents and officials. Without them there would be no game.
5) Show respect to opponents at all times.
6) Be gracious in defeat and dignified in victory.
7) After each game, offer congratulations or say "good game" to the opposing team.
8) Play for the fun of soccer!
Code of Conduct: Coaches
1) Promote fun (on & off the field of play), friendships & learning new skills.
2) Referees, administrators and opponents should be treated with respect and dignity.
3) Only provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. Remember, it's only a game, so have fun with it.
4) Avoid overplaying talented players. All players deserve equal playing and training time, regardless of their ability.
5) Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of all players.
6) Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.
7) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their ability, cultural background or religion.
8) Understand that my attitude can influence the players, coaches and spectators.
9) Official decisions should be accepted, no matter how unfair they seem.
10) Always conduct yourself for the good of the game and the good of Fallston Soccer.
Code of Conduct: Parents/Spectators
1) Be my child's best fan! Support my child unconditionally and make them feel like a winner every time!
2) Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not mine.
3) Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
4) Focus on the child's effort and performance rather than winning or losing.
5) Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
6) Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
7) Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skillful plays by all participants.
8) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all soccer activities.
9) Be kind and respectful to your child's coaches, officials and program administrators. These volunteers give their personal time to provide a recreational activity for your child. These people are providing a valuable community service, often without reward, other than the personal satisfaction of having served the community and making a positive difference in the lives of Fallston children. The best way to better the program is to volunteer to help in any way you can.
10) Be sure my child is available for most practices and games. Practices are as important as games. Children who simply don't show up for practices and/or games are letting everybody down. If I know my child is unable to attend a practice or game, I will give the coach advance notice to enable proper planning.
11) Report to the coach all injuries, special medical conditions or extenuating circumstances that may affect the player.
12) Send my child ready to play. My child will be dressed in uniform and arrive on time. Ensure my child is picked up from practices and games on time.
13) Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, or religion.
14) Do not openly question the referee's judgment and never his/her honesty. In fact, never say anything to a referee or try to make calls for the referee. Please remember that many referees are still children learning how to ref, so please give them a break. Accept the results of each game and encourage your child to be gracious in victory and to turn defeat into victory by working towards improvement. A child will not remember the results of a game but will remember how they felt because of your actions.
15) If you have a problem with a member of your child's coaching staff, please give a 24 hour cooling off period before contacting the coach/ age group coordinator.
16) Realize that the program has provided the tools necessary for your child's coach to be the best coach and role model possible for your child. You may feel as if you know more about soccer than your child's coach. Maybe you do; maybe you don't. However, you should respect the fact that the coach has volunteered his/her time. Stalking up and down the sidelines barking orders to the team undermines the coach's authority and sends confusing messages to the children, which increases their level of frustration. Let the coaches coach. Please have a seat, relax, and enjoy the game.
Being a player, manager, coach, parent/spectator, I have read and understand the Fallston Soccer Code of Conduct. I agree to abide to this code of conduct and practice good sportsmanship throughout the season. I agree to help enforce this conduct as written to better the soccer experience for all.
INSURANCE: I (participant/parent) also understand that I/my child will not be covered by any program insurance and agree that I will not hold the team, program, coach, instructor, Fallston Recreation Council, Inc. or Harford County, MD a body corporate and politic of the State of Maryland responsible for injuries received while participating in the registered program.