Parent Code of Conduct
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE: Always treat others (coaches, parents, officials, and players) the same way that you would want you and your child to be treated. Set the example by showing respect, dignity, and total sportsmanship at all times. Avoid profanity, especially when players or younger family members of players are present on the sidelines or at designated team events.
ACT YOUR AGE: Youth soccer is for the kids. If you find yourself becoming too emotionally involved in what’s happening on the field, take a step back, walk away and relax. Remember, your childhood is over. Give the players the freedom to enjoy themselves without pressure.
BE SEEN, NOT HEARD: Nothing is better for a player than having their parents on hand to watch them play. And nothing is worse for a player than hearing a parent booing, taunting, screaming or making comments at, or about, players, coaches, fans or officials (that includes your own team as well as your opponent). Offer applause and cheers of encouragement for both teams following a good play or a great effort, otherwise keep quiet.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM ONLY (POSITIVE COMMENTS): Spectators and coaches are NOT to communicate to players, parents or coaches on the opposing team. Communicate only positive messages to your team. Never instruct or suggest a player intentionally foul or injure another player.
YOU ARE NOT THE COACH: As a spectator/parent your role is to support your son/daughter during games. Coaching from the spectator side of the field only serves to confuse players. Encourage players to play hard and play well, but leave the strategy to the coaching staff in your team’s technical area.
LET PLAYERS GROW BY MAKING THEIR OWN DECISIONS: Part of becoming a better player is the ability to think and make decisions on the field. While the game is slow enough at the younger age levels for spectators and coaches to heavily influence on-field player decisions, allowing the players to make decisions (whether right or wrong) will eventually make them better players.
MOTIVATE THROUGH CONFIDENCE: Try and identify a positive from every game or practice to help build confidence. A player’s sense of achievement is the greatest motivator.
DON’T QUESTION AN OFFICIAL’S CALL: You may not agree with a call, but it’s not your job (or the players or coaches either) to officiate the game. Never should an official’s call be argued by a spectator. Accept the call and move on, while staying positive.
PUT WINNING AND LOSING IN PERSPECTIVE: Games have winners and losers. Keep reminding your player about this reality and the need to deal with both outcomes. Players should avoid getting too cocky when they win and too upset when they lose. Overcoming adversity is required in life and in sports, so focus on how your player can respond to adversity instead of complaining. Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it.
BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR PLAYER AND FOR THOSE AROUND YOU: Lead by setting a positive example in a challenging situation. Players need more positive examples than criticism or negative behavior.
CHAIN OF COMMUNICATION: Parents may not email the league. All communication shall go through Club Administration. Any communication, from a parent, directly to the league will go unanswered.
WE ARE NOT REFEREES: We recognize many of the referees are young and are learning to referee. We agree to support their learning efforts as we do youth players. We also agree not to address any referee, no matter age, gender or level of experience, in any way. We understand that should be want to become a referee there is a pathway of education to explore in order to become certified.
SOCIAL MEDIA: We agree to not criticize or make any negative comment on or through social media or online regarding an opposing team, player, referee, staff member or the soccer community in general. We understand there are channels for feedback and communication with the COPL/OCL Program and will use these channels to communicate.
