Coaches Code of Conduct

Coaches and assistant coaches are responsible for controlling their players and the parents of these players during contests. Helderberg Soccer Club has established the following guidelines which the coach should follow as a mentor of our children.

Coaches are expected to:

• Be reasonable in the demands on players (remember they are children).

• Remember that the parents are changing their schedule to accommodate your practices. Make every effort to establish your practice schedule early and refrain from last minute changes unless absolutely necessary.

• Teach the rules of the game, respect for the game, and the laws of the game.

• Remember that players participate for pleasure and winning is only part of the fun.

• Never ridicule or belittle players for making mistakes.

• Operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach all players to do the same.

• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities

• Avoid overplaying talented players. All players deserve equal playing and training time, regardless of their ability

• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of all players.

• Respect officials and opposing coaches. Remember they are human, often volunteers and are attempting to do their best.

• No referee is perfect.  Questionable calls are part of the game.

• Understand that your attitude can influence the players, coaches and spectators

• Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with soccer. This includes, but is not limited to, opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage all players to do the same.

• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players.

• Understand that any physical contact with a player should be appropriate to soccer situations and necessary for the player's development.

• Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of young players.

• Believe that your role as a coach is to contribute to the overall success, physical, and athletic growth of the player through participation in soccer

• Demand a sports environment for the children that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol

• Remember you are coaching children. Give the kids an opportunity to “cool off”- take them out of the game if they lose their temper. How your team behaves is a reflection on you whether you want that or not.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

Parents Code of Conduct

Parents can be a very positive influence on the game of soccer and are encouraged to attend as many contests as possible to support their children. However, being a spectator is not without responsibility. To the extent to which spectators can be a positive influence, they can equally be a negative force.

Parents and spectators of Helderberg Soccer Club are expected to:

• Never force an unwilling child to join a team or a club.

• Remember that children are playing for their enjoyment, not yours.

• Encourage fair play and respect for the laws of the game.

• Teach that honest effort is as important as victory.

• Remember that children learn by example.

• Applaud good plays by ALL players, even those on opposing teams.

• Respect the officials' judgment-they are the trained professionals.

• Believe that referees, just as coaches and players, are attempting to do their best.

• No referee is perfect, questionable calls are part of the game.      

• Support ALL efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.

• Recognize that COACHES ARE VOLUNTEERS. They give up their time for your child. SUPPORT them to your child and publicly.

• Do not use foul language or harass players, coaches or officials

• Never address remarks at opposing coaches, players, referees and spectators (except for genuine friendship, respect or in response to a question by a referee).

• Avoid comments or gestures that express disagreement with the official’s call.

• Understand that your attitude can influence the players, coaches and spectators.

• Be sure your child is available for most practices and games. Practices are as important as games. If you know your child is unable to attend a practice or game, give the coach advance notice to enable proper planning.

• Report to the coach all injuries, special medical conditions (such as asthma) or extenuating circumstances (such as lack of sleep or family crisis) that may affect the player.

• Send your child ready to play. Your child should be dressed in uniform and arrive on time.

Players Code of Conduct

• Play by the rules.

• Never argue with a referee or assistant referee. If I disagree I will speak with my coach.

• No referee is perfect, questionable calls are part of the game.      
  

• Control your temper and maintain control over your emotions. Avoid bad/negative comments and/or gestures, and know that purposely distracting or annoying an opponent is not allowed behavior in soccer.

• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team's performance will benefit, so will you.

• Be a good sport; applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.

• Treat all participants in soccer as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.

• Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.

• Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of the their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

• Believe that referees, just as coaches and players, are attempting to do their best.

• Understand that your attitude can influence the players, coaches and spectators.

• Remember that practices are just as important as games and your attendance helps my team. Notify my coach if you must miss a practice or a game.

• Play for the fun of soccer!