R is for Rules

The rules of soccer are what allow us to keep the game fair.  Respect for the rules is important, even when it’s possible to break them without getting caught.  The Clash will play by the rules, even if you thing you won’t get caught if you break them.  Breaking the rules dishonors the game, and this is something we should never do.

O is for Opponents

Without opponents, we have no game.  A good opponent pushes us to play our best.  The Clash will always respect their opponents and remember that they are here to play their best and have fun too, just like us.  We respect our opponent by playing our best and putting forward a great effort.  We also respect our opponent by staying humble, and never showing another team up.  We want to be known as a classy team—in how we win, lose, and honor our opponents.

O is for Officials

It is very important to respect officials.  Often, this can be the most difficult part of Honoring the Game, so we need to remember to keep it as a focus when we play.  Officials have been selected and trained to enforce rules, and they have a very hard job.  Without the officials the game would be unsafe and unfair.  Officials are not perfect (just like coaches, athletes and parents!)  and sometimes make mistakes.  However, there is no excuse for treating officials with disrespect when they make errors.  Clash players and coaches will always show respect for the officials, even when a call is wrong.  It’s part of the game, and we get up, shake it off, and play on.

T is for Teammates

A big part of soccer is the team.  Being with your teammates should be fun.  Later in life you will often be part of a team, and it is important to learn to work together.  We should feel a commitment to each other as teammates and that you will agree to always play as hard as you can in practice and in games.  Always encourage and support each other on and off the playing field.  Each of us needs to help create an environment that allows for all of us to feel comfortable to try new things, to make mistakes and to grow.  The only way the team gets better is by trying new things, and this won’t happen if we don’t feel safe to make mistakes with one another without ridicule, being made fun of or make to feel foolish.

The team, and team concept is very important to all of us.  We want every individual to grow, improve, learn and have fun but this must be done in a way that is positive, uplifting and supportive to the entire team.  As players on the team, you are responsible for building a warm, welcoming, friendly and positive environment for all.

S is for Self

Some people only Honor the Game when their opponents or other teammates do.  The Clash players and coaches will Honor the Game no matter what the others do.  It starts with you, and you can help each other and remind one another when you see some straying from ROOTS and honoring the game.  We have respect for ourselves and would never do anything to dishonor the game.