CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT - Coaches

1. The Laws of Soccer are written to insure a continuous flow of action, while protecting the safety of the players, though injuries may occur. Coaches must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the Laws and rules of play and must educate their players so they, too, know and understand the Laws and rules of play and adhere to both their letter and spirit. 

2. Soccer belongs to the players. Coaches need to understand this and put the welfare of the game and of the players ahead of their personal ambition and egos. 

3. Winning should be the result of thorough preparation and discipline and should never be placed above the safety and welfare of the players.

4. Coaches are never to seek an advantage by deliberately violating the laws of Soccer nor by engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior. Coaches shall not tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior by members of their team toward opponents, officials or spectators, regardless of the situation. 

5. Coaches will not direct abusive or intimidating language or behavior toward the players and coaches of the opposing team and its supporters, or the officials. Personal remarks and improper language will not be tolerated. 

6. Each coach is responsible for the behavior of his/her team and its supporters at the field

7. Coaches have an obligation to teach good sportsmanship by both word and example. Players must learn to win without boasting and lose without bitterness. A coach must work to instill in his/her player’s proper respect for opponents and officials. Each coach should set the example through actions such as exchanging a friendly greeting with the opposing coach before the game. The losing team should congratulate the winning team. 

8. Coaches should be as inconspicuous as possible during the game. 

9. Game decisions by officials may not be questioned. Public criticism of officials by coaches, players, or spectators is not permitted. Each coach shall maintain a controlled, undemonstrative attitude toward the officials. 

10. Recreational soccer prohibits tryouts.  It is unethical to recruit a player rostered on another team. Clubs shall establish procedures to prevent recruiting. 

EXPLANATORY NOTES OFFICIALS:

An official may be requested to give an interpretation of a rule applied -- provided the coach (or designated assistant coach) makes the request in a polite and dignified manner at halftime or at the end of the game. If a coach or Club wishes to file a formal complaint regarding a referee it shall be put in writing and directed to the opposing Club and Club’s Referee Coordinators. 

PENALTIES: 

Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches or spectators shall result in a warning (yellow card) to be issued. Repeated conduct violations or a more serious offense will result in an ejection (red card). See FIFA Law XII. In the event that a coach or spectator (asked to leave in lieu of coach ejection) is ejected, the game shall not resume until they have left the area and gone to the parking lot. 

BREACHES OF ETHICS OR CONDUCT: 

Breaches of ethics or conduct may be reported to the NKSL board in writing within 24 hours of their occurrence. The League shall review the complaint and if the facts warrant action will assess penalties as appropriate.