Coaches Code of Conduct                                          Rev. 01/08/2021

Here are 11 simple rules to follow as a coach. Please keep these in mind as you go about your season. These rules are not intended to replace any other governing body rules, such as NTSSA's Code of Ethics. They are just to augment and take a deeper dive.

1. The coach must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
2. The coach must follow the rules of the game as defined by North Texas State Soccer Association (NTSSA)
3. The coach must behave in such a manner that the principles, integrity, and dignity of the sport are maintained.
4. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
   1.  Examples include verbal abuse or taunting of an opponent, an excessive celebration following a scoring play (e.g. removing one's jersey) and simulating actions intended to deceive the referee (diving), or feigning an injury.
5. If the coach is not acquainted with or does not have a working knowledge of the game, it is their responsibility to gain said knowledge either through their own research or through knowledge transfer with their coaching coordinator.
6. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials (referees) in the presence of players. Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game.
7. Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, and parents should be positive and constructive, never prejudicial, or inflammatory.
8. Coaches must always act in a professional manner when in the presence of players, whether at games, practices, or in any other setting. A coach demonstrating behavior that could be considered by a reasonable person to be irrational, inappropriate, or unbecoming an adult will not be tolerated.
   1. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to, the following: Lewd gestures Overly critical remarks Ranting and raving Snide or demeaning remarks Threatening behavior or remarks Physical confrontations Temper outbursts Use of language that is not appropriate for young children. Playing favorites with certain players, i.e., playing your child more than everyone else.
9. This is Recreational Soccer it is not the World Cup. Remember to encourage your kids and try to play them all as much as possible. As an association, we want these players to learn to love the game as much as we do.
10. Under no circumstances may a coach recruit player(s) for his or her specific team.
11. Communication with your players and their parents is key. It is the coach's job to maintain this relationship and to apprise them of all day-to-day functions of LSA (i.e., schedules, jerseys, pictures etc