PARENT’S CODE OF ETHICS
A parent attending their child’s game is, and should only be, a spectator. The referee is there to referee the game; the coach is there to coach the game. A parent is there to watch the game and cheer for their child and the child’s team.
SPECTATORS are an important part of soccer. They by their actions (behavior) can make it either an exciting event OR can create a considerable amount of pain and discomfort for coaches, game officials, as well as other spectators.
In the COACH and PLAYERS ethics there are noted several violations. These are unlawfully entering the field, THREATENING or AGGRESSIVE MANNER or ACTIONS, HARASSMENT (of players, coaches, officials) and ABUSIVE or FOUL language.
SPECTATORS are subject to these same behavior violations. In the event a game official has determined that a SPECTATOR’S conduct is in violation of any of the above, the coaches will either state a warning or request that the SPECTATORS LEAVE THE FIELD AREA.
Any time a SPECTATOR comes under the penalty to the point that they are required to leave the field area; the referee can suspend play until that has been accomplished. In the event that the SPECTATOR will not leave the field, as required, the referee may suspend the game. The game may be rescheduled.
All such occurrences, where the SPECTATOR has been required to leave the field, MUST be reported to the Area Referee Coordinator who will send the Area Board a written report.
I WILL:
Remember SAY’s motto: KIDS HAVING FUN! If they’re not having fun, find out why and seek to change it.
Know the game. Play soccer with your kids at home, even if it’s just for five minutes a day.
Take a referee or coaching course. Read about soccer & watch games on TV with your kids.
Encourage fair play. Teach your child the - Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) and apply it to all games and practices.
Be supportive of all activities. Bring your child to games and practices on time and ready to play. Have them bring a ball, water, shin-guards & shoes.
Refrain from using drug, alcohol and tobacco products at all youth soccer events. Request other adults present to refrain from their use as well.
Communicate any safety concerns. Inform the coach, officials or administrators of anything you feel is, or may create, a dangerous situation for anyone attending games or practices.
Be positive or be quiet. Encouraging words make soccer more fun.
Be respectful and expect my children to be respectful. This pertains not just to the coaches and referees, but also to other players and parents.
Volunteer to assist the coach or team. Be a - team player. If you have soccer skills or knowledge, or are just good working with kids, offer to help at practice. If not, make calls, bring snacks, collect money for events, collect paperwork or do anything else that needs doing. The coach is busy coaching; don’t make him/her do all the management as well.
Support the coach’s and referee’s decisions. They are both doing a difficult job to the best of their abilities.
If you have real concerns, speak with the coach in private.
Communicate with my child. Recognize your child’s individual performance. Ask – How did you do? Then listen to their reply. Be sure to address any concerns they may have.
Give praise freely. When someone, anyone, is doing a good job at what they’re doing, don’t be afraid to let
them know. Whether it’s your child, another child on the team, a child on the opposing team, the coach or, yes, even the referee.
Remind others, when necessary, of the Parent’s Code of Ethics. Do so gently, politely and with respect.
I hereby pledge to follow this Parent’s Code of Ethics.