USA Code of Conduct for Players, Coaches, and Parents
Soccer is a wonderful sport and a passionate game. We should always remember our attitude is contagious. The referees, the players, the coaches and the fans should come together to match wits and skills. The other team is our opponent not our enemy and thus should be treated with respect.
While winning is important, I/we recognize that playing well and fairly is the essence of the game.
I will set a good example to those around me by adhering at all times to the following:
1. We will not criticize the referee openly or directly before, during or after games. Any criticism shall be done in writing (to USA or the appropriate League with a copy to USA), not verbally.
2. We will only give positive feedback to players.
3. We will cheer at all games within the spirit of fair play and shall do our best to cheer the effort regardless of the outcome.
4. We will be mindful in "lopsided" games where cheering our own "winning" team might be misunderstood.
5. We shall do our best to teach our players to become students of the game.
6. We shall find the "little successes" that our players have during each match.
7. We shall show the quality of our sportsmanship during and after each and every match and help our players remember to thank the referee after the match without regard to the result.
8. We shall do our very best to have our players prepared for every match.
9. We shall support the learning effort of the players, the coaches and the referees by demonstrating our patience.
10. We understand that improper behavior at a match, practice, or other USA Club sponsored activity may result in the individual(s) being asked to leave the field or the event by a referee, Team Coach (or designee), or USA Board Member as defined by USA process or in accordance with The Laws of the Game and the specific rules of the League in which your team is a member.
11. We shall leave the coaching to the coach during match. We shall do our best not to give our players instructions during the match.
12. We understand that (upon review) the USA Soccer Club can, and will if necessary, suspend our individual privilege, as defined by the USA process, to watch our child play should we behave in a manner that is rude or otherwise offensive.
13. We agree to do our best to have as much fun watching the game, as the players should have playing the game.
For years, the USA Club has functioned under the Code of Conduct shared above. Now, as an extension of the RESPECT Campaign initiated in the European professional soccer ranks and recently adopted by our league, we have extended our code to include the League's Codes of Conduct ... AND we now require each coach, player, and family to read, understand, and sign-off on the codes (and they are maintained by the Club for reference if needed).
To this end, below are the three Codes of Conduct underwhich we play. There is one for coaches, another for players, and a third for families. If you have not done so, please download, read, sign and submit the appropriate document(s) to our Club Registrar at registrar@usasoccerholland.com .
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