West Florida Soccer Club Recreational Parent's Code of Conduct

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.  The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these Pillars of Character.   I therefore agree:I will not force my child to participate in sports.

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.

2. I will communicate with my child's coach about any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.  I will make every effort to have my child attend practices and games and will communicate with my child's coach if my child will be late or absent.  Good communication between parents and coaches leads to a more positive experience for all involved.

3. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. Knowing the rules of the game will help with development and will help to minimize disagreements.

4. I will sit opposite side of the players bench during practices and games.(No exceptions)

5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players (on both teams), coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.  I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting;  or using profane language or gestures.  I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.

6. I will explain to my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

7. I will explain to my child to treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

8. I will explain to my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

9. I will not ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.

10. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.  I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

11. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches and referees at the game field.( All referee game calls are final and no appeals!)

12. I will leave coaching to coaches and not criticize coaching decisions or team performance.

13. I will demand a playing environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at West Florida soccer club fields.

14. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

15. I acknowledge that the coach of my child's team is responsible for my behavior and I will therefore respect the coach's authority.  I also acknowledge that the coach is a volunteer.

16. I will remember that as a fan, I represent the west florida soccer club and the community. I understand poor behavior during practices, games, or tournaments may result in expulsion from the soccer complex. (I must wait inside or next to my car in the parking area for my son or daughter).

17. If this happens repeatedly, it will result in expulsion from wfsc for my family.

18. I agree to do my best to have as much fun watching the game as the players should have playing the game.

WEST FLORIDA SOCCER CLUB RECREATIONAL COACH'S CODE of CONDUCT

• Encourage players to have fun at all times. Focus on praise and encouragement rather than on criticism and negative yelling.

• Place the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of a personal desire to win.

• Provide a safe playing environment for all players

• Practice on the field that is assigned to your team

• Practice in the time that is alloted to you.Ex. 5:30-6:30 or 6:30- 7:30

• Inform all of your parents if practices are cancelled due to the weather.

• Do not cancelled your schedules games without the permission from the club

• Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship, leading by example.

• Organize practices that are fun and challenging to players.  Enhance understanding of the game by taking advantage of coaching clinics and licensing programs offered by the Club.

• Every player on the team is a contributing player and should be given an equal amount of playing time.( %50 percent of playing time is guaranteed.)

• Find ways to limit the number of goals scored in “runaway” games.  This should include encouraging players to pass a certain number of times before shooting and other “games” to keep the players engaged.

• Work to understand the rules of the game and pass this information on to the players.

• Maintain control of emotions and avoid actions, language and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile or humiliating towards our players, opposing players/coaches/parents or referees.  Treat parents, players, fans, other coaches and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, religion, or ability and I will expect to be treated accordingly.

• Ensure that the fans of my team exhibit sportsmanship and maturity at all times and assist league and game officials in maintaining control of the spectator sidelines.

• Make sure your parents staying opposite side of the players bench during the game and practices.NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

• Do not publicly question the referee’s judgment, and never his or her honesty. The referee is a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship. Please remember, many of these referees are young adults learning how to referee the game, so please treat them with respect.  They are there to do an honest job which few others are willing to undertake.

                 After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same. We stress two points: Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice. Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game!!!

    Coaches and/or bench personnel may NOT address any member of the referee crew during play except for:

• Responding to a referee initiated communication.

• Making a request for substitutions.

• Pointing out emergencies or safety issues, such as an injured player on the field.