Three Rivers Soccer Club

Three Rivers Soccer Club Coaches Code of Conduct

For all 3rsc coaches and players we want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach for 3rsc, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of

conduct.

• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and good spirit.

• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.

• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of

your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the

game at least long enough for him/her to calm down. Quickly correct the player in a positive manner.

• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players.

It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.

• Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them

From yelling at referees or players from the other team..

• During the game, do not address the referee at all in a negative fashion. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.

• If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or

incompetent, report your opinion to your club age group coordinator. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.

• After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

We stress these points with our coaches:

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! If you follow the expectations described above, you will represent 3rsc and the game in a positive manner.

Make sure all fields are safe for play. This includes all goals being staked down and nets secured. A proper first aid kit is with your team at all times and you know of any players who have threatening illnesses ahead of time.

Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed