Massachusetts Youth Soccer Parent’s/Guardian’s/Spectator’s Code of Conduct
Watching our children play any sport can be rewarding. We have the opportunity to observe them develop technical and physical skills (dribbling, shooting, passing), learn what sportsmanship and teamwork are all about, understand how to act and react when winning and losing, and overall become more well-rounded people who ultimately learn how to treat all others with respect and dignity.
We all should be proud of how well our children do as they learn and grow through soccer. Yet, as many of you may know, inappropriate conduct by parents and other spectators has become an increasing problem for youth sports organizations. To deal with this problem in an effective manner, Massachusetts Youth Soccer and all member organizations will implement this Parents’/Guardian’s/Spectator’s Code of Conduct which is detailed below. The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Board of Directors urges all of you to take these policies to heart so that we will all have a safe, enjoyable and successful season.
Parent’s/Guardian’s/Spectator’s Code of Conduct
-
Do not force your child to participate in sports.
-
Applaud good plays; don’t dwell on bad plays. Children play sports to have fun,
make new friends, and learn new skills.
-
Children imitate their parents. If you are disruptive or act inappropriately, your
child, and possibly others, will act in a similar fashion.
-
The sidelines are not a place to shout personal instructions. Encouraging from
the sidelines is appreciated, coaching from the spectator sidelines is forbidden.
A good rule to follow when you cheer/yell/shout from the sidelines is, “No verbs!”
-
There is more to life than soccer. Encourage your child to participate in other
activities.
-
Respect the coach’s decision and abilities. Don’t force your child to decide
whether to listen to you or to the coach.
-
Stress fair and sensible play. Soccer is a contact sport, let the officials determine
fair or foul play
-
Promote the long-term importance of practice over the short-term excitement of
matches.
-
Promote the importance of teamwork.
10.Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model.
11. The other team is the opponent, not the enemy. Treat all with respect. 12.Mistakes are a part of the learning process for everyone. Positive reinforcement
goes a long way.
13.Take time to learn the rules of the match and the policies of the club and league. 14. Remember that coaches and administrators are usually volunteers. A “thank
you” every once in a while is often a nice reward.