SYS Coaches' Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (MYSA) and the leaders of the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches, parents and referees during games at all levels, from recreational to premier to ODP.
| • | 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 conduct, 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 positive 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. |
| • | 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 players and parents to applaud and
cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage any, and you may
need to be forceful and direct, yelling at players and the referee.
|
| • | During the game, you are also responsible for
the conduct of spectators rooting for your team. Remember --
the referee has the authority and responsibility to eject a
coach from a game if he or she does not keep proper
spectator control. |
| • | During the game, do not address the referee at
all. 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 Association. 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 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 are overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.
Think about what you are doing during a game - uphold the Spirit of the game!
If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
Coaches who do not follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.
