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CODE OF CONDUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP (“Code”):

In Our Club, everyone –coaches, players, referees and parents – has a responsibility to make our games fun for everyone by embodying the principles of good sportsmanship set forth in this plan.

PLAYER’S CODE:

·         Know the Laws of the Game & play by the rules

·         Treat all players, coaches, spectators and referees as you would like to be treated.

·         Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please your parents or coach.

·         Never question or argue with a referee.

·         Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players is not permitted in soccer.

·         NEVER use foul or inappropriate language.

·         Be on time to all practices and games.  Let the coach know of a scheduling conflict.

·         Appreciate good play, whether by your team or your opponent.

·         Try to win without boasting, lose without excuses and never quit.

·         Give 100% all the time, and know that how you play is more important than winning or losing.

PARENT’S AND FAMILY CODE:

·         Exemplify good sportsmanship.

·         Learn the Laws of the Game, and always encourage your child to play by the rules.

·         Never ridicule or shout at your child, or others, for making a mistake or losing a competition.

·         Applaud good plays, whether by your team or your opponent, but refrain from coaching or directing players during the game.

·         Let the players play, the coaches coach, and the referees officiate. 

·         Never question or argue with a referee. Trust their judgment and integrity.

·         Recognize the value and importance of coaches who volunteer their time to help and educate your child. Respect and trust their judgment and strategy. 

·         Communicate directly with the coach in a positive manner with concerns for your child, respecting their need to focus on the players during games or practice. 

·         Help ensure that players are on time to every game and practice.

·         NEVER use foul or inappropriate language.

·         Support an alcohol, drug and smoke-free environment.

·         Accept the results of each game. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat to victory by working towards improvement.

COACH’S CODE

·         Place children’s physical and emotional well-being ahead of any personal desire to win.

·         Nurture good sportsmanship and fair play and teach players the value of winning and losing.

·         Set reasonable expectations for each player and for the season.

·         Know and instruct players and parents in the Laws of the Game.

·         Do your best to teach the fundamentals of the game.

·         Never ridicule or shout at a player for making a mistake or losing a competition.

·         Be on time to every game and practice.

·         NEVER use foul or inappropriate language.

·         Ensure that your team and their parents treat opposing team and referees with respect.

·         Be committed to educating yourself on sound coaching and child development principles.

·         Support an alcohol, drug and smoke-free environment.

Comply with MVSC rules and policies at all times.

DISCIPLINARY PLAN FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOUR:

Any behavior by a coach, player, parent, or manager which does not meet the standards of the Code may be deemed “Unsportsmanlike” and subject the individual to disciplinary action by the MVSC Player Agent, the Recreational or Competitive Committee and/or MVSC Board of Directors.  MVSC Board and Club personnel will treat coach, parent or player misconduct and unsportsmanlike behavior very seriously. Our policy is intended to be “self-policing” in that we expect all Club members to be on their best behavior at ALL times.

To this end, MVSC personnel are given the responsibility of issuing YELLOW cards as a first warning for inappropriate behavior, and RED cards, if behavior persists or is particularly egregious.  This constitutes suspension from the field for a duration to be determined subjectively based on the particular behavior, or pattern of behavior.

FILING OF COMPLAINTS and ACTION OF MVSC:

ALL Coaches, Parents and Players are expected to comply with MVSC Code of Conduct. Complaints or observations of behavior contrary to the Code should be documented and submitted to the appropriate MVSC Board Member:

Dir. of Recreational Soccer        Jackie Krill        jackiekrill@comcast.net

Dir. of Competitive Soccer        Jon Bontz         jonbontz@yahoo.

 Please provide as much detail as possible with examples.

• Please provide date, time and location of observations.

• If possible, provide documentation from multiple sources.

One documented observation of misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior may not be enough to warrant disciplinary action unless the infraction is too egregious (swearing, threatening or reckless behavior, physical violence, abuse of people or property…etc) that it cannot be ignored.

MVSC reserves the right, at any point in the season, to relieve a Coach of his duties or dismiss a child from a team whose own behavior, or that of their parent, doesn’t adhere to the Code.

CODE OF CONDUCT

PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

I have read the Mill Valley Soccer Club Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Plan, and agree to abide by it’s principles.

(Print Name)

            (Signature)                                                                                            (Date)

(Print Child(s) Name)