MVSC Code of Conduct

In our Club, everyone has a responsibility to make our games safe and fun by embodying principles of respect, responsibility and good sportsmanship.

General Code

All players, parents, families and coaches must:

  • Know the Laws of the Game and play by the rules.
  • Treat all coaches, parents, spectators, officials and players (including opponents) with respect and courtesy.
  • Never challenge or argue with a Referee.
  • Never use foul or inappropriate language.
  • Support an alcohol, drug, and smoke-free environment.

Additional responsibilities of players, parents, families and coaches are described below.

Player’s Code

  • Demonstrate a positive attitude.
  • Listen attentively and respectfully to your coach, and follow your coach’s instructions.
  • Refrain from any behaviors that are disruptive or that prevent you or others from learning.
  • Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players is not permitted in soccer.
  • Be on time to all practices and games. Let the coach know of a scheduling conflict in advance.
  • Win with humility and grace. Lose with dignity, and without excuses. Never quit.
  • Give 100% effort at all times, and know that how you play is more important than winning or losing.
  • Wear appropriate gear (shirts, shorts, shin guards, proper shoes). No jewelry.

Parent’s and Family’s Code

  • Exemplify good sportsmanship.
  • 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. (No verbs!)
  • Let the players play, the coaches coach, and the officials officiate.
  • Communicate directly with the coach in a respectful manner with concerns about your child, respecting the coach’s need to focus on the players during games or practice.
  • Help ensure that players are on time to every game and practice.
  • Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and dignified and resilient in defeat.
  • If a parent/guardian is upset with a coach for any reason, wait 24 hours before approaching the coach to discuss concerns or complaints (otherwise known as a 24-hour cooling off period).  

Coach’s Code

  • Set the example of the highest standards of ethical conduct, dignity and respect.  
  • Place children’s physical, mental and emotional development and well-being ahead of all else.
  • Nurture good sportsmanship and fair play and teach players to win and lose with honor.
  • Set fair and reasonable expectations for each player.
  • Instruct players and parents in the Laws of the Game.
  • Do your best to teach the fundamentals of the game.
  • Refrain from ridiculing or degrading a player for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • Be on time to every game and practice.
  • Help ensure that your players and parents treat the opposing team and referees with respect.
  • Continuously educate yourself on sound coaching and child development principles.
  • Comply with US Soccer and MVSC rules and policies at all times.
  • Exercise a 24-hour cooling period before addressing a parent who has an issue

Disciplinary Plan for Unsportsmanlike Behavior 

Any behavior by a coach, player, parent, or family member that does not meet the standards of the Code of Conduct may be deemed “unsportsmanlike” and subject the individual to disciplinary action by the MVSC’s Premier Rec or Competitive Committee and/or MVSC’s Board of Directors. MVSC’s Board members and staff will treat coach, player, parent or family member 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 Board members and staff are given the responsibility of issuing YELLOW cards as a first warning for inappropriate behavior, and RED cards if the behavior persists or is particularly egregious. A RED card results in suspension from the field for a duration to be determined at the discretion of MVSC’s Board based on the particular behavior or pattern of behavior.