Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Incorporated (Mass Youth Soccer) and the leaders of
the affiliated Leagues are concerned about the conduct of all coaches 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. Coaches who do not follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.
The Coaches Code
- 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 parents to applaud and cheer for good plays by
either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and
direct from yelling at players and the referee.
- During the game, you are also responsible for the
conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
- 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 League. 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.
- 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!
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.
Behaviors of a Successful Youth Soccer Coach
Enthusiasm
- Be positive, constructive, high spirited, and optimistic.
- Communication is with "do-s" rather than "don't-s", "positives" rather than "negatives", "trust" rather than "mistrust."
- Be prepared to demonstrate and play.
- Exercise creativity and make it fun for you and the kids!
Maturity and Self-Control
- Maintain respectful and appropriate behaviors with all players, referees, coaches, and spectators.
- You are the role model and the kids are watching!!!
Manners
- Exercise patience and a spirit of fair play.
- Set an example of good sportsmanship.
- Dress comfortably and appropriately…look like a coach!
Respect
- Take the time to learn "The Game" (use Director of Coaching, courses, books, etc.)
- Earn respect by knowing what you are doing.
- Prepare practice sessions instead of just "winging" them.
- Be consistent - practice what you preach.
- Respect players and their individuality.
