Code of Conduct

The goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment to allow the development of the athlete.

1. General Code

1. 1. 1. 1. Aggressive behavior
         2. Bullying
         3. Violence
         4. Profanity
         5. The use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any youth sporting event.
2. Player Code

   1. Demonstrate a positive attitude.
   2. Listen attentively and respectfully to your coach, and follow your coach’s instructions.
   3. Refrain from any behaviors that are disruptive or that prevent you or others from learning.
   4. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players is not permitted in soccer.
   5. Be on time to all practices and games. Let the coach know of a scheduling conflict in advance.
   6. Win with humility and grace. Lose with dignity, and without excuses. Never quit.
   7. Give 100% effort at all times, and know that how you play is more important than winning or losing.
   8. Wear appropriate gear (shirts, shorts, shin guards, proper shoes). No jewelry.
   9. Have fun and learn the rules of the game.
   10. Do your very best to listen and learn from your coaches, and in doing so, expect to receive fair playing time.
   11. Be a good sport (win or lose), be honest, fair, and always show good sportsmanship.
   12. Learn the value of commitment to the team and inform your coach when you cannot participate.
   13. Put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.
3. Coach Code

   2. 1. 1. Understand that coaching is a privilege, not a right.
         2. Place the emotional and physical well-being of your players ahead of any personal desires to win.
         3. Treat each player as an individual, remembering that there is a large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
         4. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for all players.
         5. Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
         6. Do not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates VCF rules, policies or principles.
         7. Be knowledgeable in the rules of soccer generally and your age group specifically.
         8. Review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of your players.
         9. Remember that you are a youth sports coach, and that the game is for the children, not the adults.
4. Parent/Guardian Code
   Remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.

   2. 1. 1. Teach your child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
         2. Emphasize that doing one’s best is more important than winning.
         3. Praise your child for competing fairly, trying hard, being a good teammate, and make your child feel like a winner every time.
         4. Promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire you may have for your child to win.
         5. Be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect, being courteous, and demonstrating positive support for everyone at games and practices.
         6. Do not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with anyone, such as booing and taunting, refusing to congratulate at the end of the game, or using profane language or gestures.
         7. In the event of a disagreement, do not question, discuss, or confront coaches at the field; instead, take time to speak with them at an agreed-upon time and place.
         8. Refrain from coaching your child or other players during games and practices unless you are one of their coaches.
         9. Allow the referee to learn and make mistakes. Praise and support the referee for being there, do not argue any decision. The referee’s calls did NOT mean your child’s team did not win. Respect the officials and their authority.