CODE OF CONDUCT

The St. Charles Soccer Association respects and enforces the Code of Conduct as outlined by WYSA Article 11 of Rules and Regulations.

11.1          COACH'S CODE

The laws of soccer should be regarded as mutual agreements, the spirit or letter of which no one should try to evade or break.

(a)               Visiting teams and spectators are honored guests.

(b)               No advantages except those of superior skill should be taught.

(c)               Officials and opponents should be treated and regarded as honest in intention.

(d)               Winning is desirable, but winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game.

(e)               Losing can be a triumph when the team has given its best.

(f)                 The ideal is the greatest good to the greatest number.

11.2          PLAYER'S CODE

(a)               Play the game for the game's sake.

(b)               Be generous when you win.

(c)               Be gracious when you lose.

(d)               Be fair always no matter what the cost.

(e)               Obey the laws of the game.

(f)                 Work for the good of your team.

(g)               Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.

(h)               Believe in the honesty of your opponents.

(i)                 Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.

(j)                 Applaud the efforts of your teammates and your opponents.

11.3          PARENT'S CODE

Parent evaluation carries a great deal of weight with the pre-adolescent.  The attitude shown by parents at games toward their child, the opposing team, the officials and the coach, influences the child's values and behaviors in sports.  Criticism, disrespect for officials and opponents by over anxious or over protective parents bent on immediate success, rather than the long range benefits, undermines the purpose of sport and brings into the game stresses adolescents cannot cope with effectively.  Thus contributing to behavior not in keeping with the spirit of the game.  Parents would do well to remember:

(a)                Children have more need for example than criticisms.

(b)               Make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience

(c)                Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it.  A child is easily affected by outside influences.

(d)               Be kind to your child's coach and to officials.  The coach is a volunteer giving personal time and money to provide a recreational activity for your child.  The coach is providing a valuable community service, often without reward other than the personal satisfaction of having served his/her community.

(e)                The opponents are necessary friends.  Without them your child could not participate meaningfully.

(f)                 Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.

(g)                Do not openly question an official's judgment and never his/her honesty.  He/she is a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.
Accept the results of each game.  Encourage the child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat to victory by helping the child work towards improvement.