CODES OF CONDUCT
Parents, coaches, fans and players must abide by the
Falmouth Youth Soccer Code of Conduct. In addition, beginning in
2004, as a member of Soccer Maine, all FYSA stakeholders mentioned
above are bound by the Soccer Maine Zero Tolerance Policy. Please
review these policies below. Prior to play this year, all parents,
players and coaches will be asked to sign forms stating your agreement
to adhere to these policies.
The Falmouth Youth Soccer Association exists for the express purpose
of providing an opportunity for the youth of Falmouth to experience
a high quality program of competitive soccer. Soccer, and all other
sports in which children become involved, enable our youth to experience
many important lessons which will help form their adult lives. The
adults involved, whether as spectators or coaches, have a critical
role in assuring that these experiences for our youth are positive
and appropriate. To this end, the Falmouth Youth Soccer Association believes that
the following standards of behavior for players, parents, and coaches
are essential to our goals.
Players FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association,
team or game into disrepute. To this end, players must abide by the
following minimum standards at all times:
- Be
respectful towards teammates, opponents, coaches and referees.
Conduct yourself
with honor, dignity, and self-control.
- Play
the game for the fun of the game, the challenge, and the chance
to show your best.
Be gracious when you lose and generous when
you win.
- Accept
decisions of coaches and referees with class and dignity. Believe
in their judgment and honest.
Players who do not abide by these expectations will be disciplined
by game officials, their coach, and, in extreme situations, the Board
of Directors.
Parents FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association,
team, or game into disrepute. FYSA believes that the attitude shown
by parents toward the coach, the referees, the opposing players and
the importance of winning vs. losing are of paramount importance.
Inappropriate comments or actions by adults bent on short-term success
rather than the long range benefits undermines the essence of competition
and introduces stresses which are inappropriate for children:
- Encourage
your player by word and example. The athlete is counting on you
as their primary teacher – in soccer and in
life!
- Accept
the decisions of referees and coaches with style and dignity.
Never criticize a referee’s integrity, honesty
or judgment. They are there to do an honest job which few others
are willing
to undertake.
- Applaud
good play by all players. Opponents are friends, for without
them your child could not play.
Parents
who do not abide by these expectations may be required to leave
the field by the referee, the coach, or any Board member of
FYSA.
Coaches
FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association,
team, or game into disrepute. FYSA has high standards for the conduct
of its coaches. They must be the standard bearers of good sportsmanship,
conduct and ethical behavior at all times. The Association believes
that the coach must set and maintain an example for all players
and spectators to follow:
- The
spirit of the game and its laws are non-negotiable. Coaches
need to work
hard to create success for the development of
players and the team by following the rules and their intent.
- Respect
towards game officials, opponents, and players is absolutely
required. Coaches must expect to be treated with respect, honor,
and dignity and must demonstrate the same at all times.
- The
conduct of the players is a reflection of the coach. The coach
is expected to uphold high standards of sportsmanship for
all players at all times and remember that the reputation of
the organization
and town is formed by the behavior of all its representatives.
Coaches who fail to abide by these expectations will face disciplinary
action by game officials and the Board of Directors.
Procedure to Address Complaints:
The FYSA has a standing committee to address violations of our Code
of Conduct. The Committee will be comprised of the Vice President,
Director of Coaching, and 3 non-coaching members of the Board. These
will be annual appointments.
If any member of our Association wishes to complain about conduct
which they believe is contrary to our Code of Conduct, they must:
- Address
the issue with the person directly, either verbally or in writing,
within one week of the incident or issue at hand.
- If
there is no satisfactory resolution, then the complainant must,
within
one week and in written form, notify the Committee.
- All
matters which are directed to the Committee will be responded
to within
one week of the receipt of the complaint.
- Decisions
and actions by the Committee to address the complaint are final.
Responsibilities of Coaches:
Coaches
are required to notify the Vice President whenever a card is issued
to a player or themselves as well as any other actions
by game or tournament officials toward players, coaches, or parents.
This must be done within 24 hours of the occurrence. The Vice President
will convene a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee to consider
any additional sanctions. This shall take place within one week.
All such decisions by the Committee are final.
Minimum
Sanctions: The following minimum sanctions will be imposed should a coach or
player receive a red or yellow card:
- A
red card will result in mandatory suspension from the next
officially scheduled and sanctioned match.
- Two
yellow cards which result in suspension from a game will
result in the
same penalty as a red card.
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