Stow Soccer Club
Code of Conduct
Stow Soccer Club Code of Conduct for Spectators Players and Coaches 2024
Soccer is a very passionate sport and many times the passion of the moment can overtake sound logic, so here are some tips that can help keep things in perspective in the moment:
● Allow players to play, referees to officiate, and coaches to coach. Negative comments towards players, coaches, spectators, or officials ruin the game for all involved.
● Never comment on, talk to, or scream at the referees. Most referees in youth soccer are young and impressionable and are learning just as the players are. The referees have no stake in a youth game and are doing the best job that they can. Your comments and conduct toward a referee bog down the game and aren’t helpful to anyone.
● At Stow Soccer Club we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our players, coaches, spectators, and officials. As such, this code of conduct will be enforced. If disciplinary action is required, all actions will be in accordance with the Laws of the Game, the Stow Soccer Club Code of Conduct, and OHTSL regulations.
Section 1 – Spectator Code of Conduct
The following serves as a general overview of how Stow Soccer Club expects our parents, friends, and family to conduct themselves on the sidelines before, during , and after a game:
● As spectators, we will refrain from booing or yelling at officials at any time during a match because we are aware of the following:
○ Such behavior on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship.
○ Such behavior reflects negatively on our community, our team, our players, and us.
○ Most youth soccer officials have had limited experience and formal training and do the best job they can, given these limitations.
○ Most soccer officials make correct calls even though we sometimes see the incident otherwise.
○ If officials do make incorrect calls during a match, the following circumstances usually apply:
● The number of poor calls usually balances out for both teams. No one is perfect.
● The officials don’t have the same observation point afforded the spectators sitting in the bleachers.
● An occasional incorrect call seldom affects the outcome of a match.
● There are more effective channels for correcting poor officiating than verbal abuse during the match. We don’t really know how difficult it is to officiate a soccer match until we’ve run on the ‘pitch’ in the official’s boots.’
● Avoid coaching from the sideline. Coaching instruction comes from the bench on the opposite side of the field. A spectator’s job is to cheer and watch. During a match, we will refrain from yelling at players on either team because we are aware of the following:
○ They are young people, not soccer professionals, who, due to limited playing experience and great enthusiasm, may make mistakes.
○ Encouragement and praise should be made in public; constructive criticism is best made in private.
○ The coach is best equipped to analyze and correct deficiencies in soccer skills. Our attempts to be helpful in this respect may only confuse the players.
○ The golden rule applies. Treat other players with courtesy, respect and consideration, which we want other supporters to show our players.
● During a match, we will refrain from being argumentative or using abusive language towards supporters of the players on the opposing team because we are aware of the following:
○ Others are judging us on our actions and words. We will always strive to ensure that the results of this judgment are a verdict of SPORTSMANSHIP.
○ We will conduct ourselves in such a courteous and restrained manner that if called upon to do so, we could line up in front of the bleachers after the match and shake hands with each supporter of the opposing team in the same way players are expected to do after each match.
● If our team loses, we will demonstrate our ability to cope with the loss in both deed and word, because we are aware of the following:
○ In soccer, as in other aspects of life, it is not always possible to win no matter how supreme the effort is.
○ When victory eludes us, we must learn to accept it as graciously as we do our triumphs.
○ Our players should learn from our reactions to a loss that:
1. We feel they played their best.
2. They hold their heads up high; no shame attached to honest effort – win or lose.
3. There is always something to learn from a loss.
4. There is nothing gained from brooding; players should be encouraged to put the match behind them and look forward to the next opportunity to play.
5. Seeking scapegoats, such as ‘biased officials’, ‘poor turf’, or ‘poor performance by one or two teammates’ is not a mature or healthy reaction to the loss. Such a crutch prevents acceptance of reality.
● A parent or guardian SHOULD:
○ Foster an environment of respect for referees, players, coaches, and spectators of the opposing team through words of encouragement and support.
○ Applaud superior play, effort, and sportsmanship by players on both teams.
○ Support your coaches and managers consistently regardless of the results on the field. Coaches contribute many hours of their time to your children. They deserve your congratulations when the team wins and your encouragement when the team doesn’t.
○ Communicate any concerns to the coach at the appropriate time (Recommended 24-hour cooling off period) away from the playing location and players.
○ Always remain at least two yards from the playing field so our young players have room to play and enjoy the game.
● Abide by the zero-tolerance policy on bullying (See Section 4 – Bullying).
Code of Conduct violations by spectators may result in the following actions:
● a spectator may receive a verbal warning and a reminder of the club’s sideline expectations.
● If a spectator continues to exhibit behavior in contrast to this code, the spectator may be required to leave the playing area.
● If a spectator is required to leave the playing area at the direction of a coach, board member, or official, the spectator will not be permitted to return for the remainder of the game and the following two games.
● In the case of persistent or extreme sideline behavior, Stow Soccer Club reserves the right to indefinitely exclude the spectator from attending club events or games in the future.
Section 2 – Player Code of Conduct
The following serves as a general overview of how Stow Soccer Club expects our players to conduct themselves:
● Be a good sport whether you win or lose. Show a positive attitude towards your teammates, coaches, officials, and spectators watching the game.
● Respect officials. Show respect and courtesy to game officials by following their instructions. Refrain from addressing the officials or commenting on their decisions.
● Respect teammates, coaches, and opposing players. Maintain control of your emotions, avoiding the use of abusive or profane language, taunting or humiliating remarks and/or gestures, and physical assaults. Always respect the coaches and players of the opposing team and display sportsmanship.
● Abide by the zero-tolerance policy on bullying (See Section 4 – Bullying).
Code of Conduct violations by players may result in the following actions:
● If a player is disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise violates this Code of Conduct during a game or practice, they will receive a verbal warning from the coach.
● If the violation continues, the player may be required to sit out the remainder of the game/practice and the coach will discuss the violation with the player’s parents or guardians.
● If during a game a player is required to leave the playing area by an official (red card), the player will be subject to the league rules regarding red card suspensions.
● In the case of repetitive, persistent, or extreme violations, Stow Soccer Club reserves the right to suspend the player for a period or indefinitely at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Section 3 – Coach Code of Conduct
The following serves as a general overview of how Stow Soccer Club expects our coaches to conduct themselves:
● Complete all requirements to keep your coaching card up to date.
● Prioritize player safety above all else. To the best of your ability, ensure the soccer environment is free from physical dangers and other factors that may impede a player's well-being.
● Provide an environment where players have an opportunity to have fun, grow their love of the game, and improve as soccer players.
● Remember that you represent our club and community, and your words and actions serve as an example for your players. Model SPORTSMANSHIP and the values of Stow Soccer Club at games:
○ Respect officials - refrain from arguing with or yelling at officials at any time during a match.
○ Respect players on both teams.
○ Respect spectators - refrain from being argumentative towards supporters of the players on either team.
○ Respect opposing coaches – refrain from being argumentative towards the coaches of the opposing team.
○ Refrain from using abusive or inappropriate language or actions.
● Abide by the zero-tolerance policy on bullying (See Section 4 – Bullying).
● Communicate the Code of Conduct to players, parents, coaches, and spectators associated with your team.
● Report violations of the Code of Conduct to the Director of Soccer Operations.
Code of Conduct violations by coaches may result in the following actions:
● A coach may receive a verbal warning and a reminder of the club’s expectations.
● If a coach continues to exhibit behavior in contrast to this code, they may be required to leave the playing area.
● If a coach is required to leave the playing area at the direction of a board member or official (red card), the coach will not be permitted to return for the remainder of the game and the following two games. The coach will also be subject to league rules regarding red card suspensions.
● In the case of repetitive or extreme violations, Stow Soccer Club reserves the right to suspend or indefinitely exclude the coach from coaching with Stow Soccer Club in the future.
Section 4 – Bullying
Stow Soccer Club is committed to providing players a fun, positive, and secure environment in which to learn and enjoy the game of soccer. We do not tolerate bullying at any practice, game, or club-sanctioned event. We will promote a TELLING atmosphere. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is taking place is expected to report the incident. Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as conduct, gestures, or comments that are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to a player, group of players, or teammates and that create a hostile or intimidating environment, or negatively affect a player’s physical or emotional well-being. Bullying is any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it is a single incident or a series of incidents that result in intentional pain and distress to the victim.
Anti-Bullying Procedures
● Parents should report bullying incidents to the team coach or manager. If the problem persists, reach out to the Stow Soccer Club Director of Operations. Coaches or team managers should inform the Director of Operations immediately of any bullying activity reported to them.
● If necessary and appropriate, police may be consulted.
● In all cases of reported bullying, the parents of the player who was bullied shall be informed immediately and may be asked to meet with the respective team coach and/or a board member to discuss the incident. In all cases, strict confidentiality shall be maintained. It is not our goal to make a public example of reported incidents.
● The negative behavior must be investigated and the bullying stopped immediately. The parents of any player who is reported to be bullying will be contacted immediately by the respective team coach or board member to discuss the incident to help the bully or bullies change their behavior.
Anti-bullying policy violations may result in the following actions:
● In a first-offense situation involving bullying, an attempt will be made to encourage the bully (or bullies) to modify their behavior for their benefit, for the benefit of the person bullied, and for the team. An attempt will be made by the coach, manager, or parent(s) to reconcile the situation between players (age and level of maturity and or severity of offense must be considered).
● If the bullying persists, disciplinary action against a player may be taken by the team coach or Stow Soccer Club Board of Directors, which may include, but is not limited to:
○ Temporary suspension from participation in practices or game(s).
○ Restitution for any damage to property or personal possessions.
○ Permanent suspension from participation in Stow Soccer Club.
● After the incident(s) have been investigated and addressed, the situation will continue to be monitored by the respective team coach, team manager, and players’ parents to ensure the problem is resolved.
● Stow Soccer Club reserves the right to institute any of the above procedures in any order or to skip any of the above procedures as the board sees fit to correct the situation as it occurs.
● Any retaliation against someone who reports bullying will be dealt with very seriously.
Section 5 – Acknowledgment
By signing below, I hereby acknowledge that I have completely read and fully understand the Code of Conduct policy for Stow Soccer Club, and I will abide by it to the best of my ability (Please check all areas of this Code of Conduct that apply to you and sign on the corresponding line).
Spectator/Parent/Guardian
Print Name Sign Name Date
Coach/Volunteer
Print Name Sign Name Date