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SYS Club General Code of Conduct

Stratford Youth Soccer adheres to the Ontario Soccer Association's (OSA) Code of Conduct.

All participants involved in the Stratford Youth Soccer Club will conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the good will and positive spirit of athletics. Participants will conduct themselves with the highest standard of courtesy, integrity and good sportsmanship.

  • All members and participants shall respect other coaches, players, members, fans, spectators and officials. Any inappropriate conduct, threats, harassment or abuse (verbal or physical) directed towards coaches, players, members, fans, spectators, officials, volunteers, parents, and team officials will not be tolerated.
  • All members, fans and participants of athletic events shall behave in a positive and supportive manner.
  • Violation by any member, fan or participant of this document and the codes of conduct contained within may result in an immediate and indefinite suspension from games, practices, tournaments, and special events for the family (including the player) or family member involved.

Code of Conduct: Players

I realize that participation on a team is a privilege and not a right, and because of this, I will adhere to the following code of conduct: All players will:

  • Demonstrate qualities of integrity, courtesy and good sportsmanship at all times:
    • I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
    • I will control my temper.
    • I will respect my opponents, coaches, officials, fans, and teammates.
    • I will always strive to give my best on and off the field of play.
    • I will have a positive outlook regardless of the circumstances.
    • I will be a team player.
    • I will treat my coach with respect, listen attentively and be an active participant during all practices and games.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to coaches and teammates by:
    • I will attend and be on time for every practice and game and inform my coach any time I am unable to attend a practice or game.
    • I will be willing to give 100% effort 100% of the time.
    • I will strive to improve in all skills involved in my activity and reach for a higher level of mastery.
    • I will communicate to my coach and teammates any information which will affect my participation and commitment in team activities such as job commitments, family holidays, injuries, etc.
    • Coaches are volunteers and are committed to giving their best for each player and the team.
    • I will do the same in return for my coaches and teammates

Code of Conduct: Parents

I realize that my child’s participation on a team is a privilege and not a right and because of this, I will conduct myself according to the following:

  • I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers (Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers) who give their time to provide sporting activities for my child.
  • I will handle disputes between myself and team officials with dignity and through proper team channels: privately with the coach and at an appropriate time.
  • I will handle disappointment regardless of what the issue is with dignity, maturity and common sense after all I am a role model for my child.
  • I will remember that my child plays soccer for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
  • I will encourage my child to play by the rules, and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or aggressive behaviour.
  • I will encourage and support my child’s decision to discuss their concerns with the coach independently.
  • I will teach my child that “doing one’s best” is as important as winning.
  • I will be positive and supportive in my comments to my child during competition.
  • I will be a fan not a fanatic.
  • I will support all the guidelines contained in this handbook including the coaches’ selection of the team and playing time.
  • I will participate actively in encouraging the players and will not coach from the sidelines.
  • I will let the Coaches do their job and will not interfere on the players’ side of the field during the course of the game.

Code of Conduct: Coaches

All coaches will embrace the philosophy that the game is a game of enjoyment. It is played not only in the pursuit of excellence but to promote a healthy lifestyle in the social, mental and physical development of the player. All coaches are to lead by example, and should therefore follow the same expectations of conduct as the player.

  • All coaches will focus on maintaining a high level of integrity and good sportsmanship as leaders of their teams.
  • I will respect all laws of the game.
  • I will regard and treat all officials and opponents with respect and as being honest in intention.
  • I agree that decisions of officials, no matter how unfair they may seem, are to be accepted without show of outward disgust.
  • I agree that it is desirable to win. However, winning at any cost defeats the purpose of the game.
  • I will treat all visiting teams as honoured guests.
  • I will treat all others as I, myself, would like to be treated.
  • The coach will promote the mental, social, and physical development of values in the athletes under their care.
  • I will be sensitive to the emotional needs of the athletes I coach.
  • I will deal with the concerns and complaints of players and parents in an open and honest fashion. In the event that I cannot resolve an issue I will direct the concern to Stratford Youth Soccer Head of House League or Travel.
  • I will clearly communicate my philosophies for playing time, player roles & expectations and team rules at the beginning and throughout the season.