FAIR PLAY CODES

For Soccer players, coaches, parents and spectators WHAT IS FAIR PLAY?

Integrity, fairness and respect – these are the principles of fair play. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fuelled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results.

• help your athletes develop a positive self image
• promote respect for the rules, officials and their decisions, and opponents
• encourage a constructive attitude toward competition
• develop a sense of dignity under all circumstances
• provide an equal opportunity for all to learn skills
• encourage these individuals to continue participation in sport.

YOU are one of the most influential people in a child’s life. Your job is not only to teach how to hit a ball or block a spike, but also to teach how to win and lose graciously. You must also remind them that sport is meant to be fun. The athletic skills these young people learn from you may only be used for a few years. The attitudes they develop toward themselves and others will last a lifetime.

• Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach
• Play by the rules
• Never argue with the official’s decisions. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions
• Control your temper – no mouthing off or throwing equipment
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
• Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your own or your opponents’
• Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of any player
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a show-off or always try to get the most points or penalties.
• Co-operate with your coach, teammates and opponents, for without them you don’t have a game.

PARENT’S CODE

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports
• Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours
• Encourage your child always to play by the rules
• Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment
• Turn defeat to victory by helping your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition
• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team
• Do not publicly question the officials’ judgement and never their honesty
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

SPECTATOR’S CODE

• Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are NOT miniature adults
• Be on your best behavior. Don’t use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials
• Applaud good plays by your own team and the visiting team
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no games
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms
• Respect the officials’ decisions
• Encourage players always to play according to the rules

THE COACH

COACHES' CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Treat opponents and officials with due respect, both in victory and defeat. Likewise, teach your athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
2. Ensure that all athletes receive equal instruction, support and playing time.
3. Remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves. Direct your comments or criticism at the performance rather than the athlete. NEVER ridicule or yell at your athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. Be generous with praise.
4. Set a good example. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable image of the sport and of coaching.
5. Be responsible when scheduling practices and team activities remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
6. Make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities.
7. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
8. Abstain from the use of tobacco products and from drinking alcoholic beverages while in the presence of the athletes.
9. Obtain proper training and continue to upgrade your coaching skills.
10. Maintain control of your parents and spectators at all times

PARENTS' CODE OF CONDUCT:

Do:

• Approach every issue with a positive attitude. Get involved and have fun!
• Ensure that your son/sons is/are prepared and on time for all games and practices.
• Make sure uniforms are well maintained and returned, clean and in good shape, to team managers at season end.
• Leave the coaching to the coach; too many instructions from the sidelines can leave the players confused.
• Model good sportsmanship by respecting and encouraging everyone at the soccer pitch: players, coaches, referees and the opposing team. Focus on effort rather than outcome, the positive rather than the negative.
• Provide a healthy example by not smoking or drinking at games
• Communicate openly and constructively with your son’s coach in the spirit of team effort about your child's soccer experience or when you have ideas or problems.
• Encourage your child to speak directly to the coach, respectfully, if he has questions or concerns about some aspect of the game.

Do Not:

• Expect the coaches to act as babysitters, especially at the PeeWee levels. Be on site to assist the coach (if agreeable) and help with discipline issues.
• Criticize the referee or players. If necessary, speak quietly to the coach instead.
• Question the coach's strategy or technique during the game no matter what.
• Place blame or praise on any individual for the outcome of a game. Soccer is a team sport; you win and lose together.
• Compare the talents of different players on the team, especially in the company of children.
• Offer incentives or rewards for specific outcomes: the player will know if he played to his potential or not.
• Get involved with conflicts at the park. Address issues at an appropriate time and place (see 'Communications').