GSYSL COACH'S CODE of ETHICS

 

Conduct at the Game

Remain within the technical area; keep your comments positive; do not abuse your players verbally.

Do not address the referee or the assistants during the game.  If you have a question or criticism, make it privately to the official after the game.

Never comment on the other team.

Responsibility for Others

If an assistant, manager or parent becomes abusive in any way, and you cannot quiet them, ask them to leave before the referee has to.  They are all your responsibility from the time you come on to the field until you leave.

Explain to parents that the referee is trained in the laws of the game, and is almost always better positioned than a spectator to see what actually happened.  Point out that much of refereeing is judgment and that the referee is neutral, parents are not.  Let them know that all referees miss calls in every game; three people watching 22 in constant motion over 2 acres cannot see everything.

We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved.  A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.

Before, during and after the game, be an example  of dignity, patience and positive spirit.

Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.

During the game you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players.  If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him or her to calm down.

During the game your are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players.  It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. 

Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team.  Discourage them -  and you may need to be forceful and direct - from yelling at players and the referee.

During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.

During the game, do not address the referee at all.  If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.  If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to the league.  Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.

After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.

We Stress two points:

Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop.  You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game.  You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments.  On the other hand, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.

Your example is powerful, for better or worse.  If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall long-term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice.  If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.

Think about what you're doing during a game!  Uphold the spirit of the game!  If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts, and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.

Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.

 

·         I will make every effort to directly address any issues relating to a player (i.e. regarding performance, stature on the team or areas of improvement) as presented to me by a player. In addition, I will make myself as accessible as possible to any player.

·         I acknowledge that individual playing time, game strategy and the starting line-up will not be up for discussion and will be based primarily on each individual player’s ability, fitness, openness and attitude to the start of a game, as well as practice performance and attendance.

·         I will to the best of my ability work to establish as positive a developmental environment as possible.

·         I will make every effort to encourage each child to support all team activities prior to and during the season as it relates to developing the spirit of the team.

·         I will encourage each child to treat all other players, coaches and referees with respect by showing positive support and will not verbally or physically abuse any officials, coaches or players at every game and practice.

·         I understand that I am responsible for my own actions as well as those of players and parents.

·         In the spirit of the game I will not run up scores unnecessarily.

 

I have read and understand the GSYSL rules regarding forfeits and rescheduling of games.

 

GSYSL Rescheduling Policy (regular league games – non weather related event)

Once the schedule is posted changes will only be considered under extenuating circumstances. Requests must be submitted to the League Chair for consideration and approval after consultation with the league scheduler.

In the event a team does not play a game as scheduled, for other than weather or field reasons, cancellation by the Field Coordinator or unless an authorized change to the schedule has been made, any team that fails to appear for or play a game shall forfeit. The opposing team (11v.11) will be credited with a 1—0 win for standings purposes. Fines for forfeited games are as follows:

Schedule Changes:

-League/Opponent notified 14 days prior to game day will incur NO fine or $50 Fine if not rescheduled ($50.00 to be distributed to opposing team that lost the opportunity to play).

-League/Opponent notified 7 days prior to game day will incur a $50.00 fine/$100 if not rescheduled ($50.00 will be distributed to the opposing team that lost the opportunity to play).

-League/Opponent notified 3 days prior to game day will incur a $100.00 fine/$150 if not rescheduled ($50.00 will be distributed to the opposing team that lost the opportunity to play).

-League/Opponent notified 1 days prior to game day will incur a $150.00 fine/$200 if not rescheduled ($50.00 will be distributed to the opposing team that lost the opportunity to play).

--League/Opponent notified within 24 hours prior to game day will incur a $200.00 fine/$250 if not rescheduled ($100.00 will be distributed to the opposing team that lost the opportunity to play). In addition, the forfeiting team shall pay any Referee fees incurred by the League as well as a $250 fine.  The opposing team (11v.11) will be credited with a 1—0 win for standings purposes.

In the event the team and/or costs are not paid forthwith, the League shall be authorized to place the offending Club in bad standing .

Only the “home team” Field Coordinator may cancel games for unplayable conditions or unexpected field emergencies, always excepting the determination by Referees on the field of play that field conditions are unsafe and the scheduled game therefore cancelled.

No games will be rescheduled without consent of the League Chair

Games canceled and rescheduled by coaches or clubs not sanctioned by the league will not be recognized by league standings and are subject to forfeit and league fines of $100 to both teams.

The team initiating a rescheduling MUST notify the opposing team, league chair and league scheduler at the same time.

No League notification and failure to play a scheduled game the forfeiting team shall pay any referee fees incurred by the League as well as the $250.00 fine to be distributed as stated above.