Accept the decision of the officials with good grace.
Honestly and wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of your teammates and your opponents.
Work for the good of your team.
Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
Be gracious when you lose.
Be generous when you win. 1Taken from Regina Soccer Association, Codes of Conduct, Appendix XV
Official's Code2
Apply rules and regulations to match the level of the players. Explain briefly the decisions if necessary.
Use common sense to ensure that the “spirit of the game” for children is not lost by overcalling the game.
Actions speak louder than words. Ensure both on and off field behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.
Compliment both teams on their good plays and at the end of the game.
Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling all infractions, fouls & misconduct.
Act to promote fair play at all times.
Create a positive and constructive environment to help the participation and enjoyment of the children.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on the sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
Enjoy the game, be friendly and try to improve your skills every game. 2Taken from The Canadian Soccer Association, Laws of the Game Made Easy, 2004/2005
Coach's Code3
I will try to be a coach that children can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
I will try to be a coach that children can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and fair playing time.
I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
I will be responsible when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young players have other interests and obligations.
I will ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete’s age and abilities.
I will try to obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my own coaching skills. 3Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Soccer Rules, North Zone Soccer, Revised 2002
Parent's Code4
Make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience.
Children have more need for encouragement than criticism.
Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences.
Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
Accept the results of the each game. Encourage them to:
Be gracious in victory, and
Turn defeat into victory by helping the child work towards improvement.
Be kind to your child’s coach and officials. The coach is a volunteer giving personal time to provide a recreationalactivity for your child. The coach is providing a valuable community service, often without reward other than thepersonal satisfaction of having served his/her community.
The opponents are necessary friends. Without them your child could not participate meaningfully.
Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of the loser we find the person called the official. All ofthem follow the same creed – to watch every move of every player and to call the game to the best of their ability.Do not openly question their judgement and never their honesty. They are a symbol of fairplay, integrity andsportsmanship. 4Regina Soccer Association, Codes of Conduct, Appendix XV
IF CHILDREN ENJOY THE GAME WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK!