Please take some time to review the video and documents. It will help you understand the approach that we have to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Showing Respect for your Players and the Coach (video opens in new window)

 

 

PLAYERS

Play for fun and enjoyment!

  • Play by the rules.
  • Display and promote high standards of behaviour;
  • Promote fair play; Win and lose with dignity.
  • Play for the fun of it and not just to please parents and coaches.
  • Respect and cooperate with team mates, coach/manager, match officials (incl. volunteers) and the decision of those officiating the match; Without them there would be no game. Never engage in offensive, intimidating, harassing, insulting or abusive language or behaviour;
  • Never argue with an official. The captain or coach may inquire of an official during the game or a break regarding the reason for a decision.
  • Never engage in public criticism of match officials;
  • Work equally hard for yourself and for your team.
  • Be a good sport. Cheer all good play from your and the other team. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player, including on social media.

 

 

PARENTS

Children play for fun and enjoyment!

  • If children are interested, encourage them to play. However, if a child is not willing, do not force them.
  • Focus upon the child’s effort and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
  • Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
  • Encourage children to always play according to the rules.
  • Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  • Remember that children are involved with organised sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Keep what you say on the ride home in the car positive.
  • Children learn best from example. Applaud good play by both teams.
  • If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Verbal and physical abuse are not acceptable on or off the field.
  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and they deserve your total support. They are not there to babysit your child. You are responsible for your child while at training and at the game.

 

 

COACHES

Focus on the development of the player and team.

  • Safety for your team is the top priority.
  • Encourage good sportsmanship and positive attitudes. You may ask the referee for the reason for a decision, but never argue with the referee for any reason.
  • You are there to coach soccer, to model appropriate behaviour & character, and hopefully teach some life skills along the way, but not to resolve behavioural problems or to babysit.
  • You are there for the whole team, not one or two individuals.
  • Anything which is destructive, or an obstacle, to the cohesion of the team must be addressed.
  • Be on time for practice and games, and anytime you can’t, ensure that others are organised and prepared to cover for you.

 

 

Note:

  • Everyone who has registered gets a run. Throughout the season, in children’s non-comp and comp teams, substitutions should be done based on time, though in comp teams timing of substitutions will be determined by team structure. This includes finals. If unsure speak to the head coach.
  • Children cannot be held responsible for training attendance. It is fair to expect players to make training, and in comp teams it is OK to play them from the bench if they don’t make the training, but everyone still gets game time.