Code of Conduct – Coach

Sierra Surf Soccer Club Coach’s Code is organized under four basic principles. They are:

1. Setting a good example
2. Keeping players safe
3. Ensuring that all participants in Sierra Surf have a positive experience; and,
4. Relating to game officials in an exemplary manner and encouraging players to do the same

Setting a Good Example 

The coach’s example is powerful. If a coach insists on fair play, concentrates on the “love” of the game, and a players’ overall, long-term development, and supports the referee, players and parents will notice. If a coach discourages (or allows) players to play outside the rules, if they are overly concerned about the results, and if they criticize the referee or opposing coach, players and parents will also notice.

Players deserve a coach they can respect.

• Coaches, in all contact with players, parents, officials, and coaches should strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. Before, during, and after the game, they should be an example of dignity, patience, and a positive spirit
• Before games, our coaches should meet and exchange greetings with opposing coaches to set the proper tone for the game. After games, the teams and coaches should meet and congratulate each other in a sportsmanlike manner
• Coaches should ensure that their players’ soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment, and improvement in skill (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at, lectured, or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game. Coaches should be generous with praise when it is deserved
• Coaches should avoid any conduct that could be construed as physically or verbally abusive
• Coaches should completely refrain from verbal dissent during a game with an opposing coach’s bench
• Coaches should honor all professional relationships with colleagues, associations, the media, officials, and the public. Conflicts of interest and exploitation of these relationships must be avoided

Keeping Players Safe

Coaches should have the safety of the players in their charge as their first priority at all times. Coaches should be familiar with the facility and fields on which their teams practice and play, and be mindful of the levels of fitness and skill of each one of their players. Coaches should also be familiar with the FIFA’s Laws of the Game, or USYS’s Players And Playing Rules, be current with principles of age-appropriate coaching, be aware of applicable existing rules and regulations, and, be informed of the affairs of Sierra Surf and their league(s).

• Coaches should check players’ equipment and playing facilities frequently. They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of players
• Coaches should follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again. If any coach suspects an untreated or undiagnosed injury or illness, he or she may require the player to seek medical attention and return only with a medical release. During a game, and in an absence of medical advice, coaches should err on the side of caution in permitting an injured player to return to play

Creating a Positive Experience

Sierra Surf wants to ensure that games are fair, positive, and enjoyable experiences for 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.

• Coaches should require all players and spectators to adhere to the highest level of sportsmanship at all times. During the game, the coach is responsible for the sportsmanship of the players. If a player is carded, disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, the coach should remove the player from the game at least long enough for him or her to calm down. Coaches should explain acceptable behavior to players and parents at a preseason meeting. Coaches should also encourage parents to make positive comments about “good play” by either team. Prohibit them from yelling at players and referees.

Relating to Game Officials

Coaches should demonstrate respect for game officials. Coaches can help referees improve by letting them concentrate on the game, accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes, and offering constructive post-game comments.

• Before a game, coaches should introduce themselves to the referee. During the game, they should never address the referee except to request a substitution. After the game, they should thank the referee and ask players to do the same
• A small disagreement should be discussed with the referee calmly after the game. For major complaints, or if the referee appeared to be unfair, biased, unfit, or incompetent, report opinions to the Director of Coaching

Code of Conduct – Parent

The following code of conduct is being implemented so that you, as parents of Sierra Surf players, will know what is expected of you. As a club, we expect our parents to act like reasonable and prudent individuals, who represent the club positively on and off the field.

Who We Are, What We Value

Sierra Surf values hard work, commitment, and excellence both on and off the pitch. We believe that parents play a vital role in impacting and positively representing our soccer community through the examples we set.

To ensure the best possible experience for our players, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, we expect our parents (and any family/friends who come with them to games) to be positive and supportive to all players. Parents/Spectators participate in a match by watching, cheering, and supporting the efforts of all participants of the match. Soccer should be fun. The game is for the players; their participation and enjoyment of the game is the most important element. Still, parents have responsibilities to the coach, to the team, and to everyone involved with Sierra Surf.

1. Parents/Spectators must respect the authority of the referee and his/her assistants. They will not harass, abuse, or berate the referee during or after the match. They shall not enter the field of play unless in an emergency when a Sierra Surf official or referee asks them to
2. Parents/Spectators are expected to respect the coaches and their assistants. They should never criticize a coach in public
3. Parents (including Team Managers) are not permitted to coach from the touchline. This behavior is distracting and disruptive. Parents who repeatedly coach from the touchlines may be asked to no longer attend games. Game Day communication is great, but under no circumstances is there any shouting or coaching from the touchlines. Encourage the players, but there is ONE coach that is responsible for player instruction and coaching, let him or her do the coaching, let the game be the teacher…
4. Parents/Spectators are expected to show respect to all players. Make only positive comments. Encourage both teams, and never berate either team. Cheer in a way to reward the good play of both teams, and promote fair play
5. Parents/Spectators must not use foul or abusive language for any reason
6. Parents/Spectators have a responsibility to learn the Laws of the Game (FIFA’s Laws of the Game, or USYS’s Players And Playing Rules), and to realize the Spirit of the Game is about fun and fair competition. Sierra Surf is beginning to integrate more parent education to enhance the enjoyment of the game for all of our families
7. Parents/Spectators are encouraged to get involved with the club and promote it in a positive way.  Sierra Surf offers many great volunteers and community-based opportunities for our families to become more involved
8. Parents/Spectators (including Team Managers) must demonstrate sportsmanship and integrity.  They are the role models for their children. Team Managers, even though volunteers in these roles, are considered Sierra Surf officials for the role taken on in support of the team, Coach and players
9. Parents commit to supporting the player’s to attend every practice, game, and training session
10. Parents are welcome to watch practices, but should not be a distraction to their child or the team as a whole. Please keep in mind that pets and siblings can also distract players and staff
11. Parents will help support team game day needs. Typical roles for which parents may be asked to help out can include field set up or field takedown or transporting the team bench or tent to and from games
12. Parents are also responsible for knowing and understanding the Player Code of Conduct and supporting their child to abide by those parameters as well

Attendance

If a player cannot attend practice or games due to unforeseen circumstances, then that player is required to notify their coach as soon as it is possible to do so. For changes to availability on game day, the player (or parent of a younger player) should notify the coach right away.

Fees

It is understood by accepting a roster spot for their child on a Sierra Surf team, the parents are committing to pay club and team fees for their player(s) in a timely fashion. If parents fall behind in payment, their player(s) might not be allowed to train with the team, and/or might be ineligible for any games while fees remain outstanding. Injury or quitting the team does not release the player from meeting the club dues obligations set forth by the team.

Code of Conduct – Player

The following Code of Conduct is being implemented so that you know what is expected of you, as a player of Sierra Surf. Players are expected to act like reasonable and prudent individuals, who represent the club and your team on and off the field.  The club holds its coaches and parents to a code of conduct and feels it is equally important that players know their responsibilities.

Who We Are, What We Value

Sierra Surf values hard work, commitment, and excellence both on and off of the field. As a club, we believe that a player’s commitment to training sessions and games will not only help the club’s success but will also contribute to that individual’s personal ability to continually improve, as well as to each team’s quality of play. Athletes play soccer to have fun, to learn, to develop a passion for the game, and to improve their skills. In doing so, they represent their team, coach, parents, and community. We expect all players to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and fair play. Players must show respect for the game, the coach, teammates, opponents, and the authority of the referee and his/her assistants. This is demonstrated as follows:

• Players will play within the Laws of the Game and with the Spirit of the Game in mind
• Players are expected to be on time (arriving at the requested time, not when the match/training starts) and prepared for matches and training sessions
• Players will display self-control in all situations and will not use foul or abusive language at any time before, during, or after a match or training session
• Players shall train and play to the best of their ability, have a positive attitude, and encourage others to do the same. Negative comments by players will not be tolerated. The coach should speak to the player to make sure they understand what is acceptable and what is not. The coach should have a similar conversation with the team. The first offense is a warning and should be used to educate the player. The second offense can result in a game suspension, and the third can possibly be expulsion from team and club
• Players will show respect towards the referee and assistants, as well as towards the opponents. They will not harass, abuse, or berate a referee for any reason

Travel

Whenever a team travels, players are expected to:

1. Act appropriately and avoid circumstances that could negatively represent the club and its members
2. Dress and act appropriately at meals, in hotel lobbies, and during special events
3. Always be mindful that their actions represent the entire Sierra Surf community

Commitment 

Players are expected to attend every practice unless that practice has been deemed “optional” by the coaching staff. If a player cannot attend practice due to unforeseen circumstances, then that player is required to notify their coach as soon as it is possible to do so. For changes to availability on a game day, the player (or parent of a younger player) should text the coach.

Players are expected to wear the appropriate practice gear (shirts, shorts, shin guards, and proper shoes) and might be denied participation if they fail to do so.

All players must bring a properly inflated ball and water to practices and games unless instructed otherwise.

Be Prepared For Games

1. Players are expected to arrive and be ready for warm-up at least 45 minutes prior to kickoff, or as designated by the staff coach
2. Players should be outfitted in the appropriate uniform. However, all players always should bring all uniforms to every game
3. Players must be aware that playing time is earned. Coaches take into account player commitment, work ethic, behavior, and skill set in determining match lineups