Coach / Player / Parent / Referee Expectations

Impact United Soccer Club wishes to project a positive image. An attitude of cooperation, respect, maturity and positive support for the players, coaches and referees is essential to maintain this image. The following information from U.S. Youth Soccer should be used as guidelines for behavior.

Coach’s Code

Soccer should be fun for everyone.
Take a course on the Laws. Regard the Laws as mutual agreement.
Attend coaching classes to learn the most effective ways to conduct practices.
Be accepting of the referee’s decisions.
Do not make loud offensive remarks.
Concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of the referee’s decisions.
Be positive. Avoid confrontation with any official.
Be a role model of fair play.
During games, leave the decisions to the players.
Set high standards.
Teach skills and fair tactics.
Discourage unfair gamesmanship.
Be firm with parents at games.
Give good guidelines to parents.
Communicate with parents often in meetings and social gatherings.
Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee.
Referee games.
Delegate responsibilities.

Player’s Code

Play the game for the game’s sake.
Be generous when you win.
Be gracious when you lose.
Be fair always, no matter what the cost.
Obey the laws of the game.
Work for the good of your team.
Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.
Believe in the honesty of your opponents.
Conduct yourself with honor and dignity.

Parent’s Code

Be knowledgeable of the game.
Encourage fair play at home.
Focus on good nutrition.
Be supportive; i.e. Be sure the player attends practices; pick him/her up on time.
Watch practices; focus on new strategies.
Ask your own children to describe his/her role, what new skills have been learned.
Find soccer videos, watch them with children.
Attend games.
Be positive or quiet at games.
Be calm and have good manners.
Support the coach’s and referee’s decisions.
Concentrate on praising other people’s children during games.
Volunteer to help the coach.
Encourage communication between coach and parent.
Read newspaper articles about older soccer players’ successes; provide models for your own children.
Become a referee.
Play the game of soccer.

Referee Code

Study the game of soccer.
Know the laws and the rules.
Attend meetings, clinics, seminars.
Be professional; i.e. On time, in proper uniform, prepared, fit.
Show respect to players, coaches, parents and spectators.
Know and use proper procedures.
Explain the rules when needed.
Help less experienced referees.
Take each game seriously.
Smile, enjoy the game.
Always remain calm.
Be neutral.
Be firm, fair and honest.
Be consistent.
Implement good management techniques.
Show courage and confidence; avoid arrogance.
Accept only the number and level assignments that can be done well.
Seek evaluation from coaches/players.
Be assessed regularly.
Play the game to better understand it.