FirstKick

As a player, I will adhere to the following: I will play for the fun of the game – not just to please my parents or coach. I will learn to play by the Laws of the Game. I will be a positive role model by showing sportsmanship, respect, and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators. I will control my temper. I will resist the urge to retaliate when I fell I have been wronged. I will never argue with or complain about a referee's call or decision. I will concentrate on playing soccer with my best effort. I will work equally hard for my teammates as for myself. I will be a good sport by cheering on all good plays whether it’s my own team or the opponent’s. I will remember that the goals of the game are to have fun and improve my skills. Golden Rule: I will treat all players as I would like to be treated.

As a parent/guardian, I agree to set a good example for my child in his/her soccer development by adhering to the following: I will let the coaches coach and fully refrain from doing coaching of any kind from the sideline. This includes "psyching up" your child, placing additional pressure on them adead of competition, offering incentives for scoring goals or winning, and critiquing or criticizing their play after competition. I will be a positive role model by encouraging sportsmanship, showing respect to all and demonstrating positive support for players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every club activity. I will never ridicule or yell at my child, any other participant, coach, or referee for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will never criticize the referee or coach openly or directly during or after games. I will support the club by volunteering my time whenever possible. I will encourage communication between the player (my child) and the coach. This promotes growth by helping the player take responsibility. I will let the player (my child) think for himself or herself. To perform to the best of his/her abilities, a player needs to focus on the part of the game that they can control (fitness, positioning, decision-making, skill, aggressiveness, etc). If the player starts focusing on what they cannot control (the condition of the field, the referee, the weather, the opponent, and even the outcome of the game at times), they will not play to their potential. I will emphasize player and team skill development over winning. I will give positive feedback to players and the team by focusing on the successes that the players have, including moments of play and not just goals that are scored and wins that are achieved.

As a coach, I will set a good example to my players in their soccer development by adhering to the following: I will always place the safety and welfare of players over any competitive factor or the value of winning. I will impress upon players that they must abide by the written laws of the game and help them understand the core principles of sportsmanship. I will be reasonable in my demands on a young players’ time, energy, enthusiasm, and performance on the field. I will develop my team’s respect for the ability and performance of opponents and for the judgment of referees, even when they may disagree with calls or decisions. I will ensure that my players’ soccer experience is one based on fun and enjoyment of the game. Players will never be yelled at en masse in a harsh and critical manner, ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game, or punished in any way for what may be percieved as a poor performance. I will set a good example and be generous with my praise for players. I will keep my attitude and conduct towards officials, players, spectators, and coaches controlled and respectful. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during, or after a game. Coaches should never use their influence to demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, players, and opposing team members. I will stay informed of any developments or policies regarding youth soccer coaching and general child development. I will check my equipment and playing facilities to ensure that they meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of my players. I will follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again. I will communicate to players and parents my philosophy of playing and coaching soccer as well as my expectations for competition, sideline behavior, practice participation, and conflict resolution. I will regularly communicate to my team's players and parents (both as a group and individually when needed) about the club's playing philosophy, my personal coaching style and pedagogy. I will handle sideline behavior, practice particpation, and other conflict resolution within my team.