CODE OF ETHICS & BEHAVIOR FOR COACHES

The position of coach or leader of any youth group is an important and serious responsibility. All the children look up to the coach and respect his position. His behavior is constantly under observation by them and they will strive to imitate his actions. The coach’s opinion and behavior during the game will carry more weight than anyone else, even parents.

The following CODE OF ETHICS AND BEHAVIOR is offered here to exemplify the ideal SAY coach.

I WILL:

Know the laws of the game and teach them to your players. Read the rulebook and attend a coaching and/or a referee clinic to enhance your knowledge of the game.

Abide by the laws of the game and the SAY rules. Set the example for your players that no one is exempt from the laws of the game.

Ensure that each practice and game is safe, fair and fun. Your players should always come first!

Treat the referee with respect, no matter what the call. Referees attend an eight-hour course and pass a 100-question test before they can become a SAY referee. Allow for the fact that they are human and will make mistakes, just as you do.

Exhibit exemplary conduct at both practices and games. Team discipline reflects the coach’s attitude 100%.

Coach clean, skillful, honest and sportsmanlike soccer. Stress playing hard to win over winning itself. Teach fair play and the "Golden Rule" (do unto other as you would have them do unto you) and apply it to all games and practices.

Set an example of good sportsmanship. Require all players and parents to behave in the same manner. The coach is responsible for conduct of the players and parents when they are together as a team.

Maintain a climate of enjoyment. Discourage negative remarks and/or harassment of players, referees and other spectators among players and spectators.

Work at team morale. Morale is as important as soccer skills and tactics, be a "fun leader."

Maximize praise and minimize criticisms. Make corrections slowly and calmly in a manner tailored to the individual. Start with a positive and end with a positive. Sandwich the correction in the middle.

Refrain from profanity or vulgar language. Remember that you are helping to mold the character of your players

Coach talented and non-talented players with equal vigor. Allow players more than their required-minimum playing time.

Minimize coaching from the sidelines during games. Screaming during the game accomplishes nothing. Instead, call the player to you and give instruction or wait until the next substitution time and sub him out for instructions and then put him back into the game.

Pre-plan all practice sessions in detail. Make them interesting, fast-paced and involve all team members as much as possible (minimize standing in lines).

Welcome feedback. No one is perfect! Don’t be afraid to change. Accept new ideas from players and parents alike concerning potential problems and ways to improve.

Refrain from using drug, alcohol and tobacco products at all youth soccer events. Encourage the player’s parents to refrain as well. Do not permit players to participate if they refuse to refrain.

I hereby pledge to follow this Coach’s Code of Ethics.

______________________________________ ______________

SIGNATURE DATE

PLEASE FILL OUT VOLUNTEER SCREENING AT :

https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp

(Free for volunteer) 

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

 (Free for volunteer)

If you have lived in PA for less than 10 years-  Obtain a clean criminal history report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation by providing a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police for the purpose of an FBI records check. ($27.50)

 If you have lived in PA for 10 or more years - sign affidavit at coach meeting 

COACHES MUST COMPLETE ONE OF THE TWO APPROVED ONLINE CONCUSSION COURSE:

  http://saysoccer.org/concussionpolicy.aspx

COACHES MUST COMPLETE ONLINE REFEREE TRAINING

http://saysoccer.org/onlinetraining.aspx

COACHES MUST GIVE A $50 retainer check or money order upon reciving equipment. The check/money order will be rturned when equipment is returened at the end of season. The check/money order will only be cashed if equipment is not returned in the order it was received by November 5th 2016

COACHING INFO:

http://saysoccer.org/coachinglibrary.aspx

http://saysoccer.org/rulebook.aspx

http://www.saysoccer.org/resources/1/Publications/RefereeingYouthSoccer.pdf