Hondo Youth Soccer Association

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest arise when one expects some consideration not specifically deserved and not
generally available to others in an area of special interest. Special interest does not in and of itself
indicate a conflict of interest. If one profits from a special interest situation, but in a way for others to
also benefit, there may not be a conflict of interest.

A conflict of interest occurs when one individual, or a select group of individuals, profits from the special
interest situation in a way not deserved and not available to others, and possibly to the detriment of
others.

Areas of special interest for volunteers in youth sports organizations, such as the local soccer club,
include treatment and promotion of
• The volunteer’s own child
• The volunteer’s team, or the team on which the volunteer’s child plays
• The volunteer’s club
• The volunteer should endeavor to avoid all reasonable appearances of conflict.

Such instances of potential conflict certainly include, but are not limited to:
• Promotion of a single player at the expense of others
• Promotion of one team or club to the detriment of others and not on the basis of fair play
competition.

Possible inappropriate inducements include monetary or other valuable gifts, special treatment, and
other possible considerations.

The volunteer coach has the opportunity to unfairly promote his or her own child. The administrator can
put his or her child on a team in violation of club rules and regulations. The referee assignor can give the
best referees to favored teams and the worst to teams he or she dislikes.
The motto "The Game for All Kids" should be helpful in sorting through potential conflicts of interest.
This is not the game for coaches, for trainers, for promoters, for profit, etc.; it is "the game for all kids."

Adopted as HYSA Policy by the HYSA Governing Board, October 23, 2023.