ECSA SUGGESTED CODES OF CONDUCT

LEADER'S CODE OF CONDUCT (also available as PDF File )

The purpose of the Eastern Carolina Soccer Association (ECSA) is to provide youth soccer players the opportunity to develop soccer skills through a high level of competition. As a leader in the ECSA - as coach, assistant coach, manager, or trainer - I understand the importance of the role I play in the lives of my players, and I accept the great responsibility this places on me. In carrying out these responsibilities, I accept the following code of conduct:

• I will promote growth and development in a positive and supportive manner. I will nurture good sportsmanship and fair play by teaching and personally demonstrating my commitment to these virtues.
• I will teach and demonstrate respect for the Laws of Soccer. I will insist on the highest respect for soccer officials by players, parents, and fans. I understand that dissent is contrary to the Laws of Soccer and that criticism of officials could destroy the game. I will abide by ECSA's policies, procedures, and rules.
• As a head coach, I understand I am responsible for the behavior of my team's assistants, parents, and fans at all games.
• I will respect the players on my team and on other teams. I understand that soccer is merely a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are my opponents, not my enemies. I will teach my team to appreciate how the variety and diversity of players in our Association makes the league richer and more rewarding.
  

PLAYER'S CODE OF CONDUCT (also available as PDF File )

It is a privilege to be a player in the Eastern Carolina Soccer Association (ECSA). I understand I must follow the rules written below to remain a player in good standing in the Association:

• I will respect the game of soccer and its laws. I will learn these laws and try to follow them. I will play the game fairly.
• I will show respect for the authority of the referee, even though I will sometimes disagree with his calls.
• I will show good sportsmanship before, during, and after games. I understand that soccer is a game, and that the players on the other team are my opponents, not my enemies.
• I will help parents and fans understand the Laws of the Game so they can better watch and enjoy the game. I will be sure they understand that dissent is not permitted in the ECSA.
  

PARENT'S CODE OF CONDUCT (also available as PDF File )

Soccer is a wonderful sport and a passionate game. We should always remember that our attitude is contagious. The referees, the players, the coaches, and the fans should come together to match skills. The other team is our opponent, not our enemy, and thus should be treated with respect.

While winning is important, playing well and fairly is the essence of the game. We will set a good example for our children in their soccer development by adhering at all times to the following:

• We will not criticize the referee openly or directly before, during, or after matches. Any criticism shall be done in writing, not verbally, to my ECSA club representative.
• We will only give constructive feedback to players.
• We will cheer at all matches within the spirit of fair play and will do our best to cheer the effort regardless of the outcome. We will be mindful in matches with lopsided scores that cheering our own "winning" team might be misunderstood.
• We will do our best to teach our players to become students of the game.
• We will endeavor to find the "little successes" that our children have during each match.
• We will show the quality of our sportsmanship before, during, and after each and every match and help our children remember to thank the referees after the match without regard to the result.
• We will do our very best to have our children prepared for every match.
• We will support the learning effort of the players, the coaches, and the referees by demonstrating our patience.
• We understand that improper behavior at a match may result in a parent or fan being asked to leave the field by the referee, an ECSA official, or a club official so that the match is not jeopardized by the actions of the parent or fan.
• We will leave the coaching to the coach during the match. We will do our best to not give our child instructions during the match.
• We understand that (upon review) the ECSA can, and will if necessary, suspend our individual privilege to watch our child play should we behave in a manner that is rude or otherwise offensive.
• We will do our best to have as much enjoyment watching the match as the players should have playing the match.
  

REFEREE'S CODE OF CONDUCT (also available as PDF File )

Refereeing ECSA Soccer games is a privilege. To ensure a safe environment for all soccer participants, referees have been given special responsibilities and are therefore expected to act with professionalism and courtesy at all times.

As referees, we will set a good example for everyone in their soccer development by adhering at all times to the following:

• Always remember that the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.
• Study and learn the Laws of the Game and be aware of all changes. Understand the "spirit" of the Laws. Help fellow referees do the same.
• Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition. Always be neat in appearance.
• Understand that any criticism of a referee should be limited to constructive criticism in quiet, private referee-to-referee discussions and never within hearing distant of players, coaches, or spectators.
• Respect other referees' decisions.
• Perform designated responsibilities, including attending organized clinics, course, etc. Assist their colleagues in upgrading and improving their standards of officiating, instructing and assessing.
• Honor accepted match assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.
• Maintain good physical and mental condition so you can keep up with the action.
• Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.
• Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.
• Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.
• Conduct themselves with dignity both on and off the field of play and shall, by example, endeavor to inspire the true principles of fair play and earn the respect of those whom they serve.