The Board of Directors of Arlington Soccer Club (ASC) reminds all players, families and coaches of the ASC Coach Code of Conduct. The ASC expects all coaches to support the ASC Mission and Coaching Philosophy through the actions they take and the examples they set for all participants.
The primary responsibility of the ASC youth soccer coach is to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for all the players while upholding the spirit of the game and keeping it fun. Subject to periodic review, by volunteering to coach, I agree to the following:
- I will treat everyone with respect. I will communicate appropriately to my coaching staff, players, families and opposing coaches, players and families.
- As a coach for ASC I acknowledge that when I coach a soccer team I represent the club on and off the field and will comply with ASC policies, in-season and out of season in any environment affiliated or not affiliated with ASC.
- I am responsible for the behavior and sportsmanship of my players. If one of my players is misbehaving, I will take the player out of the activity or game and remind them of the correct behaviors under the ASC Player Code of Conduct and/or the rules of the game.
- The ASC philosophy puts the development of players above team wins and losses – my ultimate goal must be on providing a safe, fair, fun and educational environment that is focused on the development of players.
- I acknowledge that focusing on player development means each player should play at least 50% each game.
- I will make every effort to ensure that I do not defeat an opponent by more than a 5 goal margin.
- I will model good sportsmanship by thanking referees post-game, congratulating the opposing team and coach, and having my players do the same.
- I have read and I understand the BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy and the BAYS Respect campaign, I will support it at all times. I will not speak to the referee during or after the game unless I am calling for substitution, pointing out an emergency during the game, or responding to the referee if addressed. I will not engage in criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game. I will use the proper post-game reporting options to address referee or sportsmanship issues.
- I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own behavior and that of the team, including players, parents, and coaches.
- I will report perceived misbehavior by other teams in an appropriate and timely manner to the relevant ASC Age Director, Sportsmanship Review Committee or President. I will not contact or communicate with the members of another team or club to criticize another team’s behavior or the policy or decision of another club. I understand and accept that communications between clubs involving sportsmanship and behavioral issues are the responsibility of the club Presidents. I will support investigations by the ASC Board of Directors and will accept the findings and decision of the ASC Board of Directors in a positive and collegial manner.
- I will remember that I am a volunteer youth soccer coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
I acknowledge that not following the expectations and policies described above, including not completing any required clearances, credentialing and training required by Mass Youth Soccer and/or ASC in a timely manner, may lead to discipline and/or removal from coaching by ASC and/or their leagues or governing bodies.