Extract from Thurston County Youth Soccer Association Bylaws relating to coaches’ and spectators’ Code of Conduct

Article 11 Coaches

11.1 Each coach will abide by his/her club’s code of behavior, the Association’s Coaches’ Code of Conduct, as reflected in Article 12 below, and the requirements of WYS.

11.2 No coach will have in his/her possession, or consume, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during any game or practice.

11.3 No coach will be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during any game or practice.

11.4 The Association encourages clubs to make every effort to ensure that each player eligible to participate in a match receives a fair allocation of playing time. Fairness conveys obligations on both the coach and the player.

11.5 Coach licensing is not mandatory but the Association commits to supporting the development of the clubs’ coaches, including the attainment of recognized coaching qualifications. Member clubs may mandate minimum coaching requirements.

Article 12 Coaches’ Code of Conduct

12.1 Coaches of member clubs must abide by the following Coaches’ Code of Conduct

As a coach in the TCYSA soccer program, I realize that I am responsible for the emotional, physical and skill growth of each player through his/her participation in soccer.

With regard to players on my team, I will endeavor to learn more about the game of soccer. I will learn the laws of the game and the specific laws for my team’s age group. I will strive to be a good instructor and a positive role model for my players. I will teach my players to understand and play within the letter and spirit of the laws of the game and I will always put winning in its proper perspective. We win when we do our best no matter what the score is.

With regard to opposing teams, I will endeavor to make my team a positive role model and I will not coach, nor allow my players to play, with intent to cause injury to opposing players. Players, spectators and I will not display hostile behavior toward players on, and supporters of, the opposing team. I will applaud good play by players on my team and the opposing team and I will emphasize winning without boasting and losing without bitterness.

With regard to referees I recognize that the referee is responsible for the application of the laws of the game and the exercise of judgment. I believe that referees, just as coaches and players, do their best to be impartial. I will instill in my players and spectators a respect for all referees. My players, spectators and I will never address a referee before, during or after a game in a demeaning fashion.

With regard to my parents and spectators, I will instruct my parents in the appropriate manner in which to demonstrate good sportsmanship. I will ask that they not instruct players unless asked to be part of the coaching staff. I will involve parents whenever I can. I will instill respectful behavior from my parents by being what I want them to be.

Article 13 Spectators

13.1 Each spectator will abide by his/her club’s code of behavior, the Association’s Spectators’ Code of Conduct, as reflected in Article 14 below, and the requirements of WYS.

13.2 Adherence to the Spectators’ Code of Conduct is the responsibility of the team coach. Spectators may be cautioned by the coach for behavior that breaches this code. In exceptional circumstances referees may directly caution or eject spectators.

13.3 Spectators may be called before the Judicial Committee to answer charges of breaches of the requirements of Article 13.1 above.

Article 14 Spectators’ Code of Conduct

14.1 Spectators must abide by the following Spectators’ Code of Conduct.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.” I commit to the following:

I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is, primarily, for them. I will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other team or league event. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing or taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health or wellbeing of the athletes. I will teach my child to play by the rules. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than the outcome of the game. I will encourage my child to compete fairly. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making mistakes. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss or confront coaches or referees at the game field. I will speak with my team coach at an agreed upon time and place to discuss any concerns I might have. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am a designated coach or assistant for that team.