HIGH POINT SOCCCER CLUB

CODE OF CONDUCT

All players and coaches are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, on and off the field, at all games, regular league or tournament, and at practice sessions.  Soccer programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in soccer events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example by demonstrating fairness, respect and self-control.  It is expected that you will be responsible for your words and actions while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a soccer event and shall conform your behavior to the following code of conduct:

1.     To not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

2.     To not encourage your child, or any other person, to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

3.     To not engage in any behavior, which would endanger the health, safety or well being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

4.     To not encourage your child, or any other person, to engage in any behavior, which would endanger the health, safety or well being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

5.     To not use drugs or alcohol while at a soccer event and will not attend, coach, officiate or participate in a youth sports event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

6.     To not permit your child, or encourage any other person, to use drugs or alcohol at a soccer event and will not permit your child, or encourage any other person, to attend, coach, officiate or participate in a soccer event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

7.     To not engage in the use of profanity and negative verbalizations.

8.     To not encourage your child, or any other person, to engage in the use of profanity.

9.     To treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.

10.   To encourage your child to treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.

11.   To not engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

12.   To not encourage your child, or any other person, to engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

13.   To not initiate a fight or scuffle with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

14.   To not encourage your child, or any other person, to initiate a fight or scuffle with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or any other attendee.

15.   Players and coaches will shake hands with the opposing team after every game.

16.   All coaches, parents, players and spectators are responsible for containing litter on and off the fields.  At the conclusion of each game, the home team should inspect the field to insure that all litter has been placed in the receptacle and or removed from the field and surrounding area.

Failure to conform your conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a soccer event will be subject to disciplinary action and or fines, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:

1.     Verbal warning.

2.     Written warning.

3.     Suspension or immediate ejection from the youth sporting event.

4.     $200.00 Fine

5.     Season suspension or multiple season suspension.

* This is in addition to any disciplinary measures of fines levied by MCYSA and NJYS.

Any issues, complaints or problems should be directed to your coordinator or league contact for action, resolution or consideration. Don’t take matters into your own hands! 

S.A.G.E. Sportsmanship Pledge

This Pledge adopted from the MCYSA summarizes important elements of the youth sports experience and sets out your commitment to Sportsmanship and Fair Play.  It is a condition of your participation in the High Point Soccer Club as a player, parent, coach and spectator. 

Kids participate in sports primarily because it's fun. Adults need to keep it fun. Some adults get too emotional about youth sports because they are too concerned about how their kids are doing, have the mistaken belief that winning is very important, or have a desire for glory through their kids' success. That last one is part of the concept of living through your kids.Kids need to know that if they're trying their best, they are winners. Parents need to remember that their kids will not be great at everything. Recognizing that, parents can help most by relaxing and enjoying these fleeting years. 

Placing too much pressure on kids to perform well creates stress that can detract from their fun and can affect their self-esteem. Instructions shouted to players are distracting, usually too late, and sometimes inaccurate or in conflict with what the coach is teaching. 

I will not be loud or negative towards players, referees, coaches or spectators. I acknowledge that failing to show respect for people who are doing the best they can sets a bad example for our children and can result in my expulsion from the field. If someone else makes an inappropriate comment, I will not make a negative response that could lead to a confrontation. As a player, I should not act in a way that could lead to ejection from a match or embarrassment for my team. 

When I coach I will remember that encouragement and praise for every child, not just the best athletes, are critically important to their self-esteem and their ability to achieve the most they can. 

I recognize that striving to win, rather than winning itself, is what is important in sports and in life. Striving to win means doing the best you can. 

I recognize that players must get playing time to improve and gain the confidence that helps them do the best they can. I acknowledge that this is more important than winning games. 

I acknowledge that making mistakes and losing are part of life. I pledge that I will be tolerant of the mistakes of players, coaches, referees, and others. I recognize that mistakes are opportunities for learning. 

I recognize that within the parameters of competition, sportsmanship and fair play are paramount. I pledge that I will commit to promoting an atmosphere of healthy competition to ensure fun for all participants.