Code Of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Our objective is to enhance every participant's enjoyment of his or her experience. To better achieve that goal, we are outlining a Code of Conduct for all team officials, parents, players, coaches, and club volunteers involved with the NYSC. The Code of Conduct requires members to abide by the rules and regulations of the game (as set forth by FIFA, USSF, CJSA , and the NYSC) and to maintain a cooperative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. This Code of Conduct is a written contract between individuals and the NYSC. This contract is more than just paper, it is the essence of our purpose and philosophy and thus adherence to it is of primary importance. Flagrant or consistent failure to comply with the code of conduct will result in disciplinary action. The players, and parent's/guardian's signatures on the registration form constitutes written approval of the contract by the entire family. Coaches agree to abide by the Code of Conduct by affixing their signature to their contract.

1. Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Team officials, parents/guardians, players, coaches, and club volunteers are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport as well as the club. Excessive or abusive criticism and disrespectful for officials, opponents, teammates, coaches or supports undermines the purpose of the sport and brings to bear stress beyond the competition and not keeping with the spirit of the game.

2. Setting a Good Example

Each person associated with the NYSC is accountable for his/her own behavior. It is up to you to set a good example and to not tolerate those who do not. Conduct not tolerated:

• Vulgarity by team officials, parents/guardians, players, coaches or players.

• Harassment or belittling of officials, spectators, coaches or players.

• Physical violence or the threat of physical violence toward anyone at any time.

• Verbal abuse directed toward anyone or the taunting of opposing players, coaches or parents.

3. Proper Respect

A) The Referee – On a soccer field the referee is the symbol of authority and often the target of criticism. The referee's job is a difficult one and all referees are human and do make mistakes. Anytime you feel your team is being treated unfairly or you have an unqualified referee, talk to your team manager after the game. Team managers are asked to inform the NYSC Referee Coordinator of any problems that occur with officials. In accordance with FIFA laws, verbal abuse towards referees could result in a red card and ejection for the player or the removal of a coach or spectator. Referees have the authority to suspend play or abandon the game if a team official does not or cannot control his/her players and/or supporters.

B) The Opponents – Players, parents/guardians and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and supporters at all times. Any action deemed disrespectful will be punished under the guidelines of the violations section of this code of conduct. Sportsmanship begins with respect.

4. Violations of the Code of Conduct

CJSA policy manual section 10, and appendix J,  in conjunction with the NYSC Code of Conduct, set a minimum standard of discipline that is expected of players, coaches, and spectators. The responsibility for enforcing proper conduct at CJSA events rests with the host team official (manager, coach, and/or club officials). Any questions or disputes concerning the violations of this code of conduct as listed below can be brought before the NYSC Review Board.

A) Player Conduct – A player receiving a red card will be ejected from the game immediately and will not be able to participation in his/her team's next match. Repeat offenders could face further sanctions as determined by the coach or an inquiry by NYSC, or CJSA. If a red card issued to a NYSC player for violent conduct, serious foul play or abusive language the player may be suspended from participating in an additional game. The NYSC may decide to extend the number of games the player is suspended based on previous card history or on the seriousness of the action taken by the player that earned a card. Players who are abusive of coaches, other players (including teammates) or the referee may be banned from attending matches for one week (at least one game) if their coach so desires. Coaches may also recommend further sanctions at an inquiry of the NYSC Review Board.

B) Parent/Guardian/Spectator Conduct – Any parent guardian or spectator who is ejected from the game by the referee must remove themselves from the playing area immediately. CJSA policy stipulates that the removal shall include exclusion of the offender for an additional two games of a like kind. He/she will be banned longer if so determined by an inquiry of the NYSC Review Board.

C) Conduct of Team Officials – Any coach ejected from a game must remove himself or herself from the sideline immediately and depending upon the actions of the referee may possibly not participate in some number of subsequent games. Coaches who are abusive of other coaches, players, or referees may be banned from attending matches for one game or longer if so determined by an inquiry of the NYSC.

5. Review Board

A) Investigation – In the course of any game, function, or activity sponsored by or played under the auspices of the NYSC, if a fight, disorder, or other incident occurs in which a team, player, coach, adult volunteer, trainer, or parent/guardian or other member of the NYSC is actively involved, the President or his/her delegate may on their own initiative, or at the request of any member of the board of directors, request an investigation of said incident by the NYSC Review Board. A report and recommendations of any actions deemed appropriate shall be made to the President or delegate within two weeks of the Review Board's knowledge of such incident.

B) Appeal – There is no appeal process unless the President or Vice President deems it appropriate. Any motion to appeal must be insisted through the President or Vice President.

6. Conclusion

Sport provides a competitive, learning environment that teaches participants the values of teamwork, cooperation and sportsmanship. Soccer is just one spot that offers this type of environment for our children. We can still be competitive without crossing the line of decent behavior, keeping in mind that our children will follow our example. We should act accordingly. Coaches and parents together have an enormous impact on the lives of youth soccer players. While each parent must be accountable for his/her actions and teach his/her own son or daughter right from wrong, coaches and parents form a duo of role models from which many of our young men and women learn behaviors that they carry into adulthood. Cooperation and respect among adults will encourage those qualities in the players