1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.

2. I will remember that children participate to have fun.

3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability that may affect the safety of my child and/or of others.

4. I will learn the rules and policies of the game.

5. I 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 or practice.

6. I will not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct with an official, coach, player or parent.

7. I will not encourage any behaviors that would endanger the health of the athletes.

8. I will teach my child to play by the rules.

9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect.

10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning.

11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard.

12. I will never yell at my child or another participant for making a mistake.

13. I will emphasize skill development and practices over winning.

14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

15. I will respect the officials and their authority during the games.

16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices unless I am an official coach.


COACHES:

AYSO volunteer positions of Coach and Assistant Coach must promote sportsmanship and develop our players’ positive image, while developing the technical skill
and knowledge of the game of each player. The basis for the Coach and Assistant Coach as a role model are founded in the AYSO Philosophies, Vision and Mission.

Coaches and Assistant Coaches shall adhere to the AYSO National Coaching Program and AYSO Section, Area, and Region requirements, ethics, and standards of conduct,
including:
• Communicate clearly to players and parents about team goals, expectations, and obligations.
• Impress upon players, parents, and other family members that Good Sportsmanship applies to everyone - players, coaches, referees, spectators, and other AYSO volunteers.
• Discourage all negative comments and complaints about refereeing! (Referee issues should be directed to the Referee Administrator after the game.)
• Engage your team parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players.
• Make safety, skill development, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a fun environment the main goals.
• Consider the social and emotional status of the children you coach. You are not just coaching soccer but are helping develop the whole child.
• Treat players with kindness and patience. Commit to building players self-confidence and ability through positive instruction and good sportsmanship.
• Never lose control, yell at or belittle a player for making mistakes (we should normalize errors).
• Be reasonable (and realistic) in your demands on your players’ time, energy, enthusiasm, and performance on the field.
• Make sure equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
• Continue your own learning and development.
• Fair and equal playing time, and the overall self-esteem of the players, is a higher priority than the outcome of the game.
• Be current and knowledgeable in the Laws of the Game and impress on your players that they must always abide by the Laws of the Game.
• Limit touch-line behavior to positive instruction and encouragement. While periodic reminders for the players can help, excessive coaching from the sidelines is strongly discouraged. Let them learn and express themselves by letting them play!
• Post-match, coaches and players shall demonstrate sportsmanship by positively acknowledging the opposing team players, fellow coaches, and officials.
• Never openly complain about or demean other coaches or players. (Direct complaints to the Coach Administrator or Regional Commissioner.)
• Follow AYSO protocols and physician advice when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
• During team gatherings, practices, scrimmages, and games, coach and assistant coach must have possession of