Coach’s Code of Conduct
Enthusiastically support and practice “Everyone Plays” and Positive Coaching philosophies of AYSO.
Be reasonable in your demands on the young players’ time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the soccer field.
Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
Ensure that your players’ soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
Keep informed about sound principles of coaching, growth and development principles relating to children.
Enlist the support of your team’s parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players.
Check equipment and facilities that you use. They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players.
Follow the advice of physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.

Parent’s Code of Conduct
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory – that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Be aware of this fact and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child’s team as well as good plays by the opposing team.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports.

Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It’s very important to let children establish their own goals – to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.

Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Children play for the fun of playing.

Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it’s all part of learning, so encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Don’t Be A Sideline Coach Or Referee
AYSO coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child’s soccer experience a positive one. They need your support, too.

That means refrain from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. In a volunteer organization like AYSO there’s always an opportunity to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!

Player’s Code of Conduct
Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the rules. Treat all players as you would like to be.
Control your temper and, most of all, resists the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team’s or your opponent’s.
Remember: the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. DON’T be a showoff or a ball hog.
BE A GOOD SPORT

Referee’s Code of Conduct
Always remember the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play always come first.
Study and learn the Laws of the Game and understand the ‘spirit’ of the Laws. Help fellow referees to do the same.
Encourage and endorse the AYSO philosophies of Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching, and Good Sportsmanship.
Respect other referees and their decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official.
Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.
Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with play.
Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.
Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, please do your best to find a replacement.
Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.
Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable