The Board of Directors of the Seneca United Soccer Club is concerned about the overall conduct of all coaches, players, referees, spectators and guests. Soccer can be a spirited social and athletic event that unifies communities. It can also play an important role in promoting not only physical development in children but emotional development too. The Seneca United Soccer Club strives to promote a positive soccer experience for all of the children and adults who are involved. In promoting a positive soccer experience, and as a requirement to participate as a member in the Seneca United Soccer Club, all players, parents and coaches will be required to sign the Seneca United Code of Conduct.

 COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

     To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to the following standards:

•     Know the official rules of soccer, and the rules of the league.
•     Before, during and after the game, coaches should be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
•     Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
•     During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
•     During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players and the conduct of spectators rooting for your team. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting to ensure that they exhibit maturity and sportsmanship at all times.
•     Encourage parents to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage anyone from yelling at players and the referee.
•     Respect the coaches and players of the opposing team before, during and after the game.
•     Take the appropriate steps in a timely fashion to minimize running up the score in games you clearly dominate.
•     Remember to promote the concept that soccer is a game. The players and coaches on the other team are opponents, they are not enemies.
•     During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
•     If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League on the referee evaluation forms and through the appropriate Seneca United Soccer Club channels. Follow up with your league representative if necessary. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
•     After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.
•     Teach each player, especially through personal example, to be humble and generous in victory and proud and courteous in defeat.

     By accepting an assignment to coach a team within the Seneca United Soccer Club, each coach agrees to abide by the above expectations and the adopted Code of Conduct. Coaching within the Soccer United Soccer Club is a privilege and not a right. Coaches who are unable to follow the expectations described above will be disciplined in accordance with the Seneca United Soccer Club Code of Conduct. Periodically, a member of the executive board may observe any game and any coach, with the purpose of providing an independent evaluation regarding adherence to the Seneca United Soccer Club’s Code of Conduct. In general, any concerns about specific Seneca United coaches conduct during the seasonal year should be directed to the Boys Commissioner, Girls Commissioner, Vice President, or President of Seneca United Soccer.

PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

     Every player is expected to:

•     Know and respect the rules of soccer, and abide by them at all times, including rules and regulations of the respective League.
•     Show respect and courtesy to coaches, spectators and opponents at all times.
•     Respect the referee(s) and refrain from addressing them or commenting on their decisions during or after the game.
•     Maintain control of his/her emotions, avoiding the use of abusive or profane language, taunting or humiliating remarks, and/or gestures and physical assault upon another player at any time.
•     Display sportsmanship at all times and at the conclusion of a game be humble and generous in victory, and proud and courteous in defeat.
•     Remember that soccer is a game, and treat players and coaches on other teams as opponents, not enemies.
•     Demonstrate a willingness to make every effort to attend all team functions, including but not limited to practices, games, and tournaments. Demonstrate open communication to all coaches and team members when scheduling conflicts should arise.

     Players who are unable to follow the expectations described above and the adopted Seneca United Code of Conduct will be disciplined in accordance with said Code of Conduct.

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

     The parents' role is one of support to the players and coaches. Parents should not engage in "coaching" from the sidelines; criticizing players, coaches or game officials; or trying to influence the makeup of the team at any time. Every parent and spectator is expected to:

•     Learn and respect the rules of soccer, and the rules of the League.
•     Show respect and courtesy to game officials, coaches, and players at all times.
•     Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning their decisions or from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner.
•     Cheer for your child's team in a positive manner, refraining at all times from making negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and humiliating.
•     Demonstrate appropriate gestures of sportsmanship at the conclusion of a game, win or lose.
•     Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fair play by personally demonstrating commitment to these virtues.
•     Promote the concept that soccer is a game, and that players and coaches on other teams are opponents, not enemies.
•     Show a willingness to make every effort to have your child attend team functions, including but not limited to practices, games, and tournaments. Demonstrate open communication to all coaches and applicable team members when scheduling conflicts should arise.

     Parents should be aware that coaches may be fined and potentially suspended as a result of the parents’ behavior. Parents who are unable to follow the expectations described above and the adopted Seneca United Soccer Club Code of Conduct will be disciplined in accordance with the said Code of Conduct. As a note, disciplinary action may take the form of your child not being permitted to play as a result of your actions.