Howard-Suamico Youth Soccer

The following code of ethics and behavior is offered here to exemplify the ideal SAY coach.

A good youth soccer coach should:

1. Know the laws of the game and teach them to your players. Read the rulebook and attempt to attend a clinic to enhance your knowledge of the game

2. Abide by the laws of the game and the SAY rules.

3. Treat the referee with respect, no matter what the call.

4. Exhibit exemplary conduct at both practices and games. Team discipline reflects the coach's attitude 100%.

5. Coach clean, skillful, honest, and sportsmanlike soccer by stressing playing hard to win over winning itself.

6. Stress good sportsmanship. The coach is responsible for conduct of the players when they are together as a team.

7. Help maintain a climate of enjoyment among spectators by discouraging negative remarks and/or harassment of players, referees, and other spectators.

8. Work at team morale as hard as soccer skills and tactics, be a "Fun Leader."

9. In dealing with team members, maximize praise and minimize criticisms. Make corrections slowly and calmly in a manner tailored to the individual.

10. Refrain from profanity or vulgar language. Remember that you are helping to mold the character of your players.

11. Coach talented and non-talented players with equal vigor. Allow players more than their required minimum playing time.

12. Minimize coaching from the sidelines during games. Screaming during the game accomplishes nothing.

13. Pre-plan all practice sessions in detail to be interesting, fast-paced and involve ail team members as much as possible (minimize standing around).

14. Welcome feedback from players and parents alike concerning potential problems and ways to improve.

15. Refrain from tobacco and alcohol use at all practices and games; encourage player's parents to refrain as well.

The following table reflects penalties for ethics violations:

VIOLATION	PENALTY
Entering the field of play without the referee's permission.	Caution
Threatening actions or words towards officials, players, coaches, or spectators.	Ejection. Terminate game if no other person present is qualified to coach the team
Offensive Language. Incidental language not directed to anyone	Caution
Aggressive physical contact with the referee or player: i.e., grabbing the arm, turning the individual around, poking, bumping	Ejection
Striking an official OR player.	Ejection. Terminate game, suspend the person from further participation in SAY activities, and report to legal authorities (police)
Harassment that is constant or excessive toward a referee or player	Caution
Instructing players to play in a dangerous or unsporting manner	Caution
Instructing players to play in a dangerous or unsporting manner with the intent to cause harm	Ejection. Terminate game if no other person present is qualified to coach the team
Coaches not remaining within their technical areas.	Warning/caution
Playing (1) an illegal player as the result of admin error OR (2) knowingly play an ineligible player	(1) Game forfeiture as determined by Area Review Board
Drugs & Alcohol - Either under the influence of or observed using during a game	Terminate game if you suspect the aberrant behavior

NOTE:
1. All coaches/assistants participating in their first year will be considered on probation. Being on probation will be considered as a "second offense" by the Area Review Board

2. All terminations must be reported to the Bay-Lakes Answer Line (490-7390).

TERMS:
WARNING: a verbal statement from the referee.
CAUTION: Yellow card.
EJECTION: Red card to the coach will result in game termination.
SUSPENSION: Temporary removal from participation in SAY activities until review by the Area Review Board.
EXPULSION: Permanent removal from association participation.

A coach under PROBATION will be placed on SUSPENSION for any of the above infractions. In general, the penalty for a coach on probation will be twice that applied under non-probation status as described above.

A coach under SUSPENSION may not attend or participate in any way, in any game that their team plays during the suspension period. The coach may not even be in the vicinity of the field when their team is playing.

A coach under EXPULSION is totally out of the program. Reinstatement may be made only after a favorable review by the Area Review Board.

An expelled coach may not act in any coaching, managerial, or supervisory capacity of the team.

Violation of the EXPULSION policy will result in the District being put on probation.

At all times DUE PROCESS will be accorded to all those that fall under the Code of Ethics and Behavior.

PLAYERS
The following table reflects penalties for ethics violations:

VIOLATION	PENALTY
Abusive Language to an official, player, coach, or spectator.	Ejection
Offensive Language. Incidental language not directed to anyone	Caution
Threatening actions or words toward officials, players, coaches, or spectators.	Ejection
Aggressive physical contact with the referee. (i.e., grabbing the arm, turning the individual around, poking, bumping, etc.)	Ejection
Refusal to leave the playing field after ejection.	One game suspension in addition to ejection
Striking an official.	Ejection and and possible report to legal authorities (police)
Striking or kicking a player.	Ejection + two game suspension. 2nd offense for season for season
Harassment that is constant or excessive toward a referee or player.	Caution
Drugs & Alcohol - Either under the influence of or observed use during a game.	Ejection. 2nd offense: for season. Report must be filed with Area.

NOTE:
1. All ejections noted automatically carry a one game suspension from the next game attended. The player must be at the game to receive credit for serving his/her suspension.
2. All ejections must be reported to the Area Referee Coordinator who will forward it to the Director of Commissioners.

1. Penalties assessed which are longer than the present season may carry over to the next season

2. Disciplinary actions can be taken by the League Commissioners and may be appealed to the Ethics Committee.