Parents, coaches, fans and players must abide by the Falmouth Youth Soccer Code of Conduct. In addition, as a member of Soccer Maine, all FYSA stakeholders mentioned above are also bound by the Soccer Maine Zero Tolerance Policy. Please review these policies below. Prior to play this year, all parents, players and coaches will be asked to sign forms stating your agreement to adhere to these policies.
Falmouth Youth Soccer Association Codes of Conduct
The Falmouth Youth Soccer Association exists for the express purpose of providing an opportunity for the youth of Falmouth to experience a high quality program of competitive soccer. Soccer, and all other sports in which children become involved, enable our youth to experience many important lessons which will help form their adult lives. The adults involved, whether as spectators or coaches, have a critical role in assuring that these experiences for our youth are positive and appropriate.
To this end, the Falmouth Youth Soccer Association believes that the following standards of behavior for players, parents, and coaches are essential to our goals.
Players
FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association, team or game into disrepute. To this end, players must abide by the following minimum standards at all times:
- Be respectful towards teammates, opponents, coaches and Conduct yourself with honor, dignity, and self-control.
- Play the game for the fun of the game, the challenge, and the chance to show your best. Be gracious when you lose and generous when you win.
- Accept decisions of coaches and referees with class and dignity. Believe in their judgment and honest.
Players who do not abide by these expectations will be disciplined by game officials, their coach, and, in extreme situations, the Board of Directors.
Parents
FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association, team, or game into disrepute. FYSA believes that the attitude shown by parents toward the coach, the referees, the opposing players and the importance of winning vs. losing are of paramount importance. Inappropriate comments or actions by adults bent on short- term success rather than the long range benefits undermines the essence of competition and introduces stresses which are inappropriate for children:
- Encourage your player by word and example. The athlete is counting on you as their primary teacher – in soccer and in life!
- Accept the decisions of referees and coaches with style and dignity. Never criticize a referee’s integrity, honesty or judgment. They are there to do an honest job which few others are willing to undertake.
- Applaud good play by all players. Opponents are friends, for without them your child could not play.
Parents who do not abide by these expectations may be required to leave the field by the referee, the coach, or any Board member of FYSA.
Coaches
FYSA will not tolerate behavior which brings the Association, team, or game into disrepute. FYSA has high standards for the conduct of its coaches. They must be the standard bearers of good sportsmanship, conduct and ethical behavior at all times. The Association believes that the coach must set and maintain an example for all players and spectators to follow:
- The spirit of the game and its laws are non-negotiable. Coaches need to work hard to create success for the development of players and the team by following the rules and their intent.
- Respect towards game officials, opponents, and players is absolutely required. Coaches must expect to be treated with respect, honor, and dignity and must demonstrate the same at all times.
- The conduct of the players is a reflection of the coach. The coach is expected to uphold high standards of sportsmanship for all players at all times and remember that the reputation of the organization and town is formed by the behavior of all its representatives.
Coaches who fail to abide by these expectations will face disciplinary action by game officials and the Board of Directors.
Procedure to Address Complaints:
The FYSA has a standing committee to address violations of our Code of Conduct. The Committee will be comprised of the Vice President, Director of Coaching, and 3 non- coaching members of the Board. These will be annual appointments.
If any member of our Association wishes to complain about conduct which they believe is contrary to our Code of Conduct, they must:
- Address the issue with the person directly, either verbally or in writing, within one week of the incident or issue at hand.
- If there is no satisfactory resolution, then the complainant must, within one week and in written form, notify the Committee.
- All matters which are directed to the Committee will be responded to within one week of the receipt of the complaint.
- Decisions and actions by the Committee to address the complaint are final.
Responsibilities of Coaches:
Coaches are required to notify the Vice President whenever a card is issued to a player or themselves as well as any other actions by game or tournament officials toward players, coaches, or parents. This must be done within 24 hours of the occurrence.
The Vice President will convene a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee to consider any additional sanctions. This shall take place within one week. All such decisions by the Committee are final.
Minimum Sanctions:
The following minimum sanctions will be imposed should a coach or player receive a red or yellow card:
- A red card will result in mandatory suspension from the next officially scheduled and sanctioned match.
- Two yellow cards which result in suspension from a game will result in the same penalty as a red card.
