DEVELOPING GREAT SOCCER PLAYERS
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Sportsmanship
We place sportsmanship above all else in our team play. I would rather not coach, than coach a team comprised of players or parents that display poor sportsmanship. A team that is perceived as displaying unfair or unkind play sets themselves up (as well as their club) for poor relationships with other clubs, tournament organizers, referees, etc. that can last for years, justly or unjustly... to say nothing about how it affects the character of the adolescents were are developing.
Although I've never had a serious problem with sportsmanship on my teams, the penalties for unsporting behavior on the Rampage are strict (and hopefully never will require enforcement). For players, it can include being benched for a portion or all of a game, a series of games, a season, or permanently. For parents, I may ask that both parent and player be banned from a game, series of games, season, or permanently. In the event that a player is asked to leave the team permanently he will receive a partial refund. Any such actions will be done in accordance with Club and Association Bylaws.
The following are do's and don'ts...
Parents....
do not yell or object with calls of the referee or play on the field, regardless of the skill of the ref or the lack of fair play by our opposition.
Never speak to a referee except to thank them for a job well done. Never speak to a parent, player, or coach on another team except to say positive things. (I strongly encourage you to meet and talk to other parents on the sidelines. This is a game! Enjoy it for what it is. Make it fun.)
Never complain to a tournament organizer or other soccer administrator about anything--these people work hard to facilitate opportunities for our kids. If you have a concern or complaint, bring it to me. It is not the place of a parent to register complaints with anyone.
Players...
never speak to a player on the field in a negative way. If a player on an opposing team mouths off to you, just smile and prove yourself through your effort on the field.
Never, ever attempt to injure another player. Never respond in kind to another player regardless of whether or not they play fair soccer. Unfair soccer is a sign of desperation, poor skills, lack of talent, and lack of class.
Players, if you are not the team captain, please do not speak to the referee. Never disagree with a referee's call. Captains, always speak politely to the referee if you have a question or concern. Thank them for everything. Be polite to an extreme.
Parents...
do cheer positively. It's o.k. to cheer for the opposition when they do something well.
Feel free to introduce yourself to parents from the opposing team. There's nothing wrong with making friends. It's likely you'll see each other again and again. Games are even more fun when you can look forward to meeting new people who have something in common with you: youth soccer.
Our 2002-05 teams have displayed outstanding sportsmanship. There has been more than one occasion where a coach or parent from another team approached me after the game to comment on what a pleasure it was to play against a team and parents with as much class as ours. Let's keep it up!
For more on Sportsmanship take a look at the NAYS and Positive Coaching Alliance web sites.
Click Here for our Player Code of Ethics
Click Here for A List of Qualities We Seek in Our Players
DEVELOPING GREAT SOCCER PLAYERS
ONE STEP AT A TIME