The Lakeland Youth Soccer Association will not tolerate behavior which brings the Club, team, or game into disrepute. The Club believes that the attitude shown by coaches towards other coaches, the referees, the opposing parents and players and the importance of winning verses 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:

1. Encourage players to have fun at all times. Focus on praise and encouragement rather than on criticism and negative yelling.
2. Place the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of a personal desire to win.
3. Provide a safe playing environment for all players
4. Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship, leading by example.
5. Organize practices that are fun and challenging to players. Enhance understanding of the game by taking advantage of coaching clinics and licensing programs offered by the Club.
6. Every player on the team is a contributing player and should be given an equal amount of playing time except in instances where roster size does not make it possible or if a player shows up late/leaves early. Soccer is a team sport and without each player, there is no team.
7. Find ways to limit the number of goals scored in “runaway” games. This should include encouraging players to pass a certain number of times before shooting and other “games” to keep the players engaged.
8. Work to understand the rules of the game and pass this information on to the players.
9. Maintain control of emotions and avoid actions, language and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile or humiliating towards our players, opposing players/coaches/parents or referees. Treat parents, players, fans, other coaches and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, religion, or ability and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
10. Ensure that the fans of my team exhibit sportsmanship and maturity at all times and assist league and game officials in maintaining control of the spectator sidelines.
11. Do not publicly question the referee’s judgment, and never his or her honesty. The referee is a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship. Please remember, many of these referees are young adults learning how to referee the game, so please treat them with respect. They are there to do an honest job which few others are willing to undertake.

Failure to comply with the Coaches Code of Conduct could result in removal from the fields, sanctions, and/or police involvement.