sportsmanship & zero-tolerance policy

The purpose and intent of the Soccer Central Academy, further referred to as Soccer Central, philosophy is to promote the advancement of youth soccer in our area, to encourage the development of player skills and abilities, to promote programs that teach individual and team skills, and to support the growth of trained coaches and referees. The goals and value of player participation are to have fun while playing soccer and to develop self-esteem and confidence through skill development while promoting a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship. The key element of the Soccer Central experience is developing individual and team skills in all players in a fun, family environment that builds character, competence, and confidence.

Soccer Central adopts the following Code of Conduct for all players, parents/guardians, and coaches.

Players: 

Players:

All players on a Soccer Central roster spot will follow the below rules:

• I will treat my coaches, my teammates, other players, referees, and spectators with respect at all times.   
• I will be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, and parents at all times.   
• I will not bully or haze any teammate or other person involved with the club. I will report any bullying or hazing to the coaches or staff members.   
• I will remember that all players have talents and weaknesses, the same as I do.  
•  I will never ridicule or yell at any player for making mistakes during a soccer game or practice.   
• I will listen to my coaches and do what is asked of me in order to improve my game and my position on the team. If I need to leave a practice or game early, I will inform my coaches in a timely manner.   
• While sitting on the bench during a game, I will watch the game and support my teammates who are in the game.  
•  I will provide only positive comments to the players on the field. I understand that I am responsible for my uniform and my equipment. 
• I understand that I must be on time and play my best at all practices and games.   Once I am at the soccer field for practice, I will not utilize my cell phone to call or text anyone unless I receive approval from one of my coaches.   
• I will tell one of my coaches in advance if I cannot attend training, games, or other team events through the TeamSnap availability tab. I will never use social media to damage my reputation, the reputation of Soccer Central, or our soccer community.  
•  I understand that posting hurtful information can destroy a friendship, family relationships, and even a soccer team in a matter of minutes. 
• I will treat these words for what they are: permanent records that can never be erased.   
• I understand that drug use and other inappropriate behavior, including posting inappropriate information on any social media, are grounds for dismissal from the team.   
• I will notify the Director of Coaching if a member of another club’s coaching staff or other club representative approaches them for purposes of recruitment.  
•  I will commit to not recruiting Soccer Central players to transfer to another soccer organization.   
• I will participate exclusively with Soccer Central for the entire soccer year and not participate in any non-sanctioned training session or soccer event for the duration of this agreement without the written approval of the Director of Coaching

Parents/Guardians:

Parents are an important part of a player's soccer development and of a team's success. Parents are an integral part of the Soccer Central community. As such, parents' behavior on the sideline and support of their child is of the utmost importance. Towards that end, this contract outlines what is expected of parents in order to create a positive environment for all players. You are accepting the parent contract by allowing your player to accept a spot on a Soccer Central roster.

• Encourage players with cheers and positive comments only.   
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship. 
• Never speak to the referee, opposing coach, or opposing players.   
• Only speak to opposing parents in a complimentary fashion or if you know them personally.   
• Do not speak about players on the team or opposing players in any negative way.   
• Do not coach or give instructions to players on the field. 
• Have players at practice and games on time.   
• Notify the coach in advance if a player cannot attend a scheduled practice or game.   
• Be on time to pick up players, and stay tuned in the case of inclement weather.   
• Support the coaches, especially regarding lineup choices and discipline. 
• Focus on effort and development — not on winning.   Provide a positive environment for learning and development.   
• Communicate with coaches if there are questions or concerns, but NOT during, before, or after the practices or games.  
•  Email them to set a time to talk.   
• Schedule vacations & camps around the soccer season when reasonably possible.   
• Ensure that all family members and guests you bring to games are aware of the codes of conduct.
  

Here are some additional details about the code of conduct:

• Failure to comply with the code of conduct may result in suspension from games and practices and financial penalties.   
• All tuition fees are non-refundable once a player accepts a spot on the team roster.   
• Payment of the club registration fee implies consent to the code of conduct.
  

Coaches: All the Soccer Central Coaches shall:

• Provide a positive role model for their players and parents by consistently acting in a positive, controlled, and mature manner expected of a Soccer Central coach.    
•  Demonstrate good sportsmanship and maintain a proper perspective on the purpose of Soccer Central soccer, namely, participation is for the enjoyment and benefit of the players (not the adults).   
• Learn the rules of soccer, and earn at least a basic certification.   
• Above all else, maintain the safety and well-being of their players.   
• Explain to (and remind) parents what is expected of them and their children.   
• Provide a positive, enjoyable atmosphere for the players and parents.   
• Refrain from open arguments with referees and other coaches.   
• Encourage parents to support the team with their presence as much as possible.  
• Provide necessary guidance and equipment at games and practices.   
• Discipline players in a FAIR and CONSISTENT manner.   
• Refrain from making negative comments about other coaches, players, parents, and referees.   
• Be prepared to deal with injuries in a timely manner by reviewing first aid principles.   
• Maintain a consistent practice schedule that is both fun and challenging for the players.
  

All participants of the Soccer Central shall abide by the Club’s Code of Conduct at all times. Inappropriate behavior that is determined to violate this Code of Conduct shall result in Disciplinary Action by the Soccer Central Board of Directors, up to and including, without limitation, expulsion from the game/field and expulsion from the Soccer Central.

Additionally, players, parents/guardians, and coaches may also be subject to sanctions from the Indiana State Youth Soccer Association (ISYSA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA).