Purpose

This Code of Conduct has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical, and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of the sport of soccer.  (The term “Coach” shall include, but is not limited to Head Coach, Assistant Coach(s), Manager/Trainer and/or Team Representative.)
 

Article I: Responsibilities to Players

1. The coach’s responsibility is to the health and safety of all participants.  The coach must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. 
2. Coach should know and understand the Laws of the Game and instruct players to play within the  laws and the spirit of the game at all times.
3. Coach should be positive role model and set the standard for sportsmanship.
4. Coach should keep sport in proper perspective with player’s academic education.
5. Coach shall say “no” to drugs.
6. Under no circumstances should coach authorize or encourage the use of, but not limited to, medicinal or performance enhancing drugs.
7. Coach should inspect player’s equipment and field conditions for safety reasons.
8. Coach should continue his/her own education in the sport in order to be able to educate the players in technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level.
9. Coach should encourage moral and social responsibility.
10. Coach should be sensitive to each child’s developmental needs, strive to have each player reach his/her full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development. 
11. Coach should develop the child’s appreciation of the game.  Players should have fun and receive positive feedback. 
12. Coach should supervise and control his/her players to avoid injury situations. Players should be directed to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions regarding treatment and recovery.  At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being forced to play while injured.
13. It is recommended that the coach become certified in basic first aid and be prepared to handle medical emergencies at all practices and games.
- Coach should bring properly supplied first aid kit and ice to all practices and games.
- Coach should know 911 and  emergency phone numbers and procedures.
- Coach should know location of nearest emergency medical facilities.
- Coach should bring IYSA Medical Release and Liability Waiver to all practices and games.
14. The coach must behave in an ethical and legal manner. The Coach must complete and submit an IYSA Disclosure Statement to his/her IYSA affiliated association. 

Article II: Responsibility to IYSA And Member Organizations

1. Coach should work in the spirit of cooperation with the officials, administrators, coaches, spectators and participants.
2. Coach should know and follow all rules set forth by the IYSA, leagues and clubs. 
3. Coach must strive to maintain integrity within the sport.
4. Coach should contact club official or league to resolve conflicts with another coach.

Article III: Responsibility For The Laws of The Game

1. Coaches should know the Laws of the Game, their intent, interpretation and correct application. 
2. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game. 
3. If a coach permits, encourages, or condones performance which is not in the letter or spirit of the laws, coach is derelict in his/her responsibility to players, Member Organizations, IYSA and the sport worldwide. 

Article IV: Responsibility to Officials

1. Coach must not criticize game officials and instruct his/her players, parents and spectators to refrain from criticizing officials. 
2. Coach should treat officials with respect before, during, and after the game.  Officials should be addressed as “Referee” or “Mr./Ms. Referee” and not by name.  Professional respect should be mutual and there should be no demeaning dialogue or gesture between officials, coach, or player. 
3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of play. 
4. Coach is responsible for and will be held accountable for the conduct of his/her players, parents, and spectators.
5. Coach should submit comments in writing regarding an official to the appropriate organization assigning the official.

Article V: Responsibility Regarding Recruiting

1. It is unethical to recruit player(s) while they are registered on another team.
2. Coach and team representative shall strictly adhere to IYSA and league rules pertaining to recruitment.
3. It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from the Olympic Development Program (ODP) setting, either by his ODP coach or any other coach, manager, parent, or team representative.
4. The coach has an ethical obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams, and organizations when discussing the advantages of his/her organization.
5. It is illegal recruitment to promise any kind of compensation or inducement to a player.  It is  unethical for a coach or team representative to provide compensation or inducement to a player.  It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete, which cannot be fulfilled. 
6. Allegations of illegal or unethical recruiting are very serious and should be based on concrete facts rather than hearsay and innuendo.  Documentation of recruiting violations must be submitted in writing to the league and IYSA.

Article VI: Responsibility For Public Relations

1. Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public.  Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, parents, or the media should be positive and constructive, never prejudicial or inflammatory.
2. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly while representing their team, league, and IYSA in public.
3. Comments blaming officials, organizers, players, etc. for a loss or unsuccessful endeavor are detrimental and should be avoided.

Article VII: Game Day And Other Responsibilities 

• A coach’s behavior must bring credit to him/herself, his/her organization, and the sport of soccer. 
• Rival coaches should meet prior to the game and exchange friendly or professional greetings.
• While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
• The coach must confine him/herself to the technical area and only provide technical instruction. 
• A coach shall exhibit a respectful attitude towards players, officials, spectators, opposing players and coaches. Verbal abuse or physical assault is unethical and shall be punishable by fines and/or suspension from the program.
• The coaches foremost post game responsibility is to his/her team.
• Coach should use his/her influence to control the behavior of his players, parents and spectators. 

All Member Associations are directed to form their own Conduct & Ethics Committee and to hold hearings – WITH THE PARTIES HAVING THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT – on alleged violations of the IYSA Code of Conduct when properly submitted in writing.