Managers Code
- Remember that as a coach of under age teams, you must act as a guardian and as such your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.
- Remember young people need a coach whom they can respect. Lead by example.
- Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.
- Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match
- Teach your players respect for the laws of the game which no one should break.
- Ensure that all players participate in matches. The “average” players deserve equal time.
- Remember young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective
- Develop player and team respect for opponents, opposing coaches and judgement of referees.
- Insist on fair and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.
- Set realistic goals for the team and individual players.
- Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
- Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.
- Make a commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people
- Ensure that all players know that bullying whether verbal or physical will not be tolerated.
- Always thank match officials and if they have made decisions that require clarification, discuss the issues after everyone has changed.
Players Code
- Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coaches.
- Play by the laws of the game
- Always accept the referees decision.
- Play with control, never lose your temper.
- Play for yourself and for your team – your teams performance will benefit and so will your own.
- Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition.
- Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not bully or take advantage of any player.
- Co-operate with the coach, team-mates, and opponents.
- Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
- At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
- Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fair, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
- Win with humility – lose with dignity.
Parents Code
- Remember that young people are involved in soccer for their enjoyment and not yours.
- Encourage your child always to play by the laws of the game.
- Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
- Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
- Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
- Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
- Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of soccer. If the child is to play, he or she will do so in good time through your encouragement. There are other aspects of soccer other than playing which are equally fulfilling.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from soccer.
- As a spectator, do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.
- Do not publicly question the referees judgement or their honesty.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches, They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people.
- Encourage in your child an appreciation of mutual respect for team-mates and opponents.
Parents Match Day Guide
- Stand one meter from the touchline, this gives the players ample space to take quick throw-in’s and allows the managers & referees a clear view of the pitch.
- Standing behind the goal or on the goal line is not allowed.
- Do not enter onto the pitch unless summoned by a manager or coach.
- Do not coach players during a match. It only leaves the child confused trying to please you and follow his coaches instruction.
- If you have an idea, a tactic or plan, speak to the coaches, they don’t know or see everything.