Codes of Conduct

Coaches’ Pledge

1. I will always remember that players participate for pleasure because they want to.
2. I will abide by the GESL/ASA Recruiting Policy & honor all applicable dates set for this season.
3. I will never ridicule or yell at players for making a mistake or not winning.
4. I will be considerate and reasonable in my demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm as sports is only one part of their busy lives.
5. I will always ensure that the time players spend with me as coach is a positive experience.
6. I will display control, respect and professionalism to all involved within the sport. This includes my players, opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and other spectators. I will encourage my players and their parents to do the same. I will be a good sport and great role model.
7. I will abstain from the use of alcohol, controlled substances, tobacco or activities inappropriate for the age during and leading up to the times I am directly responsible for players.
8. I will always show concern toward sick and injured players. I will follow the advice of a trained medical trainer when determining whether an injured child is ready to recommence training and competition.
9. Any physical contact with a player shall be:
10. appropriate to the situation
11. necessary for the player's skill development or medical care
12. only in the presence of another team official, referee, player’s parents or designate.
13. Where appropriate, I will obtain qualifications and keep up to date with the latest coaching practices.
14. I will not use texting, emails, nor any other social media platform to harass or criticize participants, officials, or administrators in this sport, and I will report to my club any incidents of this nature from others.
15. I will be courteous and will respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion.
16. I will comply with all GESL rules, regulations and policies.

Players’ Pledge

1. I will follow and play by the rules.
2. I will never argue with an official. If I disagree, I will discuss this with my team captain or coach after and deal with it in a positive and professional manner.
3. I will control my temper at all times. Verbal abuse of officials or opponents and deliberately distracting or provoking either are not acceptable behaviors.
4. I will work hard for myself and for my team.
5. I will be a good sport.
6. I will not use texting, emails, nor any other social media platform to harass or criticize fellow players, coaches or participants of any kind in this sport, and I will report to my coach, parents, or my club any incidents of this nature from others.
7. I will treat all participants in my sport as I would like to be treated.
8. I will cooperate with my coach and team-mates.
9. I will participate for my own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please my parents, coaches, or others.
10. I will be courteous and will respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion.
11. I will comply with all GESL rules, regulations and policies.

Parents’ Pledge

If children are to grow and develop in sport, an environment of positive communication and respect must exist. Parents should observe the following Code of Conduct with their child athletes, and are encouraged to discuss these pledges with the child athlete as well.

1. I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not for mine.
2. I will not force my child to participate in soccer.
3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
5. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
6. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good sportsmanship in all players’ performances and will be respectful of both my child’s team and their opponents.
7. I will respect the officials’ decisions, will not question their honesty, and I will teach my child to do likewise.
8. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
9. I will not use texting, emails, nor any other social media platform to harass or criticize participants, officials or administrators in this sport, and I will report to my club any incidents of this nature from others.
10. I will respect and show appreciation for all coaches and team officials who give their time to provide sport activities for my child, understanding that I have a responsibility to be a part of my child’s development.
11. I will be courteous and will respect the rights of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion.
12. I will comply with all GESL rules, regulations and policies.