General Information and Policies

 

 

 

CONDUCT OF ADULTS

 

 

 

(as taken from the Arlington Soccer Association Rule Book - Revised 3/1/01)

"The conduct of adults should be the example of good sportsmanship to the players of the Association. The Association will not tolerate conduct that may be interpreted as poor sportsmanship by coaches, parents or other adults. It is the responsibility of the coach to maintain and enforce appropriate conduct of adults during games and practices. Examples of inappropriate conduct are:

·         Harassment of referees

·         Disputing or influencing referees decision

·         Support or managing poor sportsmanship by players

·         Non-control of parents or other spectators by coaches at games, practices or other facilities

·         Abusive or degrading language

·         Entering field of play except for injury

·         Physical threats

·         Under the influence of intoxicating substance"

While the above is the "code of conduct" expected by the Arlington Soccer Association, the Potomac Kiwanis Soccer Club has additional expectations for conduct of both coaches and parents.

The PK philosophy is to emphasize player participation, good sportsmanship, team play and fun, in addition to teaching basic soccer skills. All children are treated equally, regardless of ability, as long as they participate fully in team activities. The Club's primary goal is to supply an environment which gives children the chance to enjoy soccer and to experience the rewards and friendships that come with being part of a team. With this in mind, PK expects the following:

 

 

Parents

 

 

 

  • Be ready to participate (this includes shoes tied, water bottle and ball at practice). If your child is late to a game, expect his/her playing time to be decreased.
  • Inform the coach if your child is unable to attend practice or a game, or if he/she is injured, tired or sick.
  • Volunteer to help. Coaches need parents to pitch in with creating phone trees, setting up carpools, disseminating information, organizing the end-of-season celebration, ordering trophies or alternatives, shagging balls, keeping track of time, helping with substitutions, tying shoes, etc. The younger teams (U-6 & U-7 in particular) need extra adults at every practice to help manage the children.
  • Be positive and supportive! This can not be stressed enough. Don't focus on the score. If you focus on fun, sportsmanship and giving their best effort, the children will too.
  • Do not give directions from the sidelines. That is the coaches job. Keep comments from the sidelines encouraging. If you are asked to leave by the coach, please do.
  • Don't try to talk to the coach during the game. He/she is busy. It is generally best to approach the coach after a game, rather than before when they are preoccupied. Of course, if your child is tired or otherwise "out of sorts", the coach should be informed before the game.
  • Keep sick children at home!
  • Model sportsmanship. Cheer good plays by all children, your child's teammates as well as members of the opposing team.
  • NEVER yell at the referee. They have total control throughout the game. It's best not to address them at all during the game. After the game, you may thank them, even if his/her performance did not meet expectations.
  • Expect all children who attend practices and games regularly and on time to be treated fairly, regardless of ability.
  • Do not expect the coach to pick up, drop off, or sign your child out of extended day. Make other arrangements or remove your child from the Club.
  • Play soccer at home with your child.

 

 

Coaches

 

 

 

 

  • Be ready to participate (this includes shoes tied, water bottle and ball at practice). If your child is late to a game, expect his/her playing time to be decreased.
  • Inform the coach if your child is unable to attend practice or a game, or if he/she is injured, tired or sick.
  • Volunteer to help. Coaches need parents to pitch in with creating phone trees, setting up carpools, disseminating information, organizing the end-of-season celebration, ordering trophies or alternatives, shagging balls, keeping track of time, helping with substitutions, tying shoes, etc. The younger teams (U-6 & U-7 in particular) need extra adults at every practice to help manage the children.
  • Be positive and supportive! This can not be stressed enough. Don't focus on the score. If you focus on fun, sportsmanship and giving their best effort, the children will too.
  • Do not give directions from the sidelines. That is the coaches job. Keep comments from the sidelines encouraging. If you are asked to leave by the coach, please do.
  • Don't try to talk to the coach during the game. He/she is busy. It is generally best to approach the coach after a game, rather than before when they are preoccupied. Of course, if your child is tired or otherwise "out of sorts", the coach should be informed before the game.
  • Keep sick children at home!
  • Model sportsmanship. Cheer good plays by all children, your child's teammates as well as members of the opposing team.
  • NEVER yell at the referee. They have total control throughout the game. It's best not to address them at all during the game. After the game, you may thank them, even if his/her performance did not meet expectations.
  • Expect all children who attend practices and games regularly and on time to be treated fairly, regardless of ability.
  • Do not expect the coach to pick up, drop off, or sign your child out of extended day. Make other arrangements or remove your child from the Club.
  • Play soccer at home with your child.