Coach’s Code of Conduct
Coaches
Some Thoughts Going Forward
You have taken this responsibility to coach a team this season, and we thank you. You are about to become one of the most important and influential people in a child’s life. The next few weeks, seasons or years you have an opportunity to help shape a child’s view on sports and life. How you handle winning, losing and conflict will have an enormous impact on shaping how they will handle similar situations later in life. SESC believes strongly that we can provide a competitive environment while still showing respect for the game and others no matter the outcome.
We thank you for taking the time to help coach your team, because only with your selfless volunteer effort is it possible that our youth community has an opportunity to play.
Two Adult Rule
At least two adults must be present at all SESC sponsored activities, including team practices. All volunteers working with players must complete a Disclosure Form. No child should ever be alone with an adult. Bathroom breaks etc. should be with one or more adults and two or more children.
Coaches’ Pledge
SESC appreciates the time youth coaches take to provide a positive experience for the youth in our community. A coach is a teacher, a friend, and a role model. The following pledge outlines what is expected of all our coaches:
- I will treat all players, parents, opponents and referees with respect.
- I will respect the interpretation of rules and judgment of the referees.
- I will remember that I am a recreational youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
- I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
- I will treat each player as an individual, remembering that each player develops at different social, physical and mental rates.
- I will be knowledgeable of the rules of soccer and will teach these rules to my players.
- I will do my best to provide a safe playing environment for my players.
- I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players, recognizing the value of play in a child’s development.
- I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will not use at all soccer events.
- I will promise to review and practice first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.
- My assistant coaches and I will lead by example by demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players, parents and referees.
- I will remind my team and fans to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, both when winning and when losing.
- I will ensure the conduct of the parents is such that it is in accordance with the sportsmanship guidelines of SESC and it’s governing bodies.
