Code of Conduct

Vashon Soccer Club participates in the Positive Coaching Alliance, with other local youth sports groups, to support character-building sports philosophy on Vashon Island. Here are ways that parents can create a positive youth sports culture so that children will have fun and learn positive character traits to last a lifetime.

Practices

• Please be early to practices so that we can start on time (it really helps the coach).
• Kids take responsibility for their guards/cleats/water.
• Talk to your coach about things going on with your kid psychosocially.
• Ask your coach how you can help.

Before the Game

• Ensure that transportation is available to attend games on time.
• Kids should eat 1 hour before and be at games 30 - 45 min before.
• Kids take responsibility for their guards/cleats/water/jersey.
• Make a commitment to Honor the Game in action and language no matter what others may do.
• Tell your child before each game that you are proud of him or her regardless of how well he or she plays.

During the Game

• Fill your children's "Emotional Tank" through praise and positive recognition so they can play their very best.
• Treat the players of the team, coaches, opponents, officials and other parents with respect and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• Don't give instructions to your child during the game. (Development requires them owning their decisions.) Let the coach correct player mistakes.
• Be their cheerleader After plays. (Don’t distract them in the moment.)
• Cheer good plays by both teams (this is advanced behavior)!
• Mention good calls by the official to other parents.
• If an official makes a "bad" call against your team? Honor the Game—BE SILENT!
• If another parent on your team yells at an official? Gently remind him or her to Honor the Game.
• Don't do anything in the heat of the moment that you will regret after the game. Ask yourself, "Will this embarrass my child or the team?" Never walk onto the field.
• Remember to have fun! Enjoy the game.

After the Game

• Thank the officials for doing a difficult job for little or no pay.
• Thank the coaches for their commitment and effort.
• Please be kind to the teams following you by removing all debris from the fields and sidelines after completion of each game.
• Don't give advice. Instead ask your child what he or she thought about the game and then LISTEN. Listening fills Emotional Tanks.
• Tell your child again that you are proud of him or her, whether the team won or lost.