Code of Conducts.
Coaches and Officials
A coach’s primary responsibility is to make sure that his/her players have fun, develop as a team and to instil in them a passion for the game.The performance of coaches is not measured in wins and losses, but rather in what players learn in terms of technique, sportsmanship, and fair play.
Coaches are charged with the responsibility of controlling their players and parents at all times during a match. Coaches lead and teach by example; our players will be a reflection upon the manager and coach.
Coaches will:
- Use positive reinforcement when dealing with players.
- Never use foul or abusive language and never abuse a player mentally, verbally, or physically.
- Have respect for the authority of the referee, our opponents on match days and the officials of their club.
- Teach your children the rules of the game, fair play, and proper behaviour.
- Develop your child’s technique and their decision-making ability.
- Inspect the paying area for hazards and generally make practice sessions and matches as safe as possible for your children. You should be aware, however, that soccer is a contact sport and your child may be injured. If this happens, we will provide appropriate first aid.
- We will not allow a child to take part in a practice session or a match if he/she is injured.
- We will not leave your child unattended at a practice session or a game.
- We will only allow your child to leave a practice session or a game if a responsible person collects them unless you give written permission for your child to leave on their own.
- We will always be enthusiastic (even in the pouring rain!)
- We will try our best to make the game enjoyable for everyone who takes part – players, opponents, parents/carers and spectators.
For The Players
Players should:- Play according to the laws and spirit of the game.
- Be on time and be prepared for matches and training sessions.
- Display self-control in all situations. Never use foul or abusive language - before, during or after a game or training session.
- Train and play to the best of your ability, have a positive attitude, and encourage others to do the same.
- Respect the opposition. Treat them as you would like them to treat you.
- Respect the referee. Never dispute his or her decisions. They are only human and they make mistakes, just like you.
- Turn up for training and matches in appropriate clothing.
- Wear the right sort of footwear.
- Always wear shinguards.
For The Parents/Caregivers
- Be your child's best fan and support them unconditionally.
- When you take your child home after a match or training session, please be supportive and always focus on the positive aspects of her game.
- Develop a responsibility in your child to pack their own kit, clean his/her shoes and take there own water bottle to practice and games.
- Respect the facilities at our opponents’ grounds.
- Do not criticise your child’s coach to your child or other parents. If you are not happy with the coach you should raise the issue with the coach or with one of the GMSA commitee members.
- Encourage your child to speak with the coach. If your child is having difficulties in training or games, or can’t attend training etc. encourage her to speak directly to the coaches. This “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a mature person. By handling off the field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game.
- Help your child to focus on the performance and not the result. Remember - winning is not as important as the performance.
- Support all the players in your child's squad. Do not criticise anyone. Remember – children don’t mean to make mistakes.
- Do not criticise the opponents, their parents or their officials.
- Never audibly dispute a referee’s decision. They will make mistakes occasionally. We all do. If you abuse or shout at the referee you are breaking the rules of the game and risk generating a fine for the club. In extreme circumstances we could even be expelled from the League.
- Parents/Caregivers must not coach from the touchline during matches or training. Leave this to the coach or you may cause confusion and erode your child’s confidence.
- Parents/Caregivers must not enter the field of play.
