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Preface

The Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA) has a responsibility to member teams, coaches, players, and parents to establish a code of conduct and to monitor adherence to that code. Positive and negative conduct of any member will reflect on all members of SASA. By accepting membership in SASA, coaches, players, and parents of players agree to adhere to the following code of conduct.

 

Coaches

Coaches will conduct themselves as professional leaders and set a positive example for team members and parents. The following rules of conduct apply at games, practices, tournaments, and anywhere or at any social occasion when the team and SASA image could be impacted. " Coaches will refrain from using foul language. " Coaches will not complain excessively about referee calls. " Coaches will not slap, push, grab in a rough manner, or otherwise physically abuse players at any time. " Coaches will not instruct players to intentionally foul another player in a manner that could seriously injure opposing players. " Coaches must attempt to shake hands with the opposing coach after the game regardless of the outcome or conduct of the game. " Coaches will refrain from directing negative comments to players or coaches of the opposing team. " If a coach receives a red card during a contest, he/she will immediately leave the field in accordance with FIFA rules without continued retaliatory comments. " Coaches will instruct players and parents not to direct negative comments to referees and opponents, and will monitor their comments to referees and opposing team players and parents during game situations, " Coaches will instruct players about appropriate conduct, including their conduct at motels and hotels when playing in a location requiring overnight stay.

 

Players

Players will treat all referees with respect and refrain from verbal retaliation and improper physical gestures to referees both during and after a game. Players will refrain from fighting both during and after a game. " Players will refrain from making verbal comments and improper physical gestures to any spectators, especially parents of opposing teams. " Players will conduct themselves as gentlemen and ladies in all soccer-related activities, both on and off the field. " Players will follow the instruction of their coach regarding conduct when travel and/or overnight stays are required.

 

Parents

Parents and spectators will conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen during and after soccer-related events. " Parents should use positive and supportive comments to players during a contest. " Parents will refrain from using foul language toward referees, opposing players, or parents of an opposing team. " Parents will refrain from excessive complaining about referee calls during a game. " Parents will be responsible to ensure that players adhere to instructions of their coach regarding travel and/or overnight stays.

 

Sanctions

SASA will accept and review notices of improper conduct from SASA board members, referees, coaches from opposing teams, respected leaders in the community, parents of soccer team members, and other responsible parties. " Each notice of improper conduct will be investigated and the coach whose team is the subject of the complaint will be notified and required to respond. " SASA sanctions can include formal warnings, monetary fines, probationary status, and expulsion.