We want to promote a positive, fun-filled environment for all of the players. With that in mind, we expect the following attitudes from all players, parents, and spectators:

Sportsmanship

• Being a good sport is even more important than being a good player
• Do not argue with the referee, coaches, or other players
• Winning is great, but how your team wins is even more important
• When your team wins, do not tell the other team how great your team is; still shake hands with them and say "good game!"
• Your team may be the winners one week, but the next game may not be
• If a player is not as good as other players, do not bully or make fun of him/her in any way. This is also true for players on the other team.
• Do not blame your team's goalkeeper for letting goals cross the line. Teams score goals as a team, and give up goals as a team.
• Every goal that crosses the line had to go past every one of the players before it even got to the goalkeeper; there is no "blame game." The next time it could be your player.
• Having a lot more goals than the other team may feel great, but how does that make the other team feel?

General Guidelines for Everyone

• Always remember that the coaches, referees, and staff are all volunteers
• If you have any disagreements or problems, or have questions about a play, please talk to your coach after the game and away from the players
• Set a positive, respectful, and appropriate attitude for both teams

• Respect the calls made by the officials. All calls made by the referee will be final
• If deemed necessary, the referee may approach the coach during the substitution or halftime break to explain a foul committed by a player.
• A coach may ask for clarification, but is not to challenge the call of the referee at any time.
• A coach's good example sets the tone for players and spectators

• Respect the calls made by the officials. All calls made by the referee will be final
• No form of abuse is permitted. Verbal abuse may result in a "yellow card"
• Respect your opponent. Play so that the game is safe and fair for everyone

• Your job is to support the players, coaches, and referees
• Positive recognition and words of encouragement are welcome
• Keep negative comments to yourself
• Do not challenge or argue with any official, coach, player, or other parents
• Your behavior sets the tone for the game, which should be fun, safe, and fair
• Do not berate your player for any reason
• You are a role model for the players as well as other parents - please set a positive example

• Spectator Area
  • All spectators must remain at least three feet behind the side line, on the opposite side from the players and coaches
  • No one is allowed behind the goal line

• Things that are not acceptable
  • Giving directions from the sideline; this only confuses the players
  • Berating any player, coach, or official
  • Derogatory, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behavior
  • Boo-ing
  • Negative comments (you never know who is sitting next to you!)
  • Arguing with any official, coach, player, or other parents
  • Alcohol, tobacco, smoking, or illegal drugs
  • Dogs are not permitted at the park

• Positive Attitude
  • Cheering (positive) versus "get your head in the game" (negative)
  • When the other team scores, acknowledge this with polite clapping
  • Show respect, even when mistakes are made - we are all volunteers
  • Positive recognition and words of encouragement

• Cheer...do not give "instructions" to players
  • This is detrimental to player development. Some of the many challenges we see with parental "instructions" include:
  • The "instructions" may not be correct
  • With numerous parties shouting at them, the players' focus is not on what they are doing; it is on what is being shouted at them and by whom
  • Players' creativity is removed, and they become rather robotic and predictable. Players need to make the decisions!
  • Finally, and most importantly, by providing the answers, learning through trial and error is limited, thus creating "sterile" training and playing environments for our players. Mistakes are vital for players to work out what works and what does not.
  • Although intentions are usually good, please curb sideline rants and allow the players to figure it out for themselves, learn from mistakes and express themselves. Let them play!

• Inappropriate comments or behavior:
  • If any parent or spectator disrupts the game, the referee may stop the game, and request that the spectator stop the behavior or leave the field
  • The time used for these situations takes playing time away from the players