Coaches Code of Conduct
Mass Youth Soccer and CYS are committed to promoting the highest level of respect in all participants during matches. In order to ensure that matches are fair, positive, and enjoyable for everyone, we expect coaches to:
Always exemplify dignity, patience, and a positive spirit.
Before matches, respectfully introduce yourself to the referee(s) and opposing coaches.
Assume responsibility for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, remove the player from the match or practice until they calm down.
Take responsibility for the conduct of parents and spectators rooting for your team. Explain acceptable player and parent/spectator behavior in a preseason meeting. Before the season, send out the Parents/Guardians/Spectators and Players Code of Conduct.
At matches, encourage families and spectators from both teams to applaud good plays by both teams. Discourage yelling at players and the referee - be as forceful and direct as necessary.
Do not address the referee(s) or question their calls.
Acknowledge good sportsmanship when it’s displayed.
Report your complaints to your League. Your observations will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively, factually, and formally.
Demand an environment free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco at all matches, practices, and events.
Never coach a match or practice under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Never use profanity or make obscene gestures, or engage in any inappropriate behavior or conduct.
Thank the referee(s) after the match and ask your players to do the same.
Coaches who don't follow these expectations will be disciplined or removed.
Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - need time to develop, just like your players. Let them concentrate on the match and accept their inevitable mistakes.
Coaches’ Responsibilities
Understand that coaching is a position of trust.
Be a positive role model for players and maintain personal integrity and dignity at all times.
Create a player-centered environment where players are free to make autonomous decisions.
Remember that youth play for fun and enjoyment, so you should strive to create a positive environment that reflects these desires.
The match is for the children, not adults.
Maintain a positive attitude and praise players for their efforts, regardless of the outcome of the match.
Never criticize or yell at a player for making a mistake, or address an opposing player in a derogatory manner.
De-escalate any physical or verbal abuse.
Winning is not the only consideration, nor the most important one.
Place the well being and growth of players above your desire to win.
Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment that allows all of your players to develop their skills, self confidence, and self-esteem.
Create individual and team goals with your players. Give every player an opportunity to play as much as possible.
Inspect equipment and fields to ensure the safety of players, with special attention to the structural integrity of goal frames.
Download Official Mass Youth Soccer pdf
.