PARENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT & RESPONSIBILITIES

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The Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department would like to share with you standards, procedures and policies for our YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAM. Soccer is a sport that belongs to the players.

REFEREES:

Parents should not use foul or abusive language toward any referees. Referees are trained to make calls. At times it will be a judgment call or an opinion of that referee. Remember that a parent has never over ruled an official and never will. Understand that no one (including a referee) is perfect. Referees call games as they see them to the best of their ability. We encourage anyone interested in becoming a referee to take the entry-level course and become a referee for our youth program. Parents’ conduct should be conduct that you would want your child or other children to model. Please remember this in your tone, your words and your actions. Youngsters are watching you and will be influenced by your behavior.

PLAYERS:

Your player has registered to play soccer. Playing a sport requires practice, conditioning and perseverance. Playing a team sport requires having team members present at practice to be conditioned, evaluated and trained for positions. It is important for a team sport to have all members present for practice. Players may have limited playing time if they do not adequately attend and participate in practices. Recreation league rules dictate that every player will be given the opportunity to play. Recreation Players are to play an average of ½ of each half over the course of the season. But this opportunity may be rescinded if a player misses practice or has disciplinary problems. Please make sure you can get your player to practices and games. Players/parents need to let coaches know as soon as possible if they will not be able to play in a game or will miss scheduled practice. This will allow the coach adequate time to revise team strategy. A coach may limit playing time for missed practices and games.

CONCERNS:

If as a parent you have questions or concerns, please be courteous and professional. Periods prior to practices or games are not appropriate times to discuss problems you may have with your players’ soccer experience. Coaches should be focusing attention on practice and/or the game. We suggest either a telephone call, email or arrange a time to meet/discuss concerns at a mutually convenient time. Please speak with your coach first. Follow the chain of command. If you still have concerns then bring them to the attention of the League Administrator. Please submit concerns in writing using the Youth Sports Complaint Form. He/She will review, make recommendations and respond. If after this course of action, your concerns have not been sufficiently addressed, then present your written concerns to Director, Mindy Daniel. She will review and respond. If in the event concerns are still present, you may take item before Recreation Commission. You must follow procedure to be placed on Commission agenda of submitting in writing request to be placed on the agenda at least 5 working days prior to regular Commission meeting.

PARENT CONDUCT:

Enthusiasm for the sport is admirable, but controlled enthusiasm is best. Always show respect for other team players, spectators and coaches. Loud and abusive yelling will not be tolerated. Parental and spectator comments should be positive and controlled. Spectators must sit on the side of field opposite the players. Only coaching staff is allowed on the side with players. Offenders are subject to the following course of action: (1.) Verbal warning (2.) Letter of reprimand (3.) Meeting with Soccer Board (4.) Suspension. Offenders of the above stated code of conduct and responsibilities are subject to immediate removal from any game/practice or possibly the soccer program.

I (we) have read the above information and accept these conditions as part of my player’s commitment to the Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Department’s Youth Soccer Program and acknowledge the consequences of my (our) actions. 

CHILD’S NAME PARTICIPATING _______________________________

FATHER’S (guardian) SIGNATURE/DATE _______________________________

MOTHER’S (guardian) SIGNATURE/DATE _______________________________

LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE/DATE _______________________________