The LDYSL Code of Conduct

Players
Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach

Play by the laws of the game.

Never argue with or complain about a referee`s call or decision
Control your temper. Most of all resist the temptation to retaliate when you think you have been wronged.

Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.

Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether its your team or your opponents.

Treat all players as you would like to be treated.

Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don`t be a ball hog or a show off.

Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and referees.

Parents
As a parent you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help ensure that all the boys learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In the LDYSL, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and to deal apprpriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy.

Best of all, they have fun.

Support your child.
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game.

Always be positive.
Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child`s team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.

Remember: your child wants to have fun
Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. Its very important to let children establish theier own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.

Don`t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Children play for the fun of playing.

Reinforce positive behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child makes one, remember it`s all part of learning so encorage your child`s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Don`t be a sideline coach or referee
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to make your child`s youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there`s usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself.

Coaches
Enthusiastically support and practice the "Everyone Plays", "Good Sportsmanship" and "Positive Coaching" philosophy.

Be reasonable in your demands on a young player`s time, energy enthusiasm and performance on the field.

Impress on your players that they must abide by the Laws of the Game at all times.

Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches

Ensure that your player`s soccer experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it).

Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.

Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.

Keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.

Check your equipment and playing facilities. They should meet safety standards and be appropriate for the age and ability of your players.

Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.

In closing, lets all have a good season, and have courtesy towards our opponets players, parents, coaches and officials. After all we are all here for the kids.