Soccer is an exciting, fast moving and fun game. While healthy competition is encouraged, coaches, players and fans should remember that the objective is to have fun and learn the game of soccer. It is important to our soccer program that all participants conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner. Armada Futbol Club believes that the attitude parents show towards coaches, referees and opposing players, as well as the importance of winning vs. losing, is of paramount importance. Negative and critical comments or actions by adults undermine the essence of healthy competition and introduce stresses to children that are counter-productive and steal the fun of the game.
Please take the time to go over the Player Code of Conduct below with your athlete. Before doing so, however, we will need you to spend time reviewing the Parent Code of Conduct which details our expectations from parents/guardians. As adults, we have the important job of teaching and mentoring today’s youth. They look to us for direction and learn from watching our behavior. We know you take this job very seriously in everyday life…we ask that you take it equally seriously at all Armada Futbol Club games.
PARENT GUIDELINES
- Review the Armada Futbol Club Parent and Player Code of Ethics.
- Become familiar with the Club web site.
- Please be on time when picking up kids after trainings.
- It is your responsibility to arrange transportation for your child to all trainings and competition.
- If a player is unable to make their scheduled training, it is their responsibility to contact the coach and let them know as soon as possible.
- Parents will be asked to participate in volunteering for the club.
- Weather Conditions: In the event we have to cancel trainings or competition due to weather, team administration will communicate with you. We will also have information on the club web site. If weather is expected to change during the training session, we ask that you stay at the field.
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
As an Armada Futbol Club Parent, we ask that you conduct yourselves in a manner outlined by the following Code of Conduct:
- Focus on praise and encouragement rather than on criticism and negative comments.
- Applaud good play, regardless of team. Nothing is better than seeing a child smile from recognition. Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship.
- Remember that every player on the team is a contributing player. Soccer is a team sport; without each player, there is no team. Acknowledge that players are at various levels in this sport and will make mistakes, possibly at critical times, in competition. Be patient and supportive through these times.
- Refrain from verbally accusing opposing players of fouling, diving or cheating.
- Attempt to reduce the pressure of competition, not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences. Parents should remember this is a “learning experience” for players and support this experience.
- Be kind and respectful to our coaches. Parents need to support the coach and his/her decisions and refrain from verbal criticism. Remember, the coach makes the final decision regarding players on the field. 24 hour rule: If a parent has questions about their child’s playing time or an issue stemming from a game, we ask that you allow 24 hours to lapse after a game before initiating contact with the coach.
- Do not publicly question the referee’s judgment. Please remember, many of these referees are young adults learning how to referee the game, so please treat them with respect. They are there to do an honest job which few others are willing to undertake.
- NEVER enter the field to speak with a referee. Speak to your coach or a club official at another time if you have a concern.
- Keep in mind that coaching is NOT a science and that all coaches will make decisions that are popular and unpopular. However, we believe that every member of the Armada Futbol Club Coaching Staff acts with the best intentions and with the best interest of each and every player. You may not agree with every decision they make, but please respect that decision.
- No parent is to coach or attempt to coach their child (or any other players) during club trainings and/or competition. Refrain from talking to players during trainings or games. The players need to concentrate on the game and listen to their coach.
- Accept the results of the game. Encourage your child to be a good sport in victory and in defeat. Many times a player will not remember the results of a game an hour later but they will remember how they felt because of their own (and your) actions.
- Only sit in designated areas around the field. The only acceptable area is the sideline on the opposite side of the field from the coaches and players. Sitting along either end line or with the coaches and players is not allowed. This is for your own safety and the safety of the players.
- Treat other fans, coaches, players, and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, or ability.
- Do not engage in disruptive communication with the opposing team’s coaching staff, parents, or fans; please do not respond to comments from the opposing team’s parents, fans or coach.
- Drinking, smoking, foul language and firearms are not allowed around the fields during games or practices.
We believe we have the best parents around! However, we must remind everyone that Armada Futbol Club will not tolerate behavior which brings the Club, our teams, or the game itself into disrepute. Violations of either Code of Conduct are taken seriously and could result in removal from the fields and/or sanctions at the sole discretion of the Director of Coaching and Club Administration.
