Coach Oath & Code of Conduct
It is important that our coaches and assistant coaches serve as models not only for our children but for parents on the sidelines as well. This is a tall order. It requires you to think before you act, whether dealing with a player, a referee or a parent. The following oath and code of conduct is a guideline for all coaches and assistant coaches. Expectations are high for coaches and assistant coaches. Tolerance for behavior incongruous with this oath or its spirit is very, very low. Please join us in taking seriously one of the most demanding and serious (also seriously fun) jobs in the League. Most of all just be a good sport - which is simply showing courtesy and respect for all involved in the game. Good sportsmanship doesn't just happen. It needs to be taught, encouraged and demonstrated.
If you have signed up to be a coach or assistant coach in WSSL, you agree to uphold the following:
- Enthusiastically support and practice the Everyone Plays, Good Sportsmanship, Positive Coaching and Player Development philosophies that are central to all of WSSL's programs.
- 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 judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
- Ensure that your players' 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 and injured child is ready to play again.
- Guarantee that you have fulfilled the training and registration requirements faithfully and enthusiastically.
- Participate in ongoing coach education clinics offered by WSSL (at least two each season).
- Read and understand the misconduct suspension policy. This policy applies to all players and coaches and can be found here.
Coach Privileges & Responsibilities
Coaches have some tremendous privileges in WSSL that are not shared with other volunteers. With those privileges, come big responsibilities. If you are going to coach, please take all of these seriously. We do.
Coaches get to:
- Coach their own children.
- Share their love of the game with a team of children who are excited to learn the game of soccer.
- Be outside on the field every weekend for practices and games.
- Work with a co-coach or assistant coach of their choice.
- Participate in Coach Education Clinics with some of the best professional coaches in the area.
Coaches must:
- Take AYSO Safe Haven training before taking the pitch with any children.
- Take the required Coach training courses for the age group they are coaching.
- Participate in at least two Coach Education Clinics each season.
- Host a pre-season team meeting with the parents on the team each season to review expectations (particularly the need for all players to show up each weekend ready to play).
- Host a weekly practice (usually before a game).
- Publicly show respect for the referees' decisions, even if they disagree.
- Take the field regardless of the weather (unless a game is cancelled by the League) with their team.
- Not decide to cancel a game or practice because of low turnout or weather.
