As a parent I play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of children.
Through my encouragement and good example, I can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship, and self-discipline. In soccer young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.
Support your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.
Help my child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach my child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory – that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
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 that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It’s very important to let children establish their own goals – to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.
Children play for the fun of playing.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieves their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you and they volunteer their time to help 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!
I will play soccer for the enjoyment of the game.
I will show respect to all involved in the game:
And most of all to the players, both on my team and the opposing team, for without the other players, the game would not be played.
I will conduct myself with dignity and obey the laws of the game.
I coach because I want to help young people mature into well adjusted, productive adults with strong character and because I want these young people to get a proper exposure to the fun and exciting game of soccer. In short, I want them to enjoy soccer and sport and to grow up well.
1. My actions and personal manner will be a good example for young people to follow.
2. No matter how selected, I recognize that all players on my team have value, both as players and as a person.
3. I will be prepared for each game and practice.
4. I will be an encourager, not a discourager.
5. I will follow all the Laws of the Game and will abide by all the administrative procedures of my club, local association, South Texas Youth Soccer Association, United States Youth Soccer, and the United States Soccer Federation.
6. I will do my best to make soccer the fun game for all.
Conflicts of interest arise when one expects some consideration not specifically deserved and not generally available to others in an area of special interest. Special interest does not in and of itself indicate a conflict of interest. If one profits from the special interest situation, but in a way for others to also benefit, there may not be a conflict of interest. The conflict of interest occurs when one individual, or a select group of individuals, profits from the special interest situation in a way not deserved and not available to others, and possibly to the detriment of others.
Areas of special interest for volunteers in youth sports organizations, such as the local soccer club, include treatment and promotion of
Such instances of potential conflict certainly include, but are not limited to
Possible inappropriate inducements include monetary or other valuable gifts, special treatment, and other possible considerations.
The volunteer coach has the opportunity to unfairly promote his or her own child. The administrator can put his or her child on a team in violation of club rules and regulations. The referee assignor can give the best referees to favored teams and the worst to teams he or she dislikes.
The motto "The Game for All Kids" should be helpful in sorting through potential conflicts of interest. This is not the game for coaches, for trainers, for promoters, for profit, etc.; it is "the game for all kids."
Adopted as STX Youth Soccer Policy by the Governing Board, July 21, 2002.