We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A soccer game should be friendly and unifying - a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.
To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.
• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players.
It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting.
• Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
• During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
• If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
• After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.
We stress two points:
Referees - especially young and inexperienced ones - are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. On the other hand, you
could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting - or even accepting - your own players' overly aggressive behavior.
Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.
Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the
expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.

Parents Code of Conduct

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these Pillars of Character. I therefore agree:

I will not force my child to participate in sports.

I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.

I will communicate with my child's coach about any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. I will make every effort to have my child attend practices and games and will communicate with my child's coach if my child will be late or absent. Good communication between parents and coaches leads to a more positive experience for all involved.

I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. Knowing the rules of the game will help with development and will help to minimize disagreements.

I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players (on both teams), coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.

I will explain to my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

I will explain to my child to treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

I will explain to my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

I will not ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.

I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. I have read the GLUFC's Zero Tolerance Policy (http://ww.glufc.com/) and agree to live it.

I will demand a playing environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at GLUFC's Soccer games.

I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I acknowledge that the coach of my child's team is responsible for my behavior and I will therefore respect the coach's authority.

I will remember that as a fan, I represent the Greater Lowell United FC and the Lowell community. I understand poor behavior during practices, games, or tournaments may result in expulsion. (I must wait inside or next to my car in the parking area for my son or daughter). If this happens repeatedly, it will result in expulsion from GLUFC for my family.

Player's Code of Conduct

I will play soccer because I want to, not because others want me to.
I will remember that soccer is an opportunity to learn and have fun.
I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at all times.
I will remember that winning isn’t everything, that having fun, playing fair, improving my skills, making friends, and giving my best efforts are the most important aspects of youth soccer.
I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; and expect everyone to refrain from their use at all soccer games.
I will do the best I can each day, remembering that all players have talents and weaknesses, the same as I do.
I will treat my coaches, other players and coaches, and fans with respect at all times; regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities, and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
I will follow coaching direction and will not be disruptive during practice or games, nor will I “mouth off” or use bad language.
If I have a problem with something, I will discuss it with my coach at the earliest opportunity, rather than let it grow into a bigger problem later on.
I will be on time for practices and games and will notify my coach if I cannot attend. I will make every effort to attend all games and practices.
I will concentrate on playing soccer by always giving my best effort, both in practice and in games.
I will respect my opponents, whether they have more or less ability than me and regardless of whether I win or lose.
I will be modest and respectful when I win, and gracious when I lose.
I will show respect for the authority of the referee, even though I may sometimes disagree with his or her calls.
I will control my temper, resist the temptation to retaliate, and exercise self control.
I will play by the rules at all times, and if I don’t understand the rules, will attempt to learn them so I can become a better player.
I will conduct myself with honor and dignity and treat other players as I would like to be treated. I know that at all times, I represent Greater Lowell United FC and my town.