AAFC Board / Coaches / Parents / Players Code of Conduct

AAFC Board & Committee Members Code of Ethics

1. None of us arrives at any administrative level.  We are elected to our positions because enough people have confidence in us, appreciation for what we have done in the past and assurance that we could lead in a positive, productive future.  This responsibility of accepting such a challenge, especially in a volunteer capacity, must have some guidelines.
2. It is important to remember that as board and committee members we are very high profile in our youth soccer organization.  It is equally important that we remember that we are a service organization and that we treat players, parents, coaches and fellow volunteers as partners with a common goal and the organizational development and promotion of youth soccer. 
3. We should maintain high standards and serve by example. We serve the players, parents and community, not ourselves.  All decisions must be undertaken with the interest of the players and parents first and foremost in every decision we consider and make within our organization.
4. Have respect for the players, parents, coaches, community, officials, game member association, volunteers and fellow board / committee members and deal with them in a patient, courteous and consistent manner.
5. Develop and provide total and full support to coaches by providing them with the utmost training and clinics to teach the skills, sportsmanship and love of soccer to our players.
6. Provide yearly evaluations to parents and coaches on the productivity and effectiveness of the board and committee's.  Provide seasonal evaluations by the parents on productivity and effectiveness of our coaches.
7. Criticism channeled through the proper quarter should be educational, constructive, balanced and positive.  Under no circumstances should it be demeaning or detrimental to self-respect of the individuals involved.
8. Administrators should be informed and available.  As facilitators they should know the right questions, have the ability to elicit the right answers and foster creativity with accountability within their committee, position or area.
9. Regarding committee persons and other volunteers; they should be praised for their time spent and jobs well done.  Their suggestions welcomed, evaluated and conclusions communicated to them.  Abilities should be recognized and encouraged.
10. Open door policy to all our members and coaches with their confidence kept at the highest level.
11. Communicate at all levels to our players, parents, coaches and community at all times.
12. All club documents including but not limited to Constitution, By-Laws, Financials, Meeting Agenda's, Meeting Minutes available to our members and community at all times.  These documents will be placed on our clubs website and available by request.
13. Above all, courtesy, self control and loyalty.  We are role models for the youngest players to the newest association.  Our responsibility is to serve them as well as work toward our common goals.

AAFC Coaches Pledge / Code of Conduct

as your child’s coach support and will enact the following code of conduct to serve as a role model for your child.  I also believe and support the organizations mission statement that players and parents come first and foremost.  They are the cornerstone of the organization.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and five core principles:

Trustworthiness / Respect / Responsibility / Fairness / Caring

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these five pillars of character. I therefore promise to the following:

1. I will learn the rules of the game and policies of the league.
2. I will treat each player; parent equally and with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
3. In conjunction with the organization, I will provide a safe, positive fun filled environment and experience for your child.
4. I will be a positive role model for your child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect, courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice.
5. I will promote and enact sportsmanship for players, coaches, parents and officials.
6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of athletes. 
7. I will emphasize that all children treat other players, coaches, officials, spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color or ability.
8. I will promote that every child plays by the rules and assist in resolving conflicts with the absence of hostility or violence.
9. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants in a practice or game for making a mistake or losing a competition.
10. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss or confront them at the game.
11. I will not utilize or contain alcohol, tobacco or drugs at the practice or game fields.
12. I will teach each player that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that every child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his / her performance.
13. I will praise each player for competing fairly when they try hard, and make them feel like a winner.
14. I will never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing.
15. I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the players ahead of any personal desire I may have for winning.
16. I will never blame injury or play of players during the game for a loss.
17. I welcome discussions with parents about practices / games in a constructive manner at all times.

AAFC Parents Pledge / Code of Conduct

We, the Akron Area Futbol Club, have implemented the following Sport Parent Code of Conduct for the important message it holds about the role of parents supporting their child in sports.  Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our league.

Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any game or practice may be asked to leave the field and be suspended from the following game.  Repeat violations may cause a multiple game suspension, or the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all games.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and five core principles:

Trustworthiness / Respect / Responsibility / Fairness / Caring

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these five pillars of character.I therefore agree to the following:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth not adults.
2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
3. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect, courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice.
4. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player or parent such as booing, taunting, and refusing to shake hands or using profane language or gestures.
5. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of athletes. 
6. I will also stress to have my child treat other players, coaches, officials, spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color or ability.
7. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
8. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants in a practice or game for making a mistake or losing a competition.
9. 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 the time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
10. 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.
11. I will not utilize or contain alcohol, tobacco or drugs at the practice or game fields.

AAFC Soccer Players Code of Conduct

These code of conducts for our players is for the sole purpose of all the players having fun and having respect for their teammates, coaches, opponents.

1. HAVE FUN - its s simple concept. WIN or lose, try to enjoy every moment on the field. If playing isn't fun, then something is wrong.
2. REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE - This is the most important rule you'll ever learn in sports! Always treat your team mates, coaches, opponents and officials in the same manner that you would like to be treated. That means respect, dignity, and total sportsmanship at all times.
3. LISTEN TO YOUR COACH - You may think your coach is the best, the worst or somewhere in between. It makes no difference. If you're on the team, your job is to listen attentively to what your coach is saying. Coaches volunteer their own time to work with your team. Don't waste that time.
4. BE A GOOD SPORT - Play fair. Be a leader. Set the example. Rise above poor behavior. Have fun. The way in which you conduct yourself has a long lasting effect on everybody around you. That's what practicing good sportsmanship is all about.
5. LEARN THE RULES - When was the last time you sat down and actually read the rulebook? It's hard to say you "know" the game if you really don't know the rules for the game.
6. BE PATIENT WITH YOUR TEAMMATES - Every player on your team has certain strengths and weaknesses. Be patient with your team mates as they improve their games - just as they will be patient with you improving your game. Soccer is a team sport. Success can only come when the entire team works and plays well together.
7. PRACTICE THE FUNDAMENTALS - Master the soccer basics. Practice your dribbling, shooting, passing and defense over and over again.
8. PLAY HARD - Hustle never goes out of style. Coaches absolutely love players who try a little harder. If playing hard isn't part of your game - make it!
9. NEVER QUESTION AN OFFICIAL - Officials do not care who wins and they have no favorite players. All they want is for a fair and safe game to be played. And that's no easy job. Make it easier by not talking back to an official.
10. INCLUDE YOUR PARENTS - Your parents’ only want the best in life for you. And they always want to see you succeed. Let them into your soccer world, but remind them that there are always ups and downs and your goal is to have fun. It will be good for you to have their support and fun for them to see you take responsibility as a member of the team.