Oak Brook Soccer Club
Soccer Parent/Player Code of Conduct

Overview

Oak Brook Soccer Club (OBSC), as a newly formed organization, will rely heavily on your support to be successful. As part of this reliance we must ask for your cooperation in a number of areas as follows:

• Assure our players are properly prepared for practice and games.
• Support and be respectful of our coaches/trainers in all aspects of their work.
• Support the proper environment for player development.
• At all times, portray proper behavior resulting in a solid reputation for our club.
• Understand the consequences of improper behavior for both player and parent/guardian.

Your actions, both on the field and off the field, represent the entire club. The club’s main objective is to provide the proper environment for your child to develop their soccer skills and have fun while doing so. This is, first and foremost, your child’s club. By joining this club, you have given your child an unique opportunity to compete in soccer at a high level, given them access to some of the highest qualified coaches and trainers and made them part of a premier club that will compete in high visibility tournaments based on merit.

No matter how much you desire, you cannot fulfill your child’s obligations to practice and develop their soccer skills. Your job is to encourage your child to develop and never forget that soccer must remain a FUN activity for your child to be part of.

Please take pride in your club and represent yourself as being part of a premier organization.

Practices

Practice is one of the most important elements in soccer development. Parents/guardians and players are expected to ensure players:

• Notify the coach of an anticipated absence well in advanced of the practice;
• Are at the field ready for practice no less than 10 minutes before the start time;
• Are prepared (this includes proper training gear including shorts, t-shirt, soccer socks, shin guards, soccer shoes and appropriate apparel for colder weather, as well as a water bottle).

If a player misses practice they may have reduced playing time in games and tournaments. To stay sharp and at the top of their game and to be aware of their team’s playing style requires practice.

Games and Tournaments

It is crucial for the team to be properly warmed up and briefed by the coach prior to the start of the game. As such parents/guardians and players are expected to:

• Notify the coach of absence well in advanced of the game in order that the proper adjustments to strategy and player roster can be made;
• Be at the field no less than 30 minutes prior to kick-off ready to play. Note that the coach may ask you to be there earlier;
• Be prepared (this includes proper game gear and awareness of weather conditions);
• Arrive energized and ready to play (proper hydration and nutrition begins the evening before and morning of the game);
• Parents/guardians be accountable for players' actions in restaurants, stores, hotels/motels/ when out of town.

A player's playing time will depend on the factors listed below and is up to the complete discretion of the coach:

• Effort;
• Practice attendance;
• Practice performance;
• Player’s physical state;
• Discipline; and
• Ability.

Team Meetings

Parents/guardians and players are expected to attend every team meeting as requested by the coaching staff.

Sideline Behavior

In particular, parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the following rules when attending a game or practice. This includes before, during and after the session.

• DO encourage your child.
• DO encourage the team.
• DO treat the other team, the referee and other parents with respect.
• DO set a good example for the players. Refrain from smoking or other inappropriate activities in the vicinity of the field.
   
• DO NOT instruct the players.
• DO NOT speak to or question the referee.
• DO NOT use foul or abusive language.
• DO NOT question the player choice or tactics of the coach.
• DO NOT criticize the coach or the players.

On Field Behavior

Players are expected to:

• Treat their coaches, team mates, referees and parents/guardians with respect;
• Come prepared to work hard and learn;
• Refrain from using foul and abusive language; and
• Play as a team.

Concerns

OBSC has an open door policy for concerns. Problems should be identified and dealt with at the earliest possible time. Concerns should be voiced to the following:

• Coach
• Assistant Coach
• Manager
• OBSC Rep Coordinator (coaching issues)

Note that the best way to contact the coach is through email, by phone or after practice, NOT before, during or immediately after a game.

Consequences

If parents/guardians or players cannot follow these guidelines, or if any on or off field incidents are reported to OBSC by another team, a referee or through any governing soccer organization the coach or the club may take any one or all of the following steps:

• Warn the parent/guardian/player about their behavior;
• Suspend the parent/guardian from attending games and practices;
• Reduce the playing time of the player; and/or
• Remove the child from the team.

Fines levied by a governing organization against the club will result in mandatory suspension of at least one game against the offending party (parent or player) and may, at the judgment of the coach and club, result in additional actions included in the list above.

We sincerely hope that we would never have to resort to any of these steps.

Fair Play Codes

Fair Play Code for Players

• I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
• I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
• I will control my temper – fighting and “mouthing off” can spoil the activity for everybody.
• I will respect my opponents.
• I will do my best to try and be a true team player
• I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving my skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
• I will acknowledge all good plays/performances –those of my team and my opponents.
•  I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

Fair Play Code for Coaches

• I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that young players have other interests and obligations.
• I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
• I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, and support.
• I will not ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
• I will ensure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player’s ages and abilities.
• I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Fair Play Code for Parents

• I will not force my child to participate in sports.
• I will remember that my child plays sport for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
• I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility.
• I will teach my child that doing ones’ best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game/event.
• I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
• I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing competitions.
• I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
• I will never question the official’s judgment or honesty.
• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting events.
• I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and trainers who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.