ALLIANCE CODE OF CONDUCT

The purpose and intent of the Alliance Soccer Club’s (ASC) philosophy is to promote the advancement of youth soccer in our area, to encourage the development of player skills and abilities, promote programs that teach individual and team skills, and support the growth of trained coaches and referees. The goal and value of player participation is to have fun while playing soccer, to develop self-esteem and confidence through skill development while promoting a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship. In addition, we will participate in the following leagues EDP, NCSL, URSL & Youth National South Atlantic League, where we will advance teams to the highest possible level of play.

The key elements of the Alliance soccer experience is developing individual and team skills in all players in a fun, family environment that builds character, competence and confidence. The Alliance Soccer Club adopts P.R.I.D.E. as the values that define its philosophy:

Positive Attitude, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence

In order to uphold the P.R.I.D.E. and promote a high level of community spirit, Alliance SC adopts the following Code of Conduct for all players, parents/guardians, and coaches.

Players:

All players on an Alliance SC roster spot will follow the below rules

  • I will treat my coaches, my teammates, other players, referees, and spectators with respect always.
  • I will be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, and parents always.
  • I will not bully or haze any teammate or other person involved with the club. I will report any bullying or hazing to the coaches or staff members.
  • I will remember that all players have talents and weaknesses, the same as I do. I will never ridicule or yell at any player for making a mistake during a soccer game or during practice.
  • I will listen to my coaches and do what is asked of me in order to improve my game and my position on the team. If I need to leave a practice or game early, I will inform my coaches in a timely manner.
  • While sitting on the bench during a game, I will watch the game and support my teammates who are in the game. I will provide only positive comments to the players on the field.
  • I understand that I am responsible for my uniform and my equipment.
  • I understand that I must be on time and play my best at all practices and games.
  • Once I am at the soccer field for practice, I will not utilize my cell phone to call or text anyone unless I receive approval from one of my coaches.
  • I will tell one of my coaches in advance if I cannot attend training, games, or other team events through the TeamSnap availability tab.
  • I will never use social media to damage my reputation or our soccer community. I understand that posting hurtful information can destroy a friendship, family relationships, and even a soccer team in a matter of minutes. I will treat these words for what they are: permanent records that can never be erased.
  • I understand that drug use and other inappropriate behavior, including posting inappropriate information on any social media are grounds for dismissal from the team.
  • I will notify the Director of Coaching if a member of another Club’s coaching staffs, or other Club representative approaches me for purposes of recruitment.
  • I will commit to not recruit Alliance Soccer Club players to transfer to another soccer organization.
  • I will participate exclusively with Alliance Soccer Club for the entire soccer year and not participate in any non-sanctioned training session or soccer event for the duration of this agreement without the written approval of the Director of Coaching

Parents/Guardians:

Parents are an important part of a players' soccer development and of a team's success. Parents are an integral part of the Alliance Soccer Club community. As such, parents' behavior on the sideline and support of their child is of the utmost importance. Towards that end, this contract outlines what is expected of parents in order to create a positive environment for all players. By allowing your player to accept a spot on an Alliance SC roster you are accepting the parent contract.

Parents MUST Display appropriate behavior on the sidelines at all times. • Encourage players with cheers and positive comments ONLY. • Demonstrate good sportsmanship. • NEVER speak to the referee, opposing coach, or opposing players. • Only speak to opposing parents in a complimentary fashion, or if you know them personally. No matter their behavior, how the other team or coach acts, you be the better and more mature person! • Do not speak about players on the team while on the sideline. Do not speak negatively about an opposing player while on the sideline. You have no idea who is overhearing you, or who may be friends or relatives of that player's family. Do not speak about players in any negative way. Remember, they are kids! • Do NOT coach or give instructions to players on the field. This applies to your own child as well as other players on the team. • Have players at practice and games on time. • Notify the coach in advance if a player cannot attend a scheduled practice or game. • Be on time to pick up players and stay tuned in the case of inclement weather. • Support the coaches, especially regarding lineup choices and discipline. • Focus on effort and development — not on winning. • Provide a positive environment for learning and developing. For Example: proper diet before & after games, not participating on other teams without prior approval of the Alliance Director of Coaching, avoid talking to your child about the game during the drive home! • Communicate with coaches if there are questions or concern, but NOT during, before or after the games. Email them to set a time to talk. • Schedule vacations & camps around the soccer season when reasonably possible. • You are responsible to ensure that all family members and guests you bring to games are aware of the codes of conduct. Failure to comply with the above requirements may lead to you being suspended from games and practices. Any league fines incurred by the club due to your actions will be your financial responsibility. As Alliance SC has a limited number of roster spots, registration is considered a binding commitment to pay 100% of all tuition fees (LOUYAA membership fee, coach/league fee, training fee, County fee, etc.) for the season or program even if the player chooses to leave the team/program before the season ends.  All tuition fees are non‐refundable once a player accepts a spot on the team roster. Payment of the club registration fee implies consent, and we rely on this information to form teams and any reversal negatively impacts this process.

Coaches:

All Alliance SC Coaches shall

  • Provide a positive role model for their players and parents, by consistently acting in a positive, controlled, and mature manner expected of an Alliance coach.
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship and maintain a proper perspective on the purpose of ASC soccer, namely, participation is for the enjoyment and benefit of the players (not the adults).
  • Learn the rules of soccer and earn at least a basic certification.
  • Above all else, maintain the safety and well-being of their players.
  • Explain to (and remind) parents what is expected of them and their children.
  • Provide a positive, enjoyable atmosphere for the players and parents.
  • Refrain from open arguments with referees and other coaches.
  • Encourage parents to support the team with their presence as much as possible.
  • Provide necessary guidance and equipment at games and practices.
  • Discipline players in a FAIR and CONSISTENT manner.
  • Refrain from making negative comments about other coaches, players, parents, and referees.
  • Be prepared to deal with injuries in a timely manner by reviewing first aid principles.
  • Maintain a consistent practice schedule that is both fun and challenging for the players.

All participants of Alliance SC shall always abide by the Club’s Code of Conduct. Inappropriate behavior that is determined to violate this Code of Conduct shall result in Disciplinary Action by the Alliance President, up to and including, without limitation, expulsion from the game/field, and expulsion from the Alliance SC.

Additionally, players, parents/guardians, and coaches may also be subject to sanctions from the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA).

Rev 12/31/18