PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Parent’s Pledge:

“Soccer is a players’ game. The paramount concern of the adults involved is the holistic development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of their players.” - Code of Ethics NSCAA

I* recognize that parents are the most important role models for their children and that amateur athletics help develop a sense of teamwork, self-worth, and sportsmanship. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and respect the rights of others. I understand it is important to enforce rules of play and conduct standards as necessary components in athletics and life.   At all times, I will encourage my child to respect the game officials’ decisions and not criticize a game official’s ruling during or after a game.

 

Parent Code of Conduct:

As a parent, I* agree to abide by the following:

  • I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports events.
  • I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
  • I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and abusive language, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports.
  • I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of their race, sex, creed or ability.
  • I will do my best to make youth sports fun for my child.
  • I will remember that the game is for the children, not adults.
  • I understand that the coach has the right to remove parents/spectators from the sideline.

Additionally, I*will abide by the following BSC policies:

  • I will demonstrate positive sideline behavior and never “coach” from the sideline.
  • I will ensure my child is available for all practices and games.
  • I understand the BSC season runs for ten months (August – June) and my child is committed to the entire 10- month season.
  • I understand that, at the U12 and younger age groups, game playing time and position rotations in any one game is equitable (but not equal) and, in each case, is at the discretion of the coach. I understand the coach may handle tournaments and other special events differently than regular season games.  Parents should expect advance communication from coaches addressing playing time and position rotations.
  • I understand that, at the U13 – U19 age groups, game playing time and positions in any one game is at the discretion of the coach.  I understand the coach may handle tournaments, showcases and other special events differently than regular season games, and that may include no playing time for my child in a particular game.  Parents should expect advance communication from coaches addressing playing time. I will abide by the “24 Hour Rule” – requiring that I not contact a coach either in-person or via other means within 24-hours after a  game to discuss issues.
  • I understand that, at the U13 – U19 age groups, coaches prefer that players communicate with them directly versus hearing from parents. However, parents should expect to be copied on all such communications, unless it is a team-wide group text or email.
  • In the event I feel the need to discuss a situation regarding my player, I understand the proper communication chain is to raise the issue directly with the Coach first > Age Group Director next > Club Executive Director last.[1] Under no circumstances are team managers, BSC Board of Directors members, or other BSC coaches or personnel to be contacted or get involved in such issues.
  • In the event I am deemed to have broken this Code of Conduct, I understand that BSC may levy penalties, including, but not limited to, suspension of spectator rights at future games or practices, suspension of my child’s right to play in future games or practice with the team, or dismissal from BSC.

*“I” shall includes any relatives and/or friends of parents attending any BSC function.

[1] If the issue is the Coach or Age Group Director (as the case may be), then the parent does not need to raise the issue directly with such person, and instead may skip such person in the communication chain.  However, to be clear, issues relating to playing time, positions, or other coaching decisions should be first raised with the Coach.