CODE OF CONDUCT
The Woodland Soccer Club is about recreational soccer. Our mission is to provide a safe, enyoyable, and educational experience for everyone involved. That includes not just our young players, but coaches, referees, parents, and volunteers as well. We expect all WSC particpants, both child and adult, to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, and abide by the WSC codes of conduct.
Parent and Player Code of Conduct Agreement
Parents, players and coaches are required to follow the association’s code of conduct. Players or parents who violate these rules may be disciplined at the game (told to leave) and/or required to appear before the SYSA Judicial Board. Violations may result in a variety of consequences, including player suspension and parental bans. Coaches are responsible for their players and for controlling their sidelines. Disruptive parents who do not follow coaches instructions may cause the coach to be red-carded, the game forfeited or the game abandoned by the referee.
Code of Conduct for Parents
1. Always be supportive of your child, their teammates and coaches. Remember that every player on the team is a contributing player. Spread your encouragement equitably amongst the team.
2. Never harass the opposition or argue with their supporters. Be appreciative of good play from both sides.
3. Never harass the referees and linemen.
4. After each match, have a positive attitude and show appreciation for the importance your child’s effort. Remember that playing the game well is more important than winning.
5. Support the team and club by volunteering your services when needed. The only reason your child can play soccer is because of volunteers.
A Word About Referees
As parents and guardarians, you know that you set the example for your kids. The club looks to you to be an active, and positive, example setter not only for your own children, but for their teamates and opponents as well.
This applies especially to your interactions with our referees. Without referees our games would not be possible.
Did you know that perhaps the biggest challenge in all of youth soccer is attracting, and then retaining, qualified referees? Especially in the case of young refs, the annual turnover among referees is around 66% - as in two-thirds of our young referees quit every year.
This is largely due to abuse and harrassment they experience from parents and coaches.
This is obviously wrong. Please do your part to be part of the solution here, not part of the problem. Always support the referees, by word and by deed.
Sure, they didn't get every call 100% correct (after all, you ARE better qualified than they to make these judgments, yes?)
But, like the players on the field, they did their best. Give them a handshake and a warm "thank you" after every game - and let your kids see you doing this. It's the right thing to do.