Responsibility
As a member of NPYSA, you are part of a community that values teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, and personal growth. By participating in this program, you agree to uphold the following standards to ensure a safe, positive, and enjoyable soccer experience for yourself, your teammates, and everyone involved.
1. Commitment to Team & Effort
- Team participation – Attend practices and games regularly and give your best effort at all times.
- Punctuality – Arrive on time and be prepared with proper equipment.
- Coach instructions – Listen to your coaches, follow directions, and ask questions respectfully when you need help.
2. Respect & Sportsmanship
- Respect for others – Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators with respect at all times.
- Positive behavior – Use encouraging language and support your teammates.
- No bullying – Bullying, teasing, or excluding others is not tolerated.
- Respect for opponents – Play hard but fair. Shake hands and show good sportsmanship before and after games.
3. Conduct Toward Officials
- Respect for referees – Accept the referee’s decisions without arguing, complaining, or showing disrespect.
- No dissent – Do not shout at or criticize referees, even if you disagree with a call.
- Let coaches handle issues – If you have a concern, speak to your coach calmly; do not address the referee yourself.
4. Behavior During Practices & Games
- Play by the rules – Follow the Laws of the Game and any league‐specific rules.
- Self-control – Avoid rough play, retaliation, or aggressive behavior.
- Sportsmanship – Celebrate respectfully and never taunt or mock another player or team.
- Language and conduct – Profanity, abusive language, or disrespectful behavior will result in removal from the game and further disciplinary action.
5. Team Environment & Responsibility
- Support teammates – Encourage teammates and help create a positive team atmosphere.
- Playing time – Understand that all players receive playing time; respect your coach’s decisions about substitutions.
- Equipment and safety – Wear proper gear, keep the field safe, and report injuries or unsafe situations immediately.
6. Communication & Attitude
- Positive attitude – Approach practices and games with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
- Respectful communication – Speak respectfully to coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials.
- Listening skills – Pay attention when coaches or referees are speaking.
7. Consequences for Violations
Failure to follow this Player’s Code of Conduct may result in:
- Verbal warning and discussion with the coach.
- Temporary removal from practice or game participation.
- Meeting with NPYSA Board to determine further action.
- Suspension or removal from the team or league if behavior does not improve.
Acknowledgment
By participating in NPYSA, you agree to uphold this Player’s Code of Conduct and understand the consequences for failing to follow it.