Coaches Code of Conduct

NPYSA is a volunteer‐driven organization, and your time, commitment, and leadership make it possible for young athletes to enjoy a safe, positive, and development‐focused soccer experience. By serving as a coach, head coach or assistant, you accept an important role of responsibility and agree to uphold the following standards of conduct.

1. Coaching Responsibilities

  • Coaching knowledge – Commit to learning age‐appropriate coaching methods and plan practices that are safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for all players.
  • Representation of NPYSA – Understand that your conduct reflects directly on NPYSA at all times.
  • Assistant coaches – Ensure assistant coaches follow all rules of the game and this Code of Conduct. Head coaches and assistants should collaborate respectfully, share feedback constructively, and work toward the same team goals.
  • Safe environment – Maintain a safe environment at all practices and games, including proper equipment use, field awareness, and injury prevention.

2. Player Development & Team Culture

  • Rules and respect – Teach players to follow the rules, respect teammates, opponents, coaches, spectators, and officials.
  • Child‐centered coaching – Remember that youth sports exist for the benefit of the children. Mistakes are part of learning.
  • Well‐being over winning – Prioritize player development, safety, and enjoyment over personal or competitive goals.
  • Positive communication – Use encouragement and constructive feedback. Do not yell at players during practices or games.
  • Individual differences – Recognize that players develop emotionally and physically at different rates.
  • Rec Season – Equal playing time – Provide equal playing time for all players. Playing time may not be restricted due to practice attendance, as players may have other commitments.
  • Competitive Season – Equal playing time is crucial for development in youth leagues especially in our younger divisions. Competitive Middle and High School ages can be granted on a merit-based system where attitude, effort, and performance take priority; Balanced game time is still required.
  • Sportsmanship – Model positive character, sportsmanship, and attitude at all times.

3. Game Management

  • Respect for opponents – Treat opposing coaches and players respectfully before, during, and after games.
  • Score management – Take reasonable steps to avoid running up the score when your team is clearly dominating.
  • Officials – Meet and greet officials before the game to set a positive tone.
  • Referee abuse is strictly prohibited, including but not limited to:
    • Shouting dissent from the sidelines
    • Criticizing calls in front of players
    • Debating calls after the game
    • Any act of disrespect toward officials
  • Communication with referees – Do not address referees during the game. Minor concerns may be discussed calmly at halftime or after the match.
  • Major concerns – If you believe an official was unfair, biased, unfit, or incompetent, report your concerns to an NPYSA Board Member. All reports are taken seriously.

4. Player Behavior & Discipline

  • Player conduct – Coaches are responsible for player sportsmanship during games.
  • If a player becomes disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, remove them from play until they regain composure.
  • Incident reporting – Any on‐field issues – including yellow/red cards, misconduct by players, parents, or spectators – must be reported immediately after the game to:
    • A Board Member (Rec Season and Competitive Season)
    • The Competitive Coordinator (Superliga Season)

5. Communication & Professional Conduct

  • Punctuality – Arrive at all games and practices at least 15 minutes early. Occasional exceptions are understood but should be rare.
  • Timely communication – Notify players and families promptly of any schedule changes or reminders.
  • Language and behavior – Profanity, abusive language, or abusive behavior at practices or games will result in immediate suspension and/or dismissal.
  • Parent engagement – Encourage parents to cheer positively for both teams and discourage sideline coaching or criticism of players or officials.
  • Provide all families with the Parent Code of Conduct and hold them accountable to follow it.
  • Support for officials – Promote an environment where officials are respected by coaches, players, and spectators.

6. Consequences for Violations

Failure to follow this Coaches Code of Conduct will result in the following actions:

  1. Verbal warning and a corrective action plan.
  2. Emergency meeting with the NPYSA Board to discuss required changes.
  3. Immediate dismissal from coaching duties, with no eligibility to return in future seasons.

Acknowledgment

By volunteering as a coach with NPYSA, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and understand the consequences for failing to do so.