Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club

Code of Conduct

Coaches

The coaching staff and officials of the Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club (OISC) understand that children participate in soccer to improve their soccer skills, make friends, attain and maintain their physical fitness and to have fun with their peers in a player friendly environment. Coaches are expected to act in a responsible manner to ensure that participation in soccer activities within the OISC is both enjoyable and productive. The following Code of Conduct will help ensure that coaches put the players and club above self interests while coaching OISC teams.

Code of Conduct for Ottawa International Soccer Club Coaches
The following code of conduct is to be adhered to by all OISC coaches. Failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal or suspension of the coach by the OISC executive or Club Head Coach.

As a coach with the OISC I:

Will treat all players fairly and without discrimination of any kind or for any reason.
Will treat all of my players, parents, club officials, spectators and visitors with respect at all times.
Will not verbally or physically abuse any referee or assistant referee.
Will give my team and my players the full extent of my coaching abilities at all times.
Will treat all visiting teams and team officials with respect.
Will abide by all of the referees’ decisions regardless of whether I agree or not.
Will be a Role Model for my players at all times.
Will maintain team discipline to the best of my ability at all times.
Will treat the OISC club executives and staff with respect at all times.
Will take any disputes with club executives or staff directly to the club executives or staff concerned. If there is a conflict of interest then I will take my dispute to the next higher authority (EODSA/OSA/CSA) as appropriate.
Will not engage in any dispute with parents but will contact the appropriate vice-president, club head coach or other club authority immediately for assistance and guidance.
Will not engage in electronic (emails, facebook, blogs etc.) transmissions of any kind in discussing club or team matters except to offer praise.
Will encourage my players to respect the play of their opponents.
Will teach my players “Fair Play”.
Will not have any discussion about a player with the player present.
Will not run up the score (double digits) against opponents for any reason other than it must realistically affect team standings such as in tournaments.
Will teach my players not to cheat in any aspect of the game.
Will ensure that all players get adequate playing time as dictated by club policy.
Will ensure that I am prepared for all practices and games.
Will notify the appropriate club authority of any situation that I feel may cause embarrassment to my team, the OISC or club authorities.
Will support all club sponsored programs (Fall, Winter, Kemptville programs, etc.).
Will abide by directions issued by the club officials and staff.
Will attend all club sponsored coaches training and meetings.
Will do everything in my power to portray a positive image of the OISC.

Players

Play for the "fun of it", not just to please your parents or coach.

Play by the rules.

Never argue with the official's decision. Let your coach ask any necessary questions.

Control your temper - no "mouthing off" or throwing tantrums.

Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.

Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your team's or your opponents'.

Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.

Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't show off or always try to get the most points or penalties.

Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents, for without them you don't have a game.

Parents

Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.

Remember children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.

Encourage your child always to play by the rules.

Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

Remember children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.

Do not publicly question the officials' judgement and never their honesty.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.

Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time to provide recreational activities for your child.

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Reproduced from the "Fair Play Codes for Children in Sports". Courtesy of the Canadian Council on Children and Youth.