COACHES: 

• Players and parents can expect coaches to provide a fun learning environment.
• Coaches will be on time and prepared for training sessions and games.
• Players and parents can expect the coaches to be fair and give an honest evaluation of players.
• Coaches will promote good sportsmanship and lead by example.
• Coaches will maintain good communication with parents and players.
• Coaches will hold players accountable who do not abide by good sportsmanship, attendance in games and practice sessions.
• Coaches will work toward not only the development of their team, but the individual development of each player.
• Coaches will pass a valid background check, yearly.
• Coaches will sign the BSO Coach's Contract, yearly.
  

PLAYERS:

• Players will come prepared for practice and games with all proper attire and equipment
• Players will be expected to give full attention during training sessions and games
• Players are expected to always work hard to help improve soccer skills and understanding of the game.
• The amount of playing time players will receive during games will be based on game performance, determination in practice, punctuality and attitude.
• Players should always be courteous of other players and teammates.
• It is expected that all players exemplify and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
• Players are expected to be respectful of their coaches, officials and opponents.
• Players are required to carry exceptional grades in school while being a distinguished athlete.

PARENTS and FAMILY MEMBERS:

• Guardians are expected to get players to practice and games on time, as well as pick up players timely.
• All spectators are expected to carry proper sideline behavior.  NO PROFANITY!
• Guardians are expected to remain at practice and/or games at all times.
• Spectators are expected to assist U6 and/or U8 coaches on the field during practice and/or games if requested by the coaches.
• Spectators should not yell instructions from the sideline and allow the coaches to properly instruct.
• If late to practice or a game, guardians are expected to notify the coaching staff immediately and ensure their player is properly prepared with attire, equipment and ready to play.
• Players should never be left unattended by a guardian.
• Guardians should notify the coaching staff if school grades are below an acceptable level.
• Guardians are required to fulfill financial commitments to the team and club.  If a financial hardship presents itself, parents are expected to communicate this information to the coaching staff or team manager.
• Spectators should be supportive and recognize the value and importance of BSO volunteers, coaching staff, team mangers, referees and officials.
• Do no scold or criticize your child after a challenging game.  Encourage them and be supportive. 
• Be a role model and example to your child by exemplifying good sportsmanship at all times.

WE'RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER

Referees, coaches and parents together have an enormous impact on the lives of youth soccer players. While each parent must be accountable for their actions and teach their own son or daughter to do the same, referees, coaches and parents form a trio of role models from which many of our youth learn behaviors that they will carry into adulthood. Cooperation, respect and maturity among the adults in soccer will encourage those qualities in the players.

REFEREES: What can referees do to make the game of soccer better for the players?

1. Know the Laws of the Game and the Rules.
2. Be professional; i.e. on time, in proper uniform, prepared, fit, etc.
3. Study the game and the spirit of soccer.
4. Attend meetings, clinics and seminars.
5. Show respect to players, coaches, parents and spectators.
6. Explain rules, when needed.
7. Help less-experienced referees.
8. Play the game to better understand it.
9. Seek evaluation from coaches/players.
10. Be assessed regularly.
11. Smile, and enjoy the game.
12. Be firm, fair and honest.
13. Be consistent.
14. Accept only the number and level of assignments that can be done well.
15. Be neutral.
16. Know and use proper procedures.
17. Always remain calm.
18. Take each game seriously.
19. Implement good management techniques.
20. Show courage and confidence; avoid arrogance.

Referees come in contact with thousands of youth players every year. Their ability to influence fair play is greater than that of most other adults.

COACHES: What can coaches do to make the game of soccer more enjoyable for the players, and easier for the referee to manage?

1. Take a course on the Laws of the Game.
2. Be accepting of the referee's decisions.
3. Remain calm.
4. Do not make loud, offensive remarks.
5. Concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of the referee's decisions.
6. Be a role model of fair play.
7. Be positive; avoid confrontation with any official.
8. During games, leave the decisions to the players.
9. Attend coaching classes to learn the most effective ways to conduct practices.
10. Give good guidelines to parents.
11. Set high standards.
12. Be firm with parents at games.
13. Teach skills and fair tactics.
14. Discourage unfair gamesmanship.
15. Communicate with parents often in meetings and social gatherings.
16. Play the game, and encourage parents to play and to referee.
17. Referee games.
18. Delegate responsibilities.

PARENTS: What can parents do to make the game of soccer more enjoyable for their children... and other people's children too?

1. Be knowledgeable of the game.
2. Encourage fair play at home.
3. Be supportive; i.e., be sure the player attends practices, pick him/her up on time.
4. Attend games.
5. Be positive or quiet at games.
6. Be respectful, and expect your own children to be respectful.
7. Focus on good nutrition.
8. Volunteer to help the coach.
9. Become a referee.
10. Play the game of soccer.
11. Be calm and have good manners.
12. Support the coach's and referee's decisions.
13. Encourage communication between coach and parent.
14. Ask you own child to describe his/her role, and what new skills have been learned.
15. Watch practices; focus on new strategies.
16. Find soccer videos, and watch them with your children.
17. Concentrate on praising other people's children during games.
18. Read newspaper articles about older soccer players' successes; provide models for your own children.

Parents' daily modeling of fair play, conflict resolution and the "Golden Rule" encourages players to calmly play with skill on the field.