Rules of Conduct
Derry Soccer Club strives to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all involved. With this in mind please review the club rules of conduct.
If you have questions about the Rules of Conduct please contact the Derry Soccer Club Board of Directors through our contact form.
Zero Tolerance
All individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators. Keep in mind that many of our referees are kids learning how to officiate the game. They need your support so they can continue to develop. Would you want parents and coaches yelling at or intimidating your kids?
No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game.
Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. No Yelling at the referee, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact our the Derry Soccer Club through our contact form and we will review the concerns.
Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the Derry Soccer Club board of directors.
Parents
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Refrain from coaching from the sidelines. Leave this to the coaches.
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Refrain from using profanity.
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Please Stay off the field, unless a coach or referee is asking for parent assistance.
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Keep the winning of games in perspective. Player development is the most important thing.
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Encourage and support players. Do not place an unwarranted amount of pressure on the players, including post-game discussions.
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Ensure that players attend training and games regularly and on time.
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Give adequate notice for all absences from training and games. Be honest in all dealings with coaching staff.
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Attend all pre-arranged parent meetings.
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Keep the coach fully informed of any injuries or matters that may affect performance.
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Advocate a healthy lifestyle that is appropriate to development.
Note: Parents wishing to speak to coaches about any issue relating to their child should e-mail the coach in order to setup a time. Please feel free to copy the club board at dsc@derrysoccerclub.org on any emails.
Players
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Always conduct yourself with respect.
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Always respect other people and property – you are an ambassador for the club at all times.
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Maximum effort is a minimum requirement – always take pride in your performance, even at training.
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Attend all training sessions and games punctually.
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Pay complete attention to the coaching staff.
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Always wear shin guards for all training and matches.
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Always help with equipment during practice. You should not need to be asked.
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Always get a good night’s sleep prior to any games.
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Learn the rules of the game.
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Be appreciative of your parent’s support.
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Have a good attitude, both on and off the field.
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Be proud of your appearance on the field.
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Always show good sportsmanship.
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Accept any decision given by the referee.
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Never retaliate, verbally or physically, no matter what the provocation may be.
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Use of profanity can result in ejection from games or dismissal from practices
Coaches
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Always keep the best interest and well being of the children as the highest priority.
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You will use coaching techniques appropriate for all skills and ages
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You will utilize a variety of game strategies, plays, and defenses which allow for highest level of skill development for both your team and the opposing team.
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Eagles coaches: You will be knowledgeable in the rules of soccer and will teach these rules to your players.
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Hawks coaches: You will work with trainers and referees to learn the rules to the best of your ability for your players age group.
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In both victory and defeat, the behavior of the coach shall model grace, dignity and composure.
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Treat referees with respect and accept any decision given.
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Do your best to organize practices in cooperation with the club training staff that are fun and challenging for your players.
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Stress fair play and good sportsmanship whether winning or losing. During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
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During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them (and you may need to be assertive and direct) from yelling at the players and the referee.
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You will provide a sports environment for your team that is free of the use of profanity, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and you will refrain from their use at all sports events.
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Don't run up the score. Getting defeated by a large margin can really demoralize young soccer players, so please use your best judgment when teams are mismatched. There are ways to keep the score reasonable (e.g. move stronger players to goalie, defense or sidelines, team rule that no shots can be taken until there have been 5 consecutive passes).