Soccer Sportsmanship

         This coaching article is provided through the graciousness of the Oregon Youth Soccer Association.  They have allowed us to reprint it here.    You are encouraged to print it out for your personal use. 

The Coach

• Treats own players, parents, and opponents with respect.
• Teaches and inspires soccer players to love the game and to compete fairly.
• Demonstrates by example the type of person he/she wants the players to be.
• Has control and commands discipline at all times.
• Respects the interpretation of rules and judgment of the officials.
• Realizes that as a coach he/she is a teacher and therefore understands the game and proper soccer behavior at all times.

The Player

• Treats opponents with respect.
• Plays hard plays within the rules of the game of soccer.
• Demonstrates self control.
• Respects officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or argument.
• Wins without boasting, loses without excuses and never quits.
• Remembers that it is a privilege to represent his/her soccer club and community.

The Official

• Knows the rules and understands the game.
• Places health and welfare of the players above all other considerations.
• Treats players and coaches courteously and demands the same from them.
• Works cooperatively with fellow referees and linesmen.
• Is fair and firm in all decisions on the field.
• Maintains confidence, poise and self control from start to finish of the game.

The Parents

• Do not coach the team players including your own youngster, from the sidelines during the game.
• Respect the judgment of the referee and do not criticize officials.
• Supportive parents focus on mastering soccer skills and game strategies.
• Decrease the pressure to win.
• Believe that soccer’s primary value is to provide youth an opportunity for self-development.
• Understand the risks. A soccer game is full of mistakes and the team that makes fewer mistakes generally wins the game. Playing soccer is a willingness to chance failure.
• Communicate with the coach and create a positive, supportive working relationship.
• Understand and respect the different roles of parents and coaches.
• Control negative emotions and think positively.
• Avoid the use of fear - because player development is rarely fostered by fear of the consequences of failure.
• Parents must show empathy for the young developing soccer player.