It is the objective of Milton Soccer to ensure that programs remain a fun and safe environment in which our children can learn and enjoy the game of soccer. Our programs are accessible to children with a wide range of abilities, and our goal is to promote the development of skills, not total wins or other statistics. Coaches, players, parents, and referees should all work together to create a positive learning and playing environment. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all participants is a primary element of our mission. To better achieve that mission, we provide the following Codes of Conduct for all Milton players, parents and coaches.
These Codes of Conduct are a covenant between Milton players, parents, and coaches to abide by the rules and regulations of the game, as well as to maintain a cooperative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. These Codes express our core values and goals. It is essential they be honored and followed.
The Codes of Conduct can be summarized in the following three principles:
1. Demonstrate a Positive Attitude
Players, parents, and coaches are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or fans undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of Milton Soccer.
2. Set a Good Example
Each person associated with Milton Soccer is accountable for his/her own behavior at all times on or off the field of play. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by example - it is up to the adults to set good examples. Milton Soccer will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community. Such conduct includes: Vulgarity by coaches, players or parents; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a match; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by all participants - both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
3. Maintain Good Relationships
Officials - The referee's job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents or players who believe their team has been treated unfairly or has been assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches should inform the appropriate league officials about blatant officiating problems. Managers should make reports through appropriate channels, including written evaluations where available. In accordance with FIFA laws, verbal abuse toward a referee can result in a red card and ejection for the player, coach or parent. Referees have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and parents/supporters.
Opponents - Players and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and fans at all times. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of soccer, is completely undermined. Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level, we will have lost regardless of the final score.
Our Own Team - In an environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but also frequently against each other, it can be difficult to control jealousies and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases, parental example is all-important.
CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct is designed to foster good sportsmanship, to provide a fun and safe environment, and to support the development of players and referees participating in Milton Soccer Travel and Champions League games.
Every coach, player, and parent participating in Travel and Champions League is required to read, understand and follow this policy. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to game suspension, removal from field, and/or inability to continue participating in these programs.
- I will remember that soccer is an opportunity to learn and have fun
- I will give my best effort every day and work hard to improve my skills
- I will show good sportsmanship through my attitude and actions
- I will treat players, coaches, opponents, and referees with respect at all times
- I will respect the authority of the referee and will not argue or dispute calls
- I will encourage, but not coach, my child from the sidelines
- I will control my temper, resist the urge to retaliate, and show self-control
- I will not engage in physical or verbal abuse or use abusive or profane language, taunting or humiliating remarks, or other gestures
- I will show respect for my opponent and will take steps to prevent excessive scoring if the outcome of the game is not in question
- I will respect and follow the rules of Milton Soccer, the Boston Area Youth Soccer, Inc. (BAYS), the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, and the US Soccer Association, including the BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy.
- I will be humble and respectful in victory and courteous in defeat
- I will conduct myself with honor and dignity and treat others as I would like to be treated
BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy
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. Consequently, BAYS has adopted and modified the following rules:
- 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, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
- Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee.
- If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the town soccer club referee’s coordinator for the game in question, or contact the BAYS Referees Representative.
Milton Soccer's Codes of Conduct are consistent with those of BAYS and of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). For more information please visit MYSA's Codes of Conduct via the links below.