PURPOSE

This code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinquish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of soccer within the Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA).

I. Responsibilities to Players	II. Responsibility to WSYSA and Member Associations	III. Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game
IV. Responsibility to Officials	V. Responsibilities Regarding Scouting and Recruiting	VI. Responsibility of Public Relations
VII. Other Responsibilities

Article I - Responsibilities to Players

1. The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.

2. Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.

3. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsporting behavior to players.

4. Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.

5. Demands on players' time should never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals or progress.

6. Coaches must never encourage players to violate WSYSA recruitment, eligibility or players rules and policies.

7. Coaches should direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician's instructions regarding treatment and recovery.

Article II - Responsibility to WSYSA and Member Associations

1. Adherence to all WSYSA and Member Association rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility, team formation and recruiting are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibilty of each coach to know and understand these rules.

2. Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the approporate WSYSA or Member Association officer or committee.

Article III- Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game

1. Coaches should be thorougly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowldege of the Laws of the game.

2. Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the Laws.

3. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.

4. Coaches are responsible for their players' actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to opposing players.

5. The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.

Article IV- Responsibilities to Officials

1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.

2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game, should be mutual. There should be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between official, coach or player.

3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.

4. Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official.

Article V- Responsibilities Regarding Scouting and Recruiting

1. All WSYSA rules pertaining to recruiting shall be strictly observed by coach, manager or any team representative.

2. It is inappropriate to recruit players(s) actively playing for another team.

3. It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from the Olympic Development Program (ODP) setting, either by his/her ODP coach or any other coach, manager, player, parent or team representative.

4. When discussing the advantages of his/her organization, the coach as an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and organizations.

5. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete which cannot be fulfilled; illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play; and immoral to deliver same.

6. Coaches shall not scout any team, by any means whatsoever, except in regularly scheduled games.

Article VI- Responsibilities of Public Relations

1. Coaches have a responsibilty to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, parents or media should be positive and constructive.

2. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public when representing ther team, member association and WSYSA.

3. Coaches must not attempt to influence member association or WSYSA in political or financial dealings outside the framework of their own rules and By-laws.

Article VII- Other Responsibilities

1. A coaches' behavior must be such as to bring credit to himself, his organization and the sport of soccer.

2. While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.

3. The attitude and conduct of the coach towards officials, players, spectators and coaches should be controlled and undemonstrative.

4. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.

5. Coaches must use their influence on his/her spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, players(s) and opposing team members.

Adopted 8/94