CODE OF CONDUCT
North FC (NFC) expects and requires all member clubs, club officials, players, referees, spectators, and others participating in NFC activities to behave responsibly, courteously, and respectfully at all times. NFC is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing our community with a safe and supportive environment to play recreational-level and competitive soccer, while also learning and exhibiting good sportsmanship and teamwork. These objectives cannot be met unless all of those involved adhere to the highest level of conduct. Poor sportsmanship and disrespectful or irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated at any time. The following guidelines are intended to help member clubs and their participants to be aware of the types of behavior that are expected of them. These guidelines are not substitutes for clear thinking, and do not necessarily address all situations. Everyone must exercise sound judgment in deciding how to handle different situations. Violations of the NFC Code of Conduct may be subject to punishment in the form of fines and/or suspensions, as decided upon by the NFC Executive Committee.
COACHES
1) Become familiar with and follow all NFC rules and policies.
2) Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players and teams.
3) Take appropriate steps to control scoring in runaway games.
4) Be knowledgeable of the laws of the game, and teach them to your players at a level that they will understand.
5) Treat other coaches, players, officials, and fans with respect.
6) Ensure that your team and spectators treat the opposing team and referees with respect, and assist the game officials in maintaining control before, during, and after game play.
7) Place the emotional & physical well-being of your players ahead of a personal desire to win at any cost. Recognize that children participate in soccer to have fun and that the game is for the players. Recognize that the benefits of development, teamwork, and fun far outweigh the benefits of winning at any cost.
8) Recognize that refereeing is a difficult job and that by the laws of the game, the referee is given the full and sole authority to judge the match. Do not argue or make any negative comments to the referees before, during, or after the match. Show respect and support for the referees, and accept their judgments.
REFEREES
Every referee is expected to:
1) Treat all game participants with respect.
2) Apply the rules fairly to both teams.
3) Be dressed in proper uniform, with jersey tucked in and an overall presentable appearance. The players, coaches and spectators do not expect perfection, but they want a game that is called fairly and evenly.
PLAYERS
1) Demonstrate good sportsmanship by example and encourage it from fellow players.
2) Play by the rules of the game.
3) Remain respectful towards other players, coaches, referees, and spectators.
4) Never argue or complain about referees’ calls or decisions.
5) Recognize that refereeing is a difficult job, and that by the Laws of the game, the referee is given the full and sole authority to judge the match. Do not argue or make any negative comments to the referees before, during, or after the match. Show respect and support for the referees, and accept their judgments.
SPECTATORS/ PARENTS/ GUARDIANS
The role of parents/guardians and spectators is one of support to the players, coaches, and referees. Parents should not engage in “coaching” from the sidelines or criticizing players, coaches or game officials. Every parent and spectator is expected to:
1) Be supportive of the coaches and players.
2) Respect the game officials and refrain from questioning or criticizing their decisions or from addressing them in a loud, disrespectful, or abusive manner.
3) Cheer for your child’s team in a positive manner, refraining from making negative or abusive remarks about the opposing team. Maintain control of your emotions and avoid actions, language, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile.
4) Never approach a game official before, during or after a game. Complaints should follow the chain of command through your team’s coach, or your club representative.
5) Teach and practice good sportsmanship by personally demonstrating commitment to these virtues at all times.
6) Acknowledge outstanding play by your opponents.
7) Recognize that refereeing is a difficult job and that by the laws of the game, the referee is given the full and sole authority to judge the match. Do not argue or make any negative comments to the referees before, during, or after the match. Show respect and support for the referees, and accept their judgments.
BY BEING A CLUB MEMBER OF NSFC, AN EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE AS OUTLINED IN THE NSFC BYLAWS, ACTING AS A HEAD OR ASSISTANT COACH OF A PARTICIPATING TEAM, OR HAVING A CHILD PARTICIPATE IN ANY/ ALL NSFC ACTIVITIES,
You acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. If you fail to abide by any of the league rules, procedures and guidelines, you will be subject to disciplinary actions that include, but are not limited to: (a) warning; (b) probation; (c) suspension; or (d) banishment from any and all NSFC-related activities. You also understand that the NSFC Code of Conduct acts as its own document, and exists in conjunction with any Codes of Conduct of member clubs. Disciplinary actions for violation of the NFC Code of Conduct are enforced by member clubs, in addition to any violations of the Codes of Conduct of said clubs.