Code of Conduct for Players & Parent/Guardians

IMPORTANT: Code of Conduct for Players & Parent/Guardians PLEASE READ!

Players:

All players on a Cutters Soccer Club roster spot will follow the below rules

• I will treat my coaches, my teammates, other players, referees, spectators, and venues that host my practices/games with respect at all times.
• I will be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, and parents at all times.
• I will not bully or haze any teammate or other person involved with the club. I will report any bullying or hazing to the coaches or staff members.
• I will remember that all players have talents and weaknesses, the same as I do. I will never ridicule or yell at any player for making a mistake during a soccer game or during practice.
• I will listen to my coaches and do what is asked of me in order to improve my game and my position on the team. If I need to leave a practice or game early I will inform my coaches in a timely manner.
• While sitting on the bench during a game, I will watch the game and support my teammates who are in the game. I will provide only positive comments to the players on the field.
• I understand that I am responsible for my uniform and my equipment.
• I understand that I must be on time and give my best effort at all practices and games.
• Once I am at the soccer field for practice, I will not utilize my cell phone to call or text anyone unless I receive approval from one of my coaches.
• I will tell one of my coaches in advance if I cannot attend training, games, or other team events AND record it on the TeamSnap availability app.
• I will never use social media to damage my reputation, that of Cutters or our soccer community. I understand that posting hurtful information can destroy a friendship, family relationships, and even a soccer team in a matter of minutes. I will treat these words for what they are: permanent records that can never be erased.
• I understand that alcohol or drug use and other inappropriate behavior, including posting inappropriate information on any social media are grounds for dismissal from the team.
• I will notify the Director of Coaching if a member of another club’s coaching staff or other club representative approaches me or my family for purposes of recruitment.
• I will commit to not recruit Cutters Soccer Club players to transfer to another soccer organization.
• I will make my Cutters Soccer Team my 1^st priority during the complete Fall & Spring travel competition seasons. If I participate in any other soccer training or other sports teams (for example- ODP, my school track team, etc…) I will NOT miss any of my Cutters Games for any other sporting events. I understand that this would be a detriment to my team and would not be in the spirit of being a loyal member of a travel team. I also, understand that missing games for other events could affect my playing time and that this is at the discretion of my coach.
• If I play multiple sports, I understand that my Cutters winter training is highly encouraged, but that my Cutters coaches will be understanding of missed winter training if another sport is in its competitive season. I do acknowledge that the more I practice soccer the more I will improve and that other teammates may exceed my skills if I choose not to train in the off season & this too, could negatively affect my playing time to a degree.

Parents/Guardians:

Parents are an important part of a players’ soccer development and of a team’s success. Parents are an integral part of the Cutters Soccer Club community. As such, parents’ behavior on the sideline and support of their child is of the utmost importance. Towards that end, this contract outlines what is expected of parents in order to create a positive environment for all players. By allowing your player to accept a spot on a Cutters Soccer Club roster you are accepting the parent contract.

Parents MUST Display appropriate behavior on the sidelines at all times.

• Encourage players with cheers and positive comments ONLY.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
• NEVER speak to the referee, opposing coach, or opposing players. 
• Only speak to opposing parents in a complimentary fashion, or if you know them personally. No matter their behavior, how the other team or coach acts, you bethe better and more mature person.
• Do not speak about players on the team while on the sideline. Do not speak negatively about an opposing player while on the sideline. You have no idea who is overhearing you, or who may be friends or relatives of that player’s family. Do not speak about players in any negative way. Remember, they are kids.
• Do NOT coach or give instructions to players on the field. This applies to your own child as well as other players on the team.
• Have players at practice and games on time.
• Notify the coach in advance if a player cannot attend a scheduled practice or game.
• Be on time to pick up players, and stay tuned in the case of inclement weather.
• Support the coaches, especially regarding lineup choices and discipline.
• Focus on effort and development — not on winning.
• Provide a positive environment for learning and developing. For Example: proper diet before & after games, not participating on other teams without prior approval of the Cutters Director of Coaching, avoid talking to your child about the game during the drive home!
• Communicate with coaches if there are questions or concerns, but NOT during, before/after the games or through the TeamSnap Chat. Email them to set a time to talk.
• Use the TeamSnap Chat for Appropriate topics Only, such as…uniform color today, game locations, traffic issues, carpool requests, etc… Do NOT use the chat as a forum to question the coach, to complain about anything, to criticize players or families, to give your opinion on the game plan, etc.. Please respect everyone’s time, by not sending things in the chat after 9pm or before 9am (unless game start time requires an early message). Please do not use the chat to text an individual back & forth, if it does not concern the group. If it applies to one person, please text them individually.
• Schedule vacations & camps around the soccer season when reasonably possible. Take special note of end of the season Cup or Tournament play and double check for additional qualifying or finals weekends
• You are responsible to ensure that all family members and guests you bring to games are aware of the codes of conduct.
• Failure to comply with the above requirements may lead to you being suspended from games and practices. Any league fines incurred by the club due to your actions will be your financial responsibility. As Cutters Soccer Club has a limited number of roster spots, registration is considered a binding commitment to pay 100% of all tuition fees(ISL, membership fee, coach/league fee, training fee, field fee, team tournament fees, etc.) for the season or program even if the player chooses to leave the team/program before the season ends.  All tuition fees are non‐refundable once a player accepts a spot on the team roster. Payment of the club registration fee implies consent and we rely on this information to form teams and any reversal negatively impacts this process, other families, and most importantly… all the kids.

Coaches:

All Cutters Soccer Club Coaches shall:

• Provide a positive role model for their players and parents, by consistently acting in a positive, controlled, and mature manner expected of a Cutters coach.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and maintain a proper perspective on the purpose of Cutters soccer, namely, participation is for the enjoyment, betterment and benefit of the players (not the adults).
• Know the rules of soccer, and earn at least a basic certification.
• Above all else, maintain the safety and well-being of their players.
• Explain to (and remind) parents what is expected of them and their children.
• Provide a positive, enjoyable atmosphere for the players and parents.
• Refrain from open arguments with referees and other coaches.
• Encourage parents to support the team with their presence as much as possible.
• Provide necessary guidance and equipment at games and practices.
• Discipline players in a FAIR and CONSISTENT manner.
• Refrain from making negative comments about other coaches, players, parents and referees.
• Be prepared to deal with injuries in a timely manner by reviewing first aid principles.
• Maintain a consistent practice schedule.
• Come prepared to each training session. Have a practice plan that is both fun and challenging for the players. Provide an intensity that is appropriate for the age group you are coaching.

All participants of Cutters Soccer Club shall abide by the Club’s Code of Conduct at all times. Inappropriate behavior that is determined to violate this Code of Conduct shall result in Disciplinary Action by the Cutters Board of Directors, up to and including, without limitation, expulsion from the game/field, and expulsion from the Cutters Soccer Club.

Additionally, players, parents/guardians, and coaches may also be subject to sanctions from the Indiana Soccer Association (ISA), the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA).