Encinitas Soccer League's
Code of Conduct

In November of 1998, the ESL Board approved the following policy on Spectator's Behavior. This policy includes a code of conduct and the consequences if it is violated. Please review this policy carefully in order to avoid any problems during this season.

The Code of Conduct is in place to insure that all the players have a positive and safe experience during the season. Like most other clubs, ESL encourages positive support and enthusiasm for our players and teams and prohibits criticism of referees and players. It also prohibits coaching from the sidelines because it undermines the coach's authority and creates confusion.

Most parents and spectators find that following the Parents Code enhances their enjoyment of their child's games. Occasionally spectators violate the Code; most often they recognize the problem and correct it immediately. On rare occasions parents or spectators persist in conduct which violates the Code. In such cases the following rules apply:

1. The parent or spectator will receive ONE warning from the coach or the coach's designee.
2. If the offending conduct persists, the coach will request the parent or spectator to leave the field.
3. If the parent or spectator refuses to leave the field, the coach will remove the parent's player from the game.
4. If a player is removed from the game under these circumstances, the player may not play in future games without the prior written consent of the Competitive committee of ESL.

Code of Conduct
Players are expected to respect their coaches during practice and the games. Talking back, inappropriate language, and not following directions will not be tolerated. Players are encouraged to be supportive of their teammates in a positive manner. Negative comments to other teammates or about other teammates has a very negative effect on team performance and will not be tolerated.

PARENTS
• We encourage positive comments and cheers for specific plays during the games. Make athletic participation for your child and others a positive experience. The opponents are necessary friends. Without them your child could not participate. So, applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team.
  
  
• Do not give negative comments or criticism about any of the players, coaches, or referees. If you cannot say anything positive, don't say anything.
  
  
• No coaching or instructing of any kind from the sidelines. Only those individuals who have been issued a current CYSA-South Administrator/Coaching Pass are allowed to coach. For the competitive teams, instruction shall come only from the professional coach unless he/she delegates this responsibility to a parent/assistant coach. If you want to give feedback to your child it is best to give constructive feedback to your child when you are alone. However, be sure your instruction supports and does not conflict with the coach's instructions. Remember, children have more of a need for example than criticism. Attempt to relieve the pressure of competition, not increase it. A child is easily affected by outside influences. 
  
  
• Be kind to your child's coach. All concerns, input about your child, and coaching comments need to be given over the phone or in some other private manner, and should never be done during a game.
  
  
• No dissent with the Referees: There is a mechanism for coaches to give formal written feedback regarding the referees performance should there be a problem with a referee
  • Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of the loser we find a person called a referee. All of them follow the same creed to watch every move of every player and to call the game to the best of his/her ability. Do not openly question his/her judgment and never the honesty. He/she is a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship.
  
  
• Accept the results of each game. Encourage the child to be gracious in victory, and turn defeat to victory by working towards improvement.

Adapted from the Canadian Soccer Association

• Submit any complaints or suggestions to the Board of Directors.
  Refrain from airing them publicly or privately pending proper adjudication of the board.
• Observe a ban on alcoholic beverages during all Soccer Team events.