AVON SOCCER CLUB
CODE OF CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION

The Avon Soccer Club is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers with the goal of offering the game of soccer to Avon youth residents of all skill levels. We are a member of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association which is comprised of approximately 150 clubs with over 80,000 children playing soccer throughout Connecticut.

Our goal is to develop our players to be the best they can be, on and off the field. We are proud of the quality of our programs, and the positive environment we provide to children who want to learn and play the game of soccer.

In the 40 years since its inception, there have been numerous teams advancing to the regional cup, dozens of state championship teams, state, regional, ODP and All American players. The club has produced many outstanding collegiate (Division I, II and III) players.

We have a group of dedicated coaches and managers who provide an atmosphere where each individual can develop his or her own skills, learn good sportsmanship through competition and fair play all in a fun and enthusiastic environment.

The Avon Soccer Club fields approximately 500 rec players each season. We also offer boys and girls travel soccer teams each season from U9 age group through U14 age group. U16 and U19 teams are offered during the spring season. All of these programs are designed to provide a positive and rewarding soccer experience. The Avon Soccer Club also sponsors the on-going development of coaching skills for our rec, travel coaches and referees.

In order to achieve our mission we are providing the Code of Conduct (The “CODE”) for all of the parents, coaches, officials and players associated with ASC. The Code is a written contract between the parents, coaches, players and officials to abide by the Laws of the Game as well as provide a wholesome and healthy environment and to uphold the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship. By signing this contract, you are agreeing to the adherence to its principles and rules.

MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

ASC expects parents, coaches, officials and players to demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude towards everyone involved in the sport.

SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE

ASC expects each person associated with the program to be accountable for his/her own behavior at all times around the field of play. Each parent, coach, official, player, and spectator is responsible for setting a good example and should not tolerate those who do not. ASC will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participant or the community.

Such conduct includes, but not limited to: VULGARITY or vulgar and/or inappropriate gestures by parents, coaches, officials or players: HARASSMENT or belittling of officials, coaches or players; VIOLENCE or the threat of violence toward anyone before, during or after a match; VERBAL ABUSE directed toward anyone before, during or after a match; and the TAUNTING of opposing parents, coaches, officials or players. ASC expects parents, coaches, officials, players, and other adults to exercise self-restraint.

A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
PLAYERS PLAY, COACHES COACH, REFEREES REF and SPECTATORS WATCH

• OFFICIALS
  On a soccer field, the referee is the symbol of authority and often the target of criticism. The referee’s job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. ASC expects parents, coaches, players, and spectators to demonstrate a positive, respectful attitude toward all officials at all times. Parents and spectators should not talk to the referees. Individuals who disregard this rule are subject to ejection from the field. Verbal or physical abuse toward a ref will automatically result in, as a minimum, suspensions given by CJSA and may result in a permanent suspension from the club.

• COACHES
  The primary responsibility of the coach is to coach and teach children the game of soccer. Coaches are also responsible for the team’s supporters, but parents should not expect coaches to police the sidelines. Positive support for the team and coaches is both encouraged and expected and any abuses will not be tolerated.

• OPPONENTS
  Parents, coaches and players are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and fans at all times.

• PARENTS & SPECTATORS
  Parents and spectators are vital to providing moral support and good sportsmanship values to players. ASC expects that they model good examples by politely encouraging and cheering the teams on while, at the same time, refraining from engaging in any language or conduct that could be considered abusive or detrimental to players, coaches or officials. Parents and spectators should not talk to the referees. Individuals who disregard this rule are subject to ejection from the field.

• PLAYERS
  Players should be prepared to work hard and have fun at their practices and games. Players should also be respectful of their coaches and teammates. Verbal or physical abuse of other players will not be tolerated.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

• COACHING STAFF
  Infractions resulting in ejection of a head coach, assistant coach from the playing area or termination of the game must be reported to the Supervisor of Referees (Mario Gilardini) AND the President of Avon Soccer Club (Art Hennig) within 24 hours of the incident. This will result with an automatic two (2) games suspension from the team’s next two (2) scheduled games of the same competition and will be banned from attending those two (2) games as both a spectator and/official of the same competition. Additionally the State may impose more than a two (2) game suspension on the coach/assistant coach. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, ASC could impose a permanent suspension from coaching or involvement with the Club.

• PLAYERS
  Ejection of a player (red card for any reason) must be reported to the Supervisor of Referees (Mario Gilardini) and the President of Avon Soccer Club (Art Hennig) within 24 hours. The Supervisor will then formally notify the player’s coach of the automatic suspension. First red card for the season will result in an automatic one (1) game suspension of the next game of the same competition. A second red card during the same season will result in a two (2) game suspension; third card three (3) games. All games will be of the same competition as the red card was issued. Please note that the State may impose additional sanctions on the player based on the seriousness of the violation.

It is up to ALL of us - parents, coaches, players, officials, and administrators - to ensure that violations of the Code and poor sportsmanship do not occur and that we provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone participating or attending an ASC game. Any questions or disputes concerning the violations of the Code may be brought before the Disciplinary Chairman within 24 hours of the action of ASC.