Eastside Youth Soccer Association Inc.

Code of Conduct

Preamble
This Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Board of Directors of Eastside Youth Soccer Association (EYSA) for the purpose of providing a fair and equitable placement of players in an environment that promotes integrity amongst all volunteers, staff, players, coaches, managers and fans. This Code of Conduct should be supplemented with a high degree of common sense, with the best interests of EYSA members and the game in mind.

EYSA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Further, EYSA supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices.

Members of EYSA and participants in EYSA's programs and activities are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of EYSA. Conduct that violates these values may be subject to sanctions pursuant to EYSA's Discipline Policy.

All organizers, coaches, officials, athletes, managers, volunteers, staff and members of EYSA have a responsibility to:

1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of members and participants of EYSA by:
• Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of gender, ethnic or racial origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, disability or economic status;
• Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, staff and members;
• Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct and practices;
• Ensuring that the rules of the sport, and the spirit of such rules are adhered to.

2. Abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco while participating at EYSA athletic events.

3. Take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages in social situations associated with EYSA events.

4. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods.

5. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct, directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious.

6. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

7. Comply at all times with the Constitution, Bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of EYSA, as adopted and amended from time to time, including complying with any contracts or agreements executed with EYSA;

In addition to the above:

Expectations of Coaches
In accordance with principles noted above, it is the hope of EYSA that players express a desire to return to soccer next year. Coaches must generally accept the responsibility for the conduct of their players while in their care. Coaches should also conduct themselves in a manner, which is above reproach. For example, coaches should always have a second adult present when in close quarters with players. Coaches should act as role models for their players.

Coaches' duties include:
• Instructing players before and during a game,
• Providing positive feedback to players,
• Pre-game mental and motivational preparation,
• Coaches must explain unequal playing time to players,
• Coaches must conduct themselves in accordance with EYSA's policy of zero tolerance respecting drugs and alcohol and refrain from swearing on or off the field,
• Coaches must not verbally abuse referees,
• Coaches must abide by the SYSI anti-discrimination policy noted below,
• Discipline of players must be undertaken in accordance with the severity of the misbehavior. Discipline should be handled fairly and consistently among all players,
• Consider the academic pressures placed on student-athletes and conduct practices and events in a manner that supports academic success.
• Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the players.

Expectations of Players
Eastside Youth Soccer Association has a zero tolerance policy for swearing and use of alcohol and drugs by players. This means no swearing on or off the field while associated with team activities and no drugs or alcohol in connection with team functions. Alleged infractions of this rule will be referred to the Discipline Committee for action.
• Players will pay strict attention when coaches are talking and will be supportive of one another regardless of skills and accomplishments.
• Players will not argue or verbally abuse referees or the opposition players, coaches, or fans.
• It is recommended that players be at the field/facility 30 minutes prior to game time, and ready to play 15 minutes before game time.
• Players must notify coaches if they are unable to attend a game or practice.
• Unsportsmanlike soccer is not acceptable; retaliation penalties will not be tolerated.
• Jerseys must only be worn at games.
• Dressing rooms must be kept neat and tidy.

Expectations of Parents
• Parents are expected to be supportive of their child's play and to be supportive of coach's decisions. Parents should not offer advice that contradicts a coach's advice.
• Parents who have grievances should first approach the team manager about their concerns to see if the concerns can be worked out. If this fails, the chain of inquiry is then to the coach, then the Coordinator and then to the Board, in care of the President. The Board encourages Parents' Meetings with the Coach and Manager first to resolve differences.
• Keep up the excellent cheering support, whether the team is winning or losing.
• Maintain a positive attitude toward other players, coaches, referees and parents.
• Don't pay for goals; soccer is a team sport.
• Have your child at the field/facility 30 minutes prior to game time. Call the coach if your child cannot attend a game or practice.
• Before and during the game, please allow the coaches time alone in the dressing room to address the team. Only enter the dressing room when invited to do so,

Expectations of Coordinators
• Responsible for setting up and running registration table for his/her group.
• Scheduling and administering evaluations.
• Once try-outs are complete, ensuring all players are notified in a timely fashion.
• Assign coaches to teams as per the Rules and Regulations of EYSA.
• Assist coaches in obtaining equipment, etc.
• Act as contact person between the coaches and the EYSA Board.
• Be proactive in dealing with players and parents when coaches and managers are needed.
• Deal with complaints from players and parents regarding coaches.
• Ensure that team registrations are handed in to Registrar in a timely fashion.
• Liaise with the Registrar regarding transfers from outside the zone and late registrations,

Expectations of Managers
• Managers are expected to facilitate good communication between the team and parents.
• Managers will help procure the necessary equipment to play and practice.
• Managers will be responsible for coordinating a budget and fund-raising.
• Managers will represent coaches in their absence.
• Managers will act as the court of first resort for parent’s grievances.
• Managers will call the initial parents meeting and do the necessary follow-up.
• Managers will make travel, hotel arrangements for out-of-city tournaments;

Expectations of EYSA Technical Director and Staff
• Staff are expected to meet the expectations set out in the preamble as well as all requirements of their contract.
• The Technical Director is responsible for obtaining coaches for all teams competing at the highest level for each age group in each season.

Prohibition on Use of Alcohol and Drugs
Use of alcohol and drugs by players registered in EYSA is strictly prohibited. Coaches will not provide alcohol or drugs to players registered in the zone, nor shall players registered in the zone use alcohol or drugs while associated with zone events or as part of team activities. Breaches of this policy may result in suspension.

Playing Time
Over the season, players should expect equal playing time; exceptions such as the last five minutes of close games or disciplinary reasons will be the only acceptable deviations from this policy. Deviations from this policy will be explained to the player.
Reduced playing time for disciplinary reasons may include:
• missed practices and games, without good reason, given in advance,
• lack of effort or negative attitude at practices or games.

No Harassment
EYSA will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or abuse. EYSA has adopted the anti-discrimination policy adopted by the SYSI.

Tournament Guidelines
Coaches and players must recognize they represent EYSA when attending out-of-city tournaments; they should conduct themselves accordingly. The above rules apply at all tournaments, as do the following:
• a Parents' Meeting should be called before each tournament to receive their input,
• it is recommended that one parent be slotted per hotel room,
• use of alcohol or drugs are prohibited at tournaments,
• curfews are recommended at all tournaments,
• safety of the players is the number one consideration.

Reporting Infractions
Infractions of this Code shall be reported, in writing, to the President of the EYSA in accordance with EYSA’s Dispute Resolution Policy

EXAMPLES OF MINOR INFRACTIONS (© Centre for Sport and Law):
1. A single incident of disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist comments or behaviour directed towards others, including but not limited to peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators and sponsors;
2. Conduct contrary to the ideals of fair play such as angry outbursts or arguing;
3. A single incident of being late for or absent from EYSA events and activities at which attendance is expected or required
4. Non-compliance with the rules and regulations under which EYSA events are conducted, whether at the local, provincial, national or international level.