Policies & Procedures
Codes of Conduct
Revised Saturday, February 17, 2024
The following set of Core Values and Codes of Conduct apply to all members of the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club. The Codes of Conduct are provided for Coaches, Youth Players, Parents, Adult Recreational League Players, and Club Volunteers and Staff in order to provide guidelines on behaviour that supports the Club’s Core Values.
Core Values
Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club exists to provide a positive sports experience for all members that is fostered in an environment of respect, camaraderie, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The governing principles by which the Club will operate its youth system are based upon the Long Term Player Development model formulated and purported by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Ontario Soccer Association.
The Club seeks to create an environment where all players are actively involved, continuously improving and learning, and developing a lifelong love of the game. Furthermore, the Club is committed to creating programs and policies, and in building alliances with other Clubs, in order to provide opportunities for members to be Active for Life and to enjoy the sport of soccer in a positive environment at both the recreational and competitive level.
Key Considerations
All players participate in any sports activity because it is fun, challenging, socially stimulating, and creative. It is the role of coaches and other team officials to ensure that the environment that is created during training sessions and matches is conducive to meeting the players’ reasons for participating. The true mark of success for any coach is the number of players who return to play the following season.
The following Codes of Conduct are designed to enhance and support player development under the Club’s youth programs. It will be the responsibility of coaches, players, parents, and volunteers/staff to read, understand, and adhere to these Codes as we strive to create and maintain an environment that in line with our core values.
Code of Conduct for Youth Players
The following applies to any youth player involved in the Club’s youth programs.
As a Player I will:
- Ensure that I arrive on time to all games and training sessions.
- Wear the assigned uniform.
- Respect officials and the decisions they make.
- Understand the rules of the game.
- Listen and follow instructions of coaching staff.
- Respect my teammates and opponents at all times.
- Not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or negative communication with players, coaching staff or families of the opposing team.
- Maintain a positive attitude during all games and training sessions.
- Immediately report any injury to coaching staff.
- Ensure proper nutrition and rest prior to games and training sessions.
- Manage time to ensure there are no conflicts with games and training sessions.
- Never use vulgar or profane language.
- Not engage in negative comments towards players or teams through any social networking sites.
Code of Conduct for Parents & Guardians
The following applies to the parents or guardians of any players involved in the Club’s youth programs.
As a Player I will:
- Read, understand, and adhere to all applicable club policies and procedures.
- Ensure the player arrives to games and training sessions on time.
- Ensure all Club and team fees are paid in a timely fashion.
- Refrain from coaching players from the sidelines during games or training sessions.
- Not criticize game officials.
- Not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or negative communication with players, coaching staff or families of the opposing team.
- Ensure all communication with coaches must be in writing and at least 24 hours after any game. The only topic that should be raised is the overall development of the player. Please do not contact coaches to discuss playing time, positional play, the performance of other players or to question coaches' decisions in games.
- Communicate with respect to scheduling, finance, or any logistical concerns with the team manager.
- Offer my services to the team and club when possible.
- Learn the rules of the game
- Ensure a clear understanding of the policies set forth by the club.
Code of Conduct for Coaches and Managers
The following applies to any coach or team official involved in Tillsonburg Soccer Club’s programs.
A Coach or Manager must abide by the following Standards of Behaviour:
- Physical safety and health of athletes
• Ensure that training or competition site is safe at all times
• Be prepared to act quickly and appropriately in case of emergency
• Avoid placing athletes in situations presenting unnecessary risk or that are beyond their level
• Strive to preserve the present and future health and well-being of athletes - Coaching responsibly
• Make wise use of authority of position and make decisions in the interest of athletes
• Foster self-esteem among athletes
• Avoid deriving personal advantage for a situation or decision
• Know one’s limitations in terms of knowledge and skills
• Honour commitments, word given, and agreed objectives
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of personal information and use it appropriately - Integrity in relations with others
• Avoid situations that may affect objectivity or impartiality of coaching duties
• Abstain from all behaviours considered to be harassment or inappropriate relations with an athlete
• Always ensure decisions are taken equitably - Respect
• Ensure that everyone is treated equally, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, language, creed, religion, athletic potential, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation
• Preserve the dignity of each person in interacting with others
• Respect the principles, rules, and policies in force - Honouring sport
• Strictly observe and ensure observance of all regulations
• Aim to compete fairly
• Maintain dignity in all circumstances and exercise self-control
• Respect officials and accept their decisions without questioning their integrity
Agreement
Registration to Tillsonburg Soccer Club or its affiliate programs includes an agreement that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by these Codes of Conduct and acknowledge that any breach of the above may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion from Tillsonburg Soccer Club or its affiliate programs.
