MSI Sportsmanship Policy

Purpose

Montgomery Soccer, Inc. (MSI) recognizes that recreational and youth sports play a vital role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of children. We also recognize the need to provide a fun and safe playing environment for all. Therefore, all coaches, players, parents, and guests must abide by our Sportsmanship Policy.

Policy Statement

All those involved with youth sports will:

Demonstrate good sportsmanship and demand it of others.
Treat all others with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.

There is zero tolerance for:

Aggressive behavior
Bullying
Violence
Profanity
The use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any youth sporting event.

The Sportsmanship Policy applies to all MSI programs and activities, including, but not limited to, the playing area, parking lot of games and practices, and also through social media, or any online presence.

Responsibilities

Parents/Guardians:

Remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
Teach your child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
Emphasize that doing one’s best is more important than winning.
Praise your child for competing fairly, trying hard, being a good teammate, and make your child feel like a winner every time.
Promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire you may have for your child to win.
Be a positive role model and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect, being courteous, and demonstrating positive support for everyone at games and practices.
Do not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with anyone, such as booing and taunting, refusing to congratulate at the end of the game, or using profane language or gestures.
In the event of a disagreement, do not question, discuss, or confront coaches at the field; instead, take time to speak with them at an agreed-upon time and place.
Refrain from coaching your child or other players during games and practices unless you are one of their coaches.
Allow the referee to learn and make mistakes. Praise and support the referee for being there, do not argue any decision. The referee’s calls did NOT mean your child’s team did not win. Respect the officials and their authority.

Coaches:

Understand that coaching is a privilege, not a right.
Place the emotional and physical well-being of your players ahead of any personal desires to win.
Treat each player as an individual, remembering that there is a large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
Organize practices that are fun and challenging for all players.
Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
Do not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates MSI rules, policies or principles.
Be knowledgeable in the rules of soccer generally and your age group specifically.
Review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of your players.
Remember that you are a youth sports coach, and that the game is for the children, not the adults.

Players:

Have fun and learn the rules of the game.
Do your very best to listen and learn from your coaches, and in doing so, expect to receive fair playing time.
Be a good sport (win or lose), be honest, fair, and always show good sportsmanship.
Learn the value of commitment to the team and inform your coach when you cannot participate.
Put personal goals aside for the betterment of the team.
Enforcement and Disciplinary Actions:
Failure to abide by the Good Sportsmanship Policy/Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to:
Verbal or written warning
Ejection from a current event
Suspension for future events
Suspension for a sports season
Participation and completion of soccer parenting courses before being allowed to attend future games