The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and the six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sport is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in soccer.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the club.
5. I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game and practice.
6. I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviour or practice that would endanger the health and well being of the players.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or shout at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a match.
13. I will emphasise skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasise games and competition at the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the players ahead of any personnel desire I have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from any kind of drugs.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or any other players during matches and practices unless I am an official coach.

Players Code of Conduct

1. Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach.
2. Play by the Laws of the Game.
3. Always accept the referee’s decision.
4. Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
5. Play for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
6. Be a “good sport”. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opponent.
7. Respect you opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not “bully” or take advantage of any player.
8. Co-operate with the coach, team mates and opponents.
9. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.
10. At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
11. Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
12. Win with humility – lose with dignity.