Welcome to Northshore Youth Soccer Association and thank you for volunteering to coach of one of our youth soccer teams. Coaching young soccer players is a great experience, and no matter what your soccer background, you will find yourself learning along with them.

One of the purposes of the Coach Training Section is to provide you with information on team administration, NYSA rules and guidelines, NYSA Rules of Play for your age level, and where to find more information. As you familiarize yourself with the NYSA rules and guidelines, and NYSA Rules of Play, please give the following paragraph extra attention:

The principles governing competition among teams of its members shall include: development of physical fitness, mental alertness, leadership and good sportsmanship; recognition that the manner of play outweighs a victory, and encouragement of courtesy, gentlemanly conduct, and respect for authority by players, officials and spectators.

An important part of your job as coach is to see that all members of your team, players and spectators, are aware of this philosophy and reflect it in their behavior at all NYSA events.

The following coach responsibilities have been developed to clarify and reiterate approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from which are crucial to development within Washington Youth Soccer. All of these elements apply to you as a NYSA coach and we would expect you to agree to the following responsibilities.

Article I - Responsibilities to Players

1. The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
2. Coaches shall always instruct players to play within the laws and spirit of the game.
3. Coaches shall not teach unsportsmanlike tactics or behavior to players.
4. Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
5. Demands on players time should never be so extensive as to interfere with academic goals or progress.
6. Coaches must never encourage players to violate recruitment, eligibility or players rules and policies.
7. Coaches should direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician's instructions regarding treatment and recovery.

Article II - Responsibilities to the Association and State

1. Strict adherence to all NYSA rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility, team formation and recruiting are mandatory and should never be violated. It is the responsibility of each coach to know and understand these rules.
2. Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate Club Member or Association Officer.

Article III - Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game

1. Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws of the game.
2. Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the laws.
3. Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game.
4. Coaches are responsible for their players' actions on the field. Intentional actions causing injury to opposing players will not be tolerated.
5. Coaches must constantly strive to develop good sportsmanship behavior in all players.

Article IV - Responsibilities to Officials

1. Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players or spectators.
2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game, should be mutual. There should be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between official, coach or player.
3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.
4. Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the appropriate organization assigning the official.

Article V - Responsibilities Regarding Scouting and Recruiting

1. All rules pertaining to recruiting shall be strictly adhered to by all coaches, managers or any team representative.
2. It is inappropriate to recruit player(s) actively playing for another team.
3. When discussing the advantages of his/her organization, the coach has an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams or organizations.
4. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete which cannot be fulfilled.
5. It is illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play.

Article VI - Responsibility Towards Public Relations

1. Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and assessments of any governing bodies, teams, coaches, players or parents should be positive and constructive.
2. Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public representing their team, club or association.
3. Coaches must not attempt to influence association members in political or financial dealings outside the framework of their own rules and bylaws.

Article VII - Other Responsibilities

1. A coach's behavior must be such that it brings credit to themselves, the organization and the sport of soccer.
2. While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
3. The attitude and conduct of the coach towards officials, players, spectators and coaches should be controlled and undemonstrative.
4. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after a game.
5. Coaches must use their influence on his/her spectators to eliminate any intimidation and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, players, or spectators.